How can I select a seat with an airline?

Open your airline booking and check the seat map for each flight. Whether you can choose a seat for free, pay for one or receive an assignment later depends on your fare, flight and available seats.

What this answer depends on

  • Seat-selection methods, timing and charges differ by airline, fare, airline operating the flight and traveler benefits.
  • A traveler should start with the operating airline's official booking or trip-management seat map and review the exact charge before confirming.
  • Codeshare or third-party bookings may require the operating airline's booking reference or assistance from the original travel agent.

Important unknowns

  • Marketing and operating airline
  • Fare and cabin
  • Booking channel
  • Traveler status and seat availability

What to do next

  1. Identify the airline operating each flight.

  2. Retrieve the reservation on that airline's official site or app.

  3. Open the seat map and review included and paid options.

  4. Contact the original booking channel if the airline cannot modify the reservation.

Sources and last checked