Six times airline passengers actually want paid seat assignments

Sometimes passengers need to obtain paid seat assignments

Whether you don’t have status with a particular carrier, or you’re only flying on a rental or an airline that doesn’t allow free seat assignments, there are times when paid seat assignments are worth it.

For many travelers, especially those who have been flying for several years, paying for seat assignment doesn’t seem right. Full disclosure – I fly with United so much that I usually don’t need to pay for seats. However, this doesn’t help other airlines when it comes to paid seat assignments.

Here Are 6 Times Travelers Will Really Want Paid Seat Assignment

1. When you want to sit with friends or family members.
As airlines are getting better at monetizing seats, the number of seats at airports is decreasing. Additionally, since airlines are increasing fees for all reasonable seat assignments, including those without extra legroom, it increases the chances that anyone you ask to swap has paid a premium for their seat.

2. While working during flight.
The extra space doesn’t just benefit your feet; This means more space for your laptop or papers. I’m 5′-3″, and although I don’t need that much legroom, it’s no fun trying to open a computer on a tightly packed seat, especially if it’s not an aisle seat.

3. If you are a woman.
In this case, I may be biased towards gender, but my experience in the middle seat is that you may assume that aisle or window seats will give you an armrest as a consolation, but this is usually not the case. Plus, it looks like the chances of it happening between two big guys are higher than you think.

4. When you need to make a tight connection.

Or, if you need to get off the plane in a hurry. In this case, legroom may not be the only priority. Depending on how big the plane is and how skilled your fellow passengers are, it may take 10-15 minutes to get from the back of the plane to the door. I guarantee it will take a lot longer if you’re worried about missing a flight or event.

Some larger aircraft also have two exit rows. The second exit row can be great as far as space goes, however, it will also slow you down when getting off the plane.

5. If you want to sleep on the plane. Probably, this is obvious. If you don’t want someone climbing over you, the only option is a window seat.

6. If you know you need to get up and move around. While I’ve been in middle or window seats on airplanes where everyone happily accommodated each other, I’ve also seen situations where the person sitting across the aisle falls asleep, and then their seatmate is stuck!

Any traveler who cannot tolerate the idea of ​​paying for a seat can book tickets on airlines that offer seat assignment for free. (Hint, in some cases travel agents may have preferred deals with carriers and their agency fee may be less than you’d pay if you booked online.)

Traveling these days is stressful. Passengers spend a lot of hours in their airline seats. If they get off the plane completely miserable, or if they miss a connection, it could cost them much more than the extra fee for a paid seat assignment.

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