Is Booking an Airline Seat Really Worth it?

Is it Worth Booking the Best Seat on a Plane?

Airlines, especially low-cost ones, offer the option to book the best seat for an additional fee.
Failure to select and book seats may result in being seated far from your travel companion or in an uncomfortable spot for the entire flight.
But is booking the best seat, either for standards or just to stay close to your co-traveler, really worth it? The extra cost may or may not be convenient depending on the answer.

Choosing not to book seats on a plane is not mandatory, but it can lead to being randomly allocated in the aircraft cabin.
The airline automatically assigns seats to passengers, excluding those purchased by other passengers.
Not selecting seats may result in ending up in an undesired spot, like near the lavatories, at the back of the plane, or separated from travel companions.
This is particularly critical when traveling with children or in a group.

When it comes to comfort and convenience, seat selection comes at a price.
While some airlines offer free seat selection, others charge a hefty fee.
For example, Wizzair allows seat selection for free only with the Wizz Go and Wizz Plus packages.
Vueling, on the other hand, offers seat selection with an extra charge:

• Space One for the first row (€20)
• Space Plus for rows 2-4 (€14)
• Space for seats with extra legroom (€10)
• Front and rear rows starting from €5

Seat costs range from €5 to €30, with some being free and others reaching up to €100 for luxury routes.

Which are the Best Seats on a Plane?

Choosing the best seats on a plane depends on personal preferences and specific passenger needs.
However, some seats are more sought after due to extra legroom or quicker access in case of emergencies.
Typically, the most coveted seats are those near emergency exits, such as rows 12 and 13 and seats 1B, 1C, and 1D in the front of the aircraft.
Seats 1A, 1E, and 1F are also desirable if not for the lack of a front recline or the safety door bulkhead.

When Can You Choose Plane Seats?

Seat selection on a plane can be done at two different times: during ticket purchase or at check-in.
In both cases, an additional fee is usually required.
The availability of preferred seats also depends on when you purchase your ticket or check-in.
Last-minute purchases or checking in close to the flight time may reduce the chances of securing the best seat.