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Airlines are increasingly starting to charge customers extras, including the ability to sit with the rest of your party. While some airlines, such as British Airwayslet customers select their seats for free when checking in online, other budget airlines, such as Ryanaironly offer seat selection to those who pay for the privilege.
However, trip blogger Cairo Ferguson, who writes for the website Travel Junketsaid there are some handy hacks that you might be “amazed” about.
She explained, “There are a few hacks for getting seats together without paying for seat selection.”
One of her top recommendations is to just ask. Cairo said: “Try to call the airline directly and ask if there are any seats available – you’d be surprised how easy friendly asking over the phone can be.
“I did this a few years ago when three of my girlfriends flew together – and we hadn’t paid extra for seat selection.
“I called the airline ahead of time and said one of us was a nervous flier and they were happy to accommodate us at no charge. Great.”
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“I’ve made about 16 flights so far this year and have managed to sit with the person traveling with me every time apart from one trip – when I forgot to check in and left it until the last minute.
“Find out when check-in opens for your airline and set a reminder so you can be ready. Sure, there’s still no guarantee unless you pay, but this will greatly increase your chances.”
Some airlines may also offer deals for groups traveling together. Cairo added: “Check if the airline has available fares that include certain seats together.”
What is the seat selection policy for UK airlines?
British Airways
You can check in online with British Airways 24 hours before the scheduled departure of your flight. Customers who have a base rate for hand luggage only will not be able to select their seat for free, even at check-in, but all other ticket holders will currently have the chance to select a seat for free.
Customers also have the option to pay for seat selection when booking their tickets.
easyJet
easyJet allows passengers to check in 30 days before the scheduled departure of their flight. While passengers cannot choose their seat for free at this time, the airline may group groups together, subject to availability. Customers also have the option to pay for seats when they book their tickets.
Ryanair
Ryanair customers can check in for their flight 24 hours before departure. Customers can pay to choose their seat at the time of booking, but the airline does not allow free seat selection at check-in. The carrier also says that customers are assigned a seat “randomly” at check-in.
jet2
jet2 allow passengers to check in for their flight 28 days prior to scheduled departure. Customers cannot choose their seat for free at this time, but the airline will try to put groups together if there is room in the cabin.
Customers also have the option to pay for seat selection when booking their tickets.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic check-in opens 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Customers can choose a seat for free at check-in and if you check in a suitcase, you can choose a seat for free even before check-in opens. However, the airline will also try to seat groups together whenever possible.
TUI
TUI check-in opens 14 days before the scheduled departure date. Customers cannot choose to sit together at check-in, but the airline will try to seat groups together whenever possible. Customers can also pay for seat selection when booking their tickets.
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