What can you do if you find a seat squatter? (Image: Getty)
If you like to save a few quid when you fly, it’s quite tempting to skip reserving a seat and just get randomly allocated. But it’s still quite annoying when you find yourself seated rows away from your travel companion.
In recent years, there have been a number of stories about ‘seat squatting’, the phenomenon that sees passengers simply taking the seat they fancy, even if it’s not assigned to them. It could be that they want a window seat, or they might be dodging extra fees in order to sit with their pals.
Last year, a Delta flight attendant revealed that some passengers even seat squat in first class to get a complimentary pre-flight drink. She claimed that passengers had been known to sit in first class and enjoy a glass of champagne until the seat’s rightful tenant came along, before pretending to be confused and heading back to economy with their free booze in hand.
With the looming menace of seat poachers on planes, here’s a refresher on some popular airlines’ seating policies ahead of the school holidays…
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Ryanair passengers can opt for a randomly allocated seat for free (Image: Getty)
Ryanair
Ryanair is very clear in its seating policy; either pay for a reserved seat or take a gamble with a free seat allocation at check-in. If you purchase a seat at the time of booking, you can pick your preferred spot, with the cost dependent on where you want to sit on the plane. Online check-in opens 60 days in advance for those with reserved seats.
Once purchased, reserved seats cannot be removed from your booking, and refunds are not possible.
If you choose to play the game of seat roulette, you can check in 24 hours to two hours before your flight and get assigned a random spot. Ryanair very clearly states “it is unlikely it will be beside your travel companions” if there’s more than one of you travelling together.
Many people don’t realise you can also book an extra seat next to your own by purchasing two full-fare tickets.
The Ryanair website explains: “Firstly, purchase two full-fare flight tickets. 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.”
Some BA fares include free seat selection (Image: Getty)
British Airways
Some British Airways fares include a seat allocation, while others don’t. It depends on the class you fly in and the type of ticket you select.
British Airways offers a Basic Economy fare, which is usually the cheapest option available, but only includes hand luggage and doesn’t include a seat allocation. If you book Basic Economy, you can select your seat for a fee, or you can wait for a random allocation when checking in. As with Ryanair, there’s no guarantee you’d end up sat with travel companions.
If you book Economy Standard, you can select your seat for free from 24 hours before the departure date when check-in opens. For more expensive fares such as Economy Flex or Premium Economy, there’s usually the option to select a seat for free as part of the price.
BA also offers the option of booking an extra seat, although you’ll need to contact its customer service line as this can’t be booked online.
EasyJet passengers will need to pay a fee to choose their seat (Image: Getty)
easyJet
easyJet charges a fee for picking a preferred seat, and you can do this when you book or right up to the time of check-in using the ‘Manage booking’ option on its website or app. Its website adds: “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.”
Passengers who don’t pre-book a seat also get allocated when they check-in online. Seat selection is free for easyJet Plus cardholders and free or discounted for customers who have purchased an Inclusive Plus fare, with Standard, Up Front, and Extra Legroom seats to choose from.
Jet2 aim to seat under 12s with an adult (Image: Getty)
Jet2
Jet2 passengers can also pre-book their preferred seats online for a fee which varies depending on the flight route and seat chosen. This can be done at the time of booking or via the ‘Manage My Booking’ section of its website. Jet2 aircraft also offer a selection of extra legroom seats.
Passengers who don’t pre-book will be allocated seats when they check in online or at the airport. While this is on a first-come, first-served basis, Jet2 says it aims to seat under 12s and infants next to their accompanying adults.
TUI
If you fly with TUI, you can pay to choose a seat, and those who don’t pay the fee will be offered a random allocation. However, the airline does ensure under 12s sit with at least one of the adults in their party.
TUI passengers can choose seats with extra legroom or extra space for an additional fee. On long-haul flights, TUI also offers Premium seats in a separate cabin at the front of the aircraft. These seats are wider, have a footrest and headrest, and come with perks such as free drinks throughout the flight.
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