If you haven’t opted in for seat selection, you will either be able to choose from a prescribed list of seats during booking or you’ll be allocated a randomised seat – but how do you change if you don’t like your choice?
Paying to select your seat on an aircraft is a common practice. But what if you wish to change your seat once you’re already in the cabin?
If you haven’t opted for seat selection, you’ll either be able to choose from a pre-determined list of seats during booking or you’ll be assigned a random seat. Those wishing to make a last-minute adjustment may find the process challenging.
This is because most airlines allow seat swapping up until a certain time before departure, with little flexibility once you are on-board.
The temptation to quietly move to an empty seat can be strong, particularly when the aircraft isn’t fully occupied. However, airline staff enforce strict rules against such changes, and it’s not just about etiquette and fees.
The main reason is related to weight distribution on the aircraft itself. In simple terms, the plane’s centre of mass should be somewhere around the middle, reports the Mirror.
Naturally, passengers move around to use the bathroom and stretch their legs, so small wings on the tail help stabilise the aircraft during minor fluctuations.
easyJet
easyJet imposes a fee on passengers who wish to select their own seat.
When it comes to modifying seat arrangements, easyJet’s policy stipulates: “If you’ve not already checked-in you can add or change seats up until two hours before your flight departs by logging in to Manage Bookings. If you’ve already checked-in and want to change your seats you’ll need to contact our customer service team and they will make the changes for you.”
However, if you wish to swap seats once onboard, this decision rests with the cabin crew. It’s worth noting that, for safety reasons, most airlines generally prohibit seat swapping, regardless of whether you’ve paid for seat selection.
Ryanair
Ryanair, on the other hand, levies a fee for passengers who wish to select their seats. Passengers have the option to modify their seat choice at the check-in kiosk (subject to availability) or online prior to their flight’s departure, even after checking in.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to be aware that, while there’s no extra charge for updating your seat selection, you’ll be required to pay any price difference between your original seat and the new one. For example, if you’re upgrading from a Standard to a Priority Seating, you’ll need to cover the difference.
Furthermore, Ryanair doesn’t offer refunds for purchased seats, and there may be instances where you’re required to switch seats at the instruction of the cabin crew.
Jet2
Jet2 has a relatively flexible approach regarding seat assignments and doesn’t explicitly prohibit passengers from swapping seats during flights. Instead, they encourage customers to reserve their preferred seating in advance.
On Jet2 flights, seats directly across the aisle, or immediately in front or behind, are considered as ‘together’ for those wishing to travel side by side.
For those who haven’t booked in advance, Jet2 allots seats on a first-come, first-served basis during either online or airport check-in processes.
TUI
When it comes to TUI flights, changing your pre-booked seat is possible under specific conditions. TUI’s policy makes it clear: “Provided there’s availability, then you can change your seats by revisiting our Flight Extras page, provided you’ve not yet checked in online. If you’ve already checked in online, then unfortunately you’ll be unable to change your seats.”
And if you’re looking to get an upgrade, TUI requires travellers to use their customer accounts or the Manage My Booking feature on their website, provided the booking was made online.
British Airways
Meanwhile, British Airways provides even greater flexibility, allowing its customers to alter their seat selection at any point up until boarding — this includes modifications at check-in via the Manage My Booking section online or at an airport kiosk. However, while seat swapping on board isn’t recommended by BA, the airline acknowledges there may be circumstances when changes to seat allocations become necessary, citing “A change of aircraft due to operational, safety or security reasons, so we cannot guarantee seating.”
Should you be requested to switch your seat, the airlines will endeavour to locate a comparable alternative. If this still leaves you unsatisfied, you have the option to apply for a refund.
