Tricks to getting the best seat on your flight

WANT to avoid the dreaded middle seat on your next flight? Here are seven things you may not know you can do to increase your chances of getting a more desirable spot.

Avoid the dreaded middle seat on your next flight.

WANT to avoid the dreaded middle seat on your next flight?

Whether you prefer the aisle, window or over the wing, here are seven ways to increase your chances of scoring your favourite spot, according to travel advice website FrugalTravelGuy.com.

1. Select a seat when purchasing your ticket

It sounds obvious but some people skip over this step. This is the time when the most seats are available, so take advantage of it. If you’re travelling with others, make sure you can get seats together. Call the airline right away if you can’t.

2. Set up a seat alert

Another great tool is the website Expert Flyer which allows you to set up a seat alert for free. They will email you if/when your favourite seat opens up due to a cancellation. You can even set up multiple seat alerts with a paid subscription.

3. Check your reservation frequently

Occasionally, airlines change planes on a particular flight route and when they do all bets could be off for your seat assignments. Families and travelling companions get split up and you could go from an aisle seat to a middle seat in the back of the plane; it has happened to me more than once. If you get a flight update and notice changes such as a different flight number or departure time, check your reservation and your seat assignments.

YOUR SAY: Which is the best — and worst seat? How do you get the one you want? Tell us below

4. What if there are no seats available on your flight?

If you purchase a ticket and are unable to select a seat, two things could be happening. Firstly, you don’t have elite status and only premium seats are available. In this case you would not be able to see any open seats. Secondly, there are actually no seats available at all. In either case, call the airline and they will likely tell you that you’ll be assigned a seat at the airport.

Don’t wait until you get to the airport. Go into your reservation on a periodic basis to see if seats open up. They usually do. If you’re still unable to select a seat, it’s not the worst scenario. If premium seats are the only seats available, you’ll be assigned one of those and they won’t charge you extra. However, ensure you get to the airport early.

5. It’s almost never too late to change your seat

If you’re unable to get a better seat and it’s the day before or the day of your flight, don’t fret. It’s inevitable that elite travellers will be upgraded, some passengers will change their schedules and others will be no-shows or will miss their connection. This means that previously blocked seats will be released.

Try to select a better seat when you check in for your flight and if one isn’t available, wait a couple of hours and try again. Keep in mind that some airlines allow you to change your seat after check-in and some don’t. Your last chance to get a better seat is the gate agent. Be polite, smile and ask if any better seats have opened up. You may be pleasantly surprised.

You could avoid the middle seat and score an aisle one instead. Picture: Paulo Ordoveza

6. Don’t wait until you board the plane

I see it all the time: a family or couple are boarding the plane and realise they aren’t seated together. The whole plane is made well aware that the airline has separated them and that it’s a major problem. So don’t put yourself in this position; be proactive well in advance with your own seat selection. Yes, you have a lot on your mind when travelling with family but this is such a critical element for the quality of your trip, you don’t need this type of surprise when you board.

7. If your schedule is flexible ...

If you have a bad seat because the flight is too full and you have a flexible schedule, let the gate agent know that you’d like to give up your seat if there’s a later flight available. If the flight is oversold and they need your seat, you’ll receive the appropriate voucher and amenities and be put on the next flight. Because you’re volunteering, many times they’ll give you a better seat — even an upgrade — on the next flight. However, make sure you ask them for one — it’s not always automatic.

Read more travel news and advice at FlyerTalk.com and FrugalTravelGuy.com.

It will make for a more enjoyable flight.