How to Save Money by Not Paying to Select a Seat on an Airplane

At some point while booking a flight, it happens.

You’re cruising through the checkout process, feeling good about the price, and then—bam—there it is:

“Select your seats for an additional fee.”

Suddenly you’re faced with a very real question: Do we really have to sit together? And more importantly… is it worth paying extra just to be side by side for a few hours?

The answer might surprise you.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay for Seat Selection?

On most airlines, if you skip seat selection, the system assigns seats automatically at check-in or at the gate.

That means:

You’ll still get a seat You might be separated You’ll save anywhere from $20 to $75 per person each way

For couples, friends, or even families with older kids, that can mean real savings—money better spent on your destination instead of seat numbers.

When It’s Usually Safe to Skip Seat Selection

In many cases, not paying works out just fine.

You’ll often still be seated together if:

The flight isn’t full You check in early You’re traveling midweek or off-peak You’re flexible with middle seats

Airlines tend to seat parties together when possible—especially on less crowded flights.

When You Should Pay to Sit Together

Skipping seat selection isn’t for every situation.

You should strongly consider paying if:

You’re traveling with young children Someone in your group has a medical or mobility need You need aisle or window seats for comfort The flight is nearly sold out

Peace of mind sometimes is worth the extra cost.

The “Divide and Conquer” Strategy

Here’s a trick seasoned travelers use:

Let one person select a seat and leave the other unassigned.

At check-in or the gate, ask politely if there are seats together. Flight attendants often help when they can, and sometimes you’ll end up together without paying for both seats.

No guarantees—but it works more often than you’d think.

Middle Seat Magic (Yes, It’s a Thing)

Believe it or not, leaving the middle seat unselected can work in your favor.

Sometimes:

The middle seat stays empty The gate agent moves you together Another passenger volunteers to switch

It’s not glamorous—but it can be effective.

What About Budget Airlines?

Ultra-low-cost carriers are stricter.

On airlines like Spirit or Frontier:

Seat selection is a major revenue stream You’re more likely to be separated Gate changes are less flexible

In these cases, decide early whether sitting together matters—because last-minute changes can cost more.

Ask Yourself This Before Paying

Before clicking “add seats,” ask:

Is this a short flight? Will we sleep, watch movies, or scroll anyway? Would we rather spend this money on food, excursions, or souvenirs?

A few hours apart on a plane can mean extra memories on the ground.

Brian’s Tip

If sitting together isn’t critical, skip seat selection and check in the moment it opens. Early check-in increases your chances of being seated together—and keeps more cash in your travel budget.

You don’t have to sit together to travel together. Sometimes the smartest move is saying no to the upsell and yes to saving money for the trip itself.

Until the next adventure, this is Take The Trip by Brian—because great trips aren’t measured by seat numbers.