If you book a flight at the last minute, you might find yourself with a “seat request” status. You have a confirmed ticket but no seat, implying that you are a standby traveler.
What does it mean to have a “seat request” status on your ticket? Find out everything you need to know below.
Here’s what seat request mean
On every other airline, a “seat request” signifies a desire for a seat that the airline will assign at the boarding gate. In other words, the designated airline has confirmed your ticket, but they have not yet given you a seat.
As a result, you are at the top of the list of passengers on standby. It’s nothing important, and it has occurred several times before.
What to do if you don’t have a seat assignment?
If you just bought a ticket and didn’t have a seat assignment, you should usually wait until your check-in window opens 24 hours before your trip (and blocked seats become available).
At this point, an airline would usually assign you a seat, a window, or an aisle seat, saving you from purchasing a premium ticket.
If you do not have a seat assignment after checking in, simply wait until you get to the airport. You are guaranteed a seat on a flight even if you do not make a reservation.
You can also avoid this problem by following the instructions below.
- The most straightforward answer to this question is to book your desired seat when you purchase your airline ticket, which will give you the most available seats.
- To circumvent this problem, you should manage your booking, where you must provide the necessary credentials and pay the flight seat selection cost.
- Aside from that, you can speak with a live customer care representative to reserve your seat on the purchased aircraft.
- Choose your flight seat by paying the requisite cost at check-in time, whether online or offline and by following the regulations for this specific circumstance.
If this frequently occurs, attempt to purchase your tickets earlier and online, or if done over the phone, request a confirmed seat from the agent who sold you the ticket.
You also miss out on the gate lottery as gold until you obtain a confirmed seat.
See related: Is LAX Busy On Christmas Day?
Reasons why you are assigned “Seat Request”
Here are the main reasons why you would be assigned a seat request ticket:
- When an airline upgrades an aircraft, the seating configuration on the plane changes.
- When a flight is overbooked, airlines may request volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for a voucher.
- If you miss your connection and require a seat assignment for your next trip.
- If you did not reserve a seat for your flight or if you bought your ticket at the last minute.
- If you are rebooked from a previous flight for whatever reason.
- If the airline assigns your seat at the gate, reserve some seats for disabled passengers.
- It could be for weight and balance concerns (W&B) (W&B). Airlines must occasionally reposition seats to ensure that weight is distributed evenly throughout an aircraft.
- When the airline reserves seat for particular passengers.
- The airline may move your seat to make room for a family who desires to sit together.
- If you have an unassigned seat, check the itinerary/schedule periodically as your departure date approaches to ensure that everything about seats and schedules is still correct.
The airline would refund the difference if your seat were available when you booked your ticket but was later assigned to another passenger.
See related: Air Canada or United Airlines
Is it worth it to reserve a seat?
It might well be worth it if you reserve a seat that offers additional leg rooms or window sides.
Generally, you are not required to choose a seat. Most airlines will allocate one to you during check-in or at the gate if you don’t already have a seat.
Some airlines make it appear as if you must (or should) select a seat during check-in. Frontier Airlines has a visual interstitial website explaining why choosing a seat is a good idea.
Don’t get taken in by it. You can always forgo seat selection to save money, but bear the following in mind:
- Skipping seat selection does not guarantee you a seat on the flight.
- If you don’t pay for a seat, you can end up in the center.
- Even if seat selection is free, you should avoid it if only bad seats are available.
You might consider paying the extra cost if you travel as a family. After all, there’s no assurance that the airline will group you.
See related: Does The Airport Close? & Should I Pay For Seat Assignment On Allegiant?
Conclusion
You may be traveling with a “Seat Request” status if you book your flight at the last minute or if an aircraft is overbooked. A “seat request” is equivalent to being at the top of the waiting list.
You have a confirmed flight ticket but no assigned seat. The gate agent assigns these seats at their discretion. This method is a method that airlines should use on occasion because it works well for lone travelers.
Sources
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6YeHxCDpT4
https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/family-seating
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zyxUlB-UWU
