Many airlines urge customers to pay for certain seats in advance or risk being split – but is this really necessary? We looked…

Choose your airline carefully and book seats at the same time

It is not a general rule that you will be separated from your travel companions if you do not pay to reserve the seats you want.

A 2023 study by Which? Travel has found that families paying over £100 to sit together are probably wasting their money, with most major airlines likely to automatically seat you with the people you’ve booked with, even if you don’t think about seat selection.

This means that if all your tickets are in one booking, with most operators there’s a decent chance you’ll be fine – as long as you register early.

It also depends on the airline, with budget carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air being the most likely to break you up (more on Ryanair’s seat reservation policy later).

It’s worth saying that there’s no legal right to sit next to loved ones on a flight – not even your children – so not paying is a risk.

Getting seats with children

According to the Civil Aviation Authority, airlines should aim to seat children close to their parents or guardians.

Its guidelines – which are not hard and fast rules – say that young children and infants accompanied by adults should ideally be seated in the same row of seats, or in an adjacent row if this is not possible.

Among the major UK airlines, British Airways and You both guarantee that children under 12 will be seated with at least one adult in the reservation, even if they don’t pay or forget to check in early.

Jet 2 says it will “always endeavor to seat children and infants under 12 next to accompanying adults”, but if this is not possible they will be seated no more than one row apart.

EasyJet similarly, it says its system will always try to seat families together, but if that’s not possible, it will ensure children under 12 are seated “close to” an adult in the reservation.

Wizz Air says that an adult and a child up to the age of 14 will automatically be seated next to each other during the check-in process.

However, Ryanair has different rules – we’ve had a look at them below…

Ryanair, like many airlines, offers the option of paying to reserve a seat or receiving one at check-in.

But its system is notorious for splitting up groups rather than automatically assembling them, meaning it’s almost impossible to be seated with your travel companions without paying.

Ryanair’s website warns non-paying passengers that it is “unlikely” that passengers with free seats will be with the rest of their group.

If you are traveling with a child on a Ryanair flight, it is mandatory that at least one adult pays for the seat reservation. Seats can then be reserved for up to four children per adult. Other adults on the reservation can take a free seat – but as explained above, they will likely be separated from the rest of their family.

Disabled or elderly passengers benefit from additional support

Those with reduced mobility, disabilities, communication difficulties or the elderly should be entitled to special assistance when travelling.

However, you will need to contact the airline before you fly.

Some airlines offer free seat selection

While many airlines have opted to introduce fees for the luxury of a reserved seat, not all are.

Some carriers that offer longer-haul travel allow you to choose your seat for free as soon as you book.

Qatar Airways (except Economy Classic customers) and Japan Airlines have this option.

Virgin Atlantic allows passengers to choose a free seat as soon as check-in opens, while British Airways says customers checking in a hold bag can choose a free seat at check-in.

Singapore Airlines says economy passengers can choose an advance seat for free or a fee “depending on the type of fare you choose.”

Do you leave it until the last minute?

For more relaxed travelers, a suggested trick is to leave check-in until the last minute to try and get a decent seat – even on a budget flight.

Airlines charge more for seats with extra legroom or in a good location, which means they’re likely to be the ones left when it gets closer to takeoff.

Some flyers also suggest boarding the plane last to see if there are better seats available for a last-minute change.

This is of course a gamble, with no guarantee you won’t be flushed next to the toilets – and is probably best saved for solo travellers, with the risk of couples or groups breaking up.

Ask a fellow passenger to switch

A less “hacky” option is to simply ask another passenger if they’ll switch seats with you (as long as you’re with a carrier that allows seat switching).

Your chances? If you’re just asking them to upgrade to a worse seat, they’re probably low. But if you’re asking a light passenger to move from the window to the aisle, or you want to sit with your companion and offer a slightly better option in return, you might be in luck.

If you are a family and have been separated, you can politely explain your situation and see if a generous passenger will help you out. Some airline employees may also help with exchanges for those in need, if the company allows them.

Use the loyalty program

If you’re a frequent or semi-frequent traveler and your favorite airline offers a loyalty program, it’s worth signing up to take advantage of the benefits.

Accumulating enough points means you can upgrade your ticket class to an option that includes free seat selection.