When traveling in groups for pilgrimage, sitting close together on a plane helps maintain a sense of unity and facilitates mutual support. However, pre-selecting seats often comes with the risk of failure. surcharge, And each airline has different policies. On many booking sites, the seat selection option appears immediately after entering information, leading travelers to believe they have to pay a fee to sit there. In reality, most airlines still... Self-assignment free Seat assignments are given to passengers during check-in, and you are not required to pay for seat assignments. If you want to ensure your entire group is seated together, you can consider purchasing seats in advance or booking tickets separately. group booking (for groups of 10 or more); however, even with group bookings, the airline does not guarantee 100% % as it depends on security and operational factors.
Cases where fees should be charged
- Long or overnight flightsOn long journeys, having a comfortable seat is crucial. Paying to avoid middle seats, choosing aisle seats, or window seats will make it easier to rest and pray.
- Travel in a group or with a small family.If a group of fewer than 10 people book individual tickets, the airline may arrange separate seating for them. This is especially true for certain ticket classes. Basic Economy such as United Airlines, family and group Seating arrangements are not guaranteed.; Only a maximum of two children under 12 years old are allowed next to one adult. Therefore, to be sure, pay the seat selection fee. For groups larger than 9 people and booking tickets accordingly. group, Some airlines, such as Turkish Airlines, are now offering group booking support.
- We need to get off the plane quickly.If you have an urgent connecting flight or want to go through immigration procedures early, choosing a seat at the front of the cabin will save you time.
- The need for legroom.Tall people or those with health issues may pay extra for seats with additional legroom.
When can it be ignored?
- Short flightFor short journeys (under two hours), the difference in seating is negligible; you can let the system assign seats randomly.
- Budget travel or traveling aloneIf seat selection isn't a priority for you, skip the seat selection step to save money. Many airlines, like United Airlines, allow free seat selection in their class. Standard Economy, even though the choices are limited.
- Flying outside of peak hours.Flights outside of peak hours often have plenty of empty seats; you can choose a seat for free when checking in.
Ways to save on seat selection fees
- Skip to seat selection.You can still get a free seat at check-in, even on economy class tickets.
- Choose the airline with the lowest fees.In the US, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and United are among the airlines with low seat selection fees. For international flights, the regulations vary: Turkish Airlines offers free seat selection for certain classes. Business, package EcoFly A fee must be paid, and if not purchased, the system will assign a random seat at check-in; Air Canada charges a seat selection fee for this class. Basic fare On domestic flights, flights to/from the US, and select international routes, but free for certain classes. Latitude, Comfort and Flex; United Airlines offers free seat selection in all classes. Standard Economy, while rank Basic Economy You have to pay a fee and there's no guarantee you'll be seated together.
- Take advantage of your credit card tier or offers.Premium members or co-branded credit card holders often get free seat selection.
- Traveling with childrenJust purchase a seat for the adult; most airlines will automatically seat the child next to their parent without extra charge.
New trend: Southwest Airlines changes policy in 2026.
Southwest Airlines is known for its policy. do not choose a seat They have announced they will switch to the model. designated seat since the date January 27, 2026. From that point onwards, passengers can choose their seats when booking tickets; however, the basic fare class (equivalent to Wanna Get Away) will not allow free seat selection, while higher fare classes such as POTENTIAL and Choice Preferred It's free. This trend shows that many airlines are applying a seat selection surcharge, but passengers can still opt out and have the system automatically assign seats during check-in.
Conclude
Choosing seats in advance offers convenience and peace of mind for groups, especially on long flights. However, if you are traveling alone or want to save money, consider skipping this fee and accepting a random seat at check-in. When booking for a group, inform the agent or airline that you are a member of the group. pilgrimage group To receive assistance, but understand that airlines may change seats for safety or operational reasons. Regardless of your seat, it's important to maintain a peaceful mind so that the journey becomes a sacred one.