We have all been there – that moment where we check-in online for a flight early in the hopes to get a good seat, or more importantly, to avoid a bad seat. Specifically, I think most of us want to avoid those seats near the toilet, or more importantly, a middle seat if you’re flying solo. I’m sure at some point you’ve also found that the only seats available are in fact, middle seats.
Did everyone beat you to check-in early? Not likely. Airlines are making more money from add ons, and although that may look as simple as ‘pay us for a better seat’ – it goes a little deeper than that.
With Spirit airlines slightly changing the game and announcing last week that their middle seats will be one whole inch wider than aisle and window seats, is this enough to convince passengers back to the dreaded middle seat? In theory, the passenger in the middle should actually have both armrests, especially if you are wedged between two strangers either side, but as we all know in theory this seldom happens.
Flight loads are increasing globally, meaning the days of having a free seat in the middle are becoming a thing of the past. (Photo by Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
NurPhoto via Getty Images
If you’re like me, you’ll also refuse to justify paying extra for the exact same seat in the same cabin. So what are the other options.
Unfortunately, many of the blocked out seats you see when you check-in are for ‘frequent flyers’. I spend many of my days in airports and it is commonplace to see entitlement of certain passengers because of airline status, and rarely do people care so much about airline loyalty programs that in truth, have such little stakes. Sure, an extra bag, priority check-in, perhaps even lounge access, but the main kicker here is that you do get priority seating.
Checking in early is not really going to help you anymore, with airline algorithms awarding frequent flyers. The main tip here is sign up to frequent flyer programs for each airline you regularly fly with. Even if it’s a new airline you haven’t flown with, and perhaps never intend to fly with again, sign up. The airlines are pushing hard to gain your loyalty, so by being in their program, you should, in theory, be offered ‘better seats’.
New York, United States of America – February 23: Passengers look at TV screens in Economy Class section in a plane on February 23, 2016 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images)
Photothek via Getty Images
Additionally to this, try and avoid basic economy fares – as you will more often than not be put in low value real estate on the plane. However, if you still get a basic economy fare and haven’t signed up to a frequent flyer program, there is still a way.
It’s always worth asking at the gate before you board the aircraft. Often, those blocked out seats only become available just a few hours before the flight, as the airline is trying to maximise revenue. When it becomes clear that no more money can be made from ‘add-ons’ and seat selections, the airline has to release the blocked seats, that were kept for perhaps last minute bookings from frequent flyers. Importantly, be nice, and a smile never hurt, but asking if there is perhaps an exit row seat available, or even just an aisle seat, will very often lead to a better seat, if you do unfortunately get wedged in the middle.
