No, seat selection is typically optional. If you don’t select a seat, the airline will automatically assign one at check-in. However, there are important considerations: (1) You’ll likely get less desirable seats, potentially middle seats or separated from travel companions; (2) On very full flights, you risk being bumped if the flight is oversold; (3) Last-minute seat assignments may place you in restrictive seats near lavatories or with limited recline. For short flights or solo travelers with flexible preferences, skipping seat selection can be a reasonable cost-saving measure. For longer flights, family travel, or when specific seating is important for comfort or health reasons, the added cost often represents good value. Some airlines (like Southwest) don’t offer pre-assigned seating at all and use different systems for determining boarding order.

Premium seats with extra legroom represent better value in specific scenarios: (1) Long-haul flights over 4 hours, where the cumulative comfort benefit justifies the cost; (2) For passengers over 6 feet tall, where standard seats can cause significant discomfort; (3) Red-eye or overnight flights where improved sleep quality has substantial value; (4) Travelers with mobility issues who benefit from additional space; (5) When the price differential is modest (under $50) relative to the flight duration. The value equation also improves for passengers who can leverage partial payment through points, elite status discounts, or credit card benefits. As a general guideline, calculate the cost per hour of extra comfort by dividing the premium seat upcharge by the flight duration. If this amount feels reasonable for the comfort gained (typically $5-10 per hour), the upgrade is worth considering. Remember that not all “premium economy” products are equal—research the specific seat pitch and width for your aircraft before purchasing.

Most airlines have policies to seat children under 12 with at least one parent without requiring paid seat selection, but implementation varies significantly across carriers. American, Delta, and United all state they make efforts to seat families together, typically defined as children under 12 being placed adjacent to at least one parent or guardian. However, these accommodations are typically made during the check-in process or at the gate, not at booking, which can cause anxiety for traveling families. Southwest, with its open seating policy, allows families with children under 6 to board after Group A, improving their chances of finding seats together. For the most reliability, consider these approaches: (1) Book early when more adjacent seats are available; (2) Call the airline directly if the booking system doesn’t allow family seating; (3) If separated on seat maps, check in exactly 24 hours before departure when more seats typically open up; (4) Speak with gate agents who can often make last-minute arrangements. The DOT has been pressuring airlines to formalize family seating guarantees, so policies are gradually improving for families.

Airline loyalty programs significantly impact seat selection fees, with benefits that typically increase with status level. Basic membership often provides modest discounts (5-20%) on seat selection fees. At mid-tier status (Silver/Gold equivalent), most programs offer complimentary preferred seating (better locations within the standard cabin) and discounted premium seats. Top-tier status typically provides free selection of any seat, including premium economy and extra legroom seats. These benefits extend across partner airlines within the same alliance in many cases. For example, American AAdvantage Gold members get complimentary Main Cabin Extra seats at check-in and Platinum members get them at booking. Similarly, Delta Silver Medallion members can select Comfort+ seats at check-in, while Gold and higher can select them immediately when booking. Even without status, airline co-branded credit cards often include seat selection benefits, such as free preferred seats or priority boarding that improves seat availability. For frequent travelers on a specific airline, the seat selection benefits alone can justify focusing loyalty on one carrier, as the savings can amount to hundreds of dollars annually.

Yes, seat selection fees can and do change after booking, as airlines use dynamic pricing for these ancillary revenues. Several patterns are common: (1) Fees often increase as the departure date approaches, especially for desirable seats; (2) Airlines may discount unsold premium seats closer to departure to fill them rather than leave them empty; (3) Aircraft changes can completely reset the seat map and pricing structure; (4) Periodic sales or promotions may temporarily lower seat fees across an airline’s network. To leverage these fluctuations, consider these approaches: Don’t immediately purchase seat assignments when booking if prices seem high; check back periodically as prices may decrease; set price alerts if using a service that tracks seat costs; check at the 24-hour check-in mark when seat prices sometimes drop significantly. It’s also worth knowing that if the airline changes your aircraft type after you’ve purchased a seat, you’re entitled to either an equivalent seat on the new aircraft or a refund of your seat fee if no comparable seat is available. These policies are detailed in each airline’s Contract of Carriage.