This article delves into the seating policies of various budget airlines, outlining the options available to passengers and highlighting the rising issue of 'seat squatting'. Learn how to secure your preferred seat and understand the procedures for different airlines like Ryanair, British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, and TUI.
Arriving at the airport only to find out you're seated far from your family or friends is a common scenario for those flying with budget airlines, and it's hardly the preferred start to a journey. Lately, there have been instances of 'seat squatting' making headlines – this is when passengers occupy seats they haven't been assigned, often in pursuit of a more desirable spot like a window seat or an upgrade to first class, or to dodge additional fees for sitting next to their companions.
One recent story involved a flight attendant dealing with an economy passenger who tried to pass as a first-class traveller on a Delta Air Lines flight from Providence, Rhode Island to Atlanta, Georgia. The attendant noticed two women 'come haphazardly' and take seats in the front row, hoping to snag complimentary beverages. With the increasing concern over seat poaching, it's useful to review the seating policies of various airlines. Ryanair For Ryanair customers, there are two seating options available. Travellers can either pay for reserved seating or opt for a free seat, which is allocated randomly during check-in. Those selecting the 'random seat allocation' can check in from 24 hours up to two hours before their flight's scheduled departure, reports the Mirror. For those flying with Ryanair, passengers have the option to secure their preferred seat by making a reservation at the time of booking, during check-in, or at any stage before their flight. The cost to reserve a seat varies depending on the chosen location within the aircraft. Should a passenger opt not to reserve a seat, one will be randomly assigned without charge upon check-in. However, as noted on Ryanair's website, it is unlikely this seat will be next to anyone you're traveling with. Additionally, Ryanair allows passengers to book an extra seat for added personal space by purchasing two full-price tickets. The airline instructs: 'Book the first ticket in your name. Then for your second ticket, enter 'EXTRA' as the first name and 'COMFORT SEAT' as the last name. 'EXTRA COMFORT SEAT' will then be added to your reservation. When checking in online, the same travel document details will be added for you and your extra seat.' Once booked, reserved seating is locked into your booking and cannot be refunded.British Airways Moving to British Airways, the choice made regarding fare types and travel class affects seat selection costs. Passengers are entitled to choose their seats at no additional charge starting 24 hours before their flight when check-in commences — unless they have purchased a Basic ticket. Basic tickets typically represent economy class with only hand-baggage allowance, in which case, seats are allocated for the passenger. Passengers holding a basic ticket have the option to select their seats for an additional fee, from the moment of booking up until check-in opens. British Airways advises those travelling with children to book their seats in advance and also offers the possibility to purchase an extra ticket to ensure the adjacent seat remains unoccupied. easyjet On easyJet flights, passengers can pick their preferred seats for a charge, either when they book or at any point before check-in through the 'Manage bookings' section on easyJet's website or mobile app. The airline's policy requires that 'On bookings with more than one passenger, allocated seats must be selected for all passengers on the booking otherwise we cannot allow any allocated seats to be purchased', as stated on easyJet's website. EasyJet provides three seating options: standard seats at no cost for easyJet Plus cardholders and FLEXI fare purchasers, up front seats also complimentary for easyJet Plus cardholders and FLEXI fare buyers situated in rows two to six, and extra legroom seats which are free for easyJet Plus cardholders and available at a discounted rate for FLEXI fare customers. Jet2 For those flying with Jet2, seat reservation is possible by pre-booking online during the booking process or afterwards via 'Manage My Booking'. However, it should be noted that seat prices may vary depending on the flight's location and route. Passengers who do not pre-book a seat will be assigned one upon online or airport check-in on a first-come, first-served basis. Jet2 aircraft also provide a range of extra legroom seats, which are indicated on the seating maps during booking and are typically situated towards the front and middle of the plane. The airline also endeavours to seat children and infants under 12 years old next to their accompanying adults. TUI For those flying with TUI or any of its chartered airlines, passengers have the option to pay an additional fee to select their preferred seat on the aircraft. Similarly, if they do not choose a seat, one will be automatically allocated to them during online check-in. The airline ensures that children under 12 years old are seated with at least one adult from their grou
AIRLINE SEAT POLICIES BUDGET AIRLINES SEAT SQUATTING SEAT RESERVATION TRAVEL TIPS RYANAIR BRITISH AIRWAYS EASYJET JET2 TUI
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