How to sit together on a plane and not pay anything | UK News

Many airlines encourage customers to pay for certain seats in advance or risk being split up – but is this really necessary?

We examined…

Choose your airline carefully and book your 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 need.

Which? study carried out in 2023. Travel has found that families paying over £100 to sit together are likely wasting their money, as most major airlines are likely to automatically seat you with the people you booked with even if you don’t fork over the cash to choose a location.

This means that if all your tickets are booked in one place, most operators have a good chance you’ll be fine. provided you register early.

It also depends on the airline: budget airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air are likely to separate you (more on Ryanair’s seat reservation policy later).

It’s worth saying that you have no legal right to sit next to your loved ones on a flight, even children, so not paying does come with a risk.

Getting seats with children

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

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

From the UK’s largest airlines British Airways And Tui both guarantee that children under 12 will be seated with at least one adult named on their booking, even if they don’t pay or forget to check in early.

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

EasyJet similarly states that its system will always try to seat families together, but if this is not possible, it will ensure that children under 12 sit “next to” adults on the booking.

Wizz Air says an adult and child under 14 will automatically be assigned seats next to each other during check-in.

However, Ryanair has different rules – we’ve covered 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 well known for separating groups rather than automatically reuniting them, meaning it’s nearly impossible to sit with fellow travelers without paying.

Ryanair’s website warns non-paying passengers that it is unlikely that passengers with empty seats will be with the rest of their party.

If you are traveling with a child on Ryanair, at least one adult must pay to book the seat. Reservations can then be made for up to four children per adult. Other adults on the booking may be able to take a free seat, but as we explained above, they will likely be separated from the rest of the family.

Passengers with disabilities or older passengers receive additional support

Persons with limited mobility, disabilities, communication difficulties or the elderly should be entitled to special assistance when traveling.

However, you will have to contact the airline before flying.

Some airlines offer free seat selection.

While many airlines have decided to introduce a luxury reserved seat fee, this is not the case for all.

Some carriers offering long-haul flights allow you to select your seat for free immediately after booking.

Qatar Airways (except for Economy Classic clients) and Japan Airlines there is this option.

Virgin Atlantic allows passengers to select their seat for free immediately when check-in opens, and British Airways says customers checking their luggage can select their seat for free at check-in.

Singapore Airlines Economy class passengers can select a seat in advance for free or for an additional fee “depending on the fare type you select,” the statement said.

Leave it until the last minute?

For more casual travelers, you can try delaying check-in until the last minute to try to get a decent seat, even on a budget flight.

Airlines charge more for seats with extra legroom or in a good seat, meaning they’re more likely to be the ones to stick around for takeoff time.

Some passengers also suggest boarding the plane last to see if there are better seats available for last-minute changes.

Of course, it’s a risky game as there’s no guarantee you won’t get dumped next to the toilet, and it’s probably best reserved for solo travelers as there’s a risk of splitting up couples or groups.

Ask a fellow traveler to switch seats

Another less “hacky” option is to simply ask another passenger if they will switch seats with you (assuming you have an airline that allows you to switch seats).

What are your chances? If you’re just asking them to move to a worse seat, they’re probably undervalued. But if you’re asking a good-natured passenger to switch from window to aisle, or want to sit with your companion and offer a slightly better exchange option, you might be in luck.

If you are a family and you are separated, you can politely explain your situation and see if any of the generous passengers will help. Some airline employees can also help with exchanges for those in need if their company allows it.

Take advantage of the loyalty program

If you’re a frequent or infrequent flyer and your favorite airline offers a loyalty program, it’s worth signing up to take advantage of the perks on offer.

Once you have collected enough points, you can upgrade your ticket to an option that includes free seat selection.