Air travel has gotten expensive. One way to save money on your fare is not to pre-purchase a seat assignment. An article in OregonLive.com says seat assignment fees are usually not worth the extra price and can often feel like a “money grab” by the airlines.
There’s truth to that sentiment. A Senate report on so-called “junk fees” found the five biggest U.S. airlines collected $12.4 billion from seat fees between 2018 and 2023. In some cases, that’s more than they made from luggage charges.
This leaves many airline passengers wondering, “When should I pay for a seat assignment, and when is it safe to skip?”
If you need a specific seat, travel experts say you should pay for a seat assignment. This could include if you need an aisle seat to stretch your legs or get up and walk around, or if you get claustrophobic and can’t be trapped in a middle or window seat. A long flight may also warrant a specific seat. For instance, on an overnight flight, you might want to avoid being near the galley or restrooms where people tend to congregate. You should also pay for a seat assignment when traveling with someone else and you want to sit together.
If you’re traveling alone or just don’t care about where you sit, then experts suggest you save your money and accept whichever seat the airline assigns. If you have a ticket, then there is a seat for you.
No matter how much passengers complain, it seems like paying for airplane seats is here to stay. Even Southwest Airlines, once famous for its open seating policy, plans to begin charging for assigned seats on flights beginning next year.
Do you purchase a seating assignment when flying? Message The Seniors Trust on Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter) and let us know your thoughts on this subject.
