British Airways Seat Selection Fees & Process

Enjoy your flight trip with seat selection on British Airways (BA) flights. With British Airways seat selection, grab your favorite seats on the flight. From luxurious First Class to extra-legroom Economy, every seat is designed to enhance your journey. Choose your perfect spot, whether you are seeking privacy for work or relaxation for leisure.

The airline allows you to pick seats to be sure of a comfortable experience. Also, you can sit with your travel companions. This enables you to enjoy the freedom to customize your travel experience that match your unique preferences. Thereby, making every flight a pleasure. Elevate your journey with British Airways, where your comfort and convenience are given the top priority.

To get more information about choosing BA seats, scroll down.

What is The British Airways Seat Selection Policy?

Before choosing seats on British Airways, you must know about its guidelines. So, here are British Airways seat selection policy highlights for your reference -

Your fare type determines the seat selection options.
If you don’t pick seats beforehand, the airline assigns you at check-in.
You can purchase seats on -
- Mainline flights that British Airways operates and
- Flights marketed by other carriers that are operated by BA
You can grab seats from 48 hours before departure until the check-in.
If you don't pay for your chosen seats in advance, the airline assigns a seat at check-in starting 24 hours before departure. You can pay to change your seat. Executive Club and Oneworld equivalent members don't get free seat selection with this fare.
Those who don't choose seats in advance, BA tries to seat their family together. For this, BA assigns seats a few days before the departure of your flight. However, seats may be limited and might be spread across different rows or aisles. And you might not sit with your family.

For more details, contact the airline’s customer service team.

Does British Airways Allow 24-Hour Seat Selection?

Yes, with British Airways, you can select a seat within 24 hours of departure as soon as check-in opens. However, if you are traveling with a Basic ticket (economy, hand baggage only), the airline allocates you seats.

However, if you can’t check in online, the airline allows you to check in at the airport as soon as possible. Check the Manage My Booking section to find out when check-in opens at the airport.

How to Select Seats on British Airways?

You can go for British Air seat selection while booking tickets or later on via the Manage My Booking option. Now, let’s see how you can choose seats on BA flights.

Online Seat Selection

Visit the official website of BA.
Log in to Manage My Booking
Go to 'Your booking details'.
Click on your flight number.
Under 'Seating', click on 'View or change seats for this flight'.
Follow the on-screen instructions.

Offline Seat Selection

Call 1-800-247-9297.
Follow the IVR prompts.
A live executive gets connected.
Request a seat selection.
Share the details required.
Pay the amount as/if required.

Alternatively, you can select seats at the airline’s ticket counter at the airport.

Does British Airways Charge For Seat Selection?

Yes, British Airways charges you a seat selection fee for picking your favorite spots onboard. You can find the cost of choosing seats while selecting yours.

Here are some of the things to consider for the charges of selecting seats.

Basic ticket holders can either -
- Pay to choose your seat until check-in opens
- BA allocates you a seat at check-in

However, you can make payment for making any changes to your seats chosen, but with limited choices.

With an Executive Club Membership, if you pay to choose your seat on BA flights, the airline allows you to collect Avios. For every pound (GBP) spent, you will collect 6 Avios or more.

Please note

Various factors decide the seat selection cost such as the fare you choose and your cabin of travel. Contact the airline for the exact cost of choosing seats as per your ticket type and the travel class selected.

Can I Select Free Seats on BA Flights?

Yes, British Airways allows you to select your own free seat if you keep the following points in mind.

Starting 24 hours before departure, you can choose your seat for free, except for exit row seats and basic fare tickets.
You can choose seats for free in the First cabin at booking.
As per your tier level, Executive Club oneworld® frequent flyer Members can grab seats at different stages.
As an Executive Club Bronze, Silver, or Gold Member you can choose seats for free in many instances.
With Fully Flexible fares (Y/W/J class), you can pick free seats while booking.
Choose seats for free from 48 hours before departure on Short Haul Plus fares.
When flying with an infant under two years of age, seats are free. However, the infants shouldn’t be flying in their seats.
Once you have made your booking, you can free-select seats for yourself and everyone in your group. However, bookings of over nine people are not allowed for free selections.
The airline allows free seats for group travelers. However, BA tries to seat the group together, but it is not assured.
Select free seats in the exit row on long-haul flights 24 hours before departure (for Bronze/oneworld Ruby and Silver/oneworld Sapphire members).

How Can I Upgrade Seats with British Airways?

You can easily upgrade your BA seats through either of the following ways -

On the airline’s official website (via Manage My Booking)
At the airport on departure day by speaking with British Airways staff at check-in.

Please note

To upgrade with Avios, choose “Upgrade this flight with Avios” under the Manage My Booking section. And follow the prompts.

In Conclusion

Therefore, make British Airways seat selection for a great trip. Know how you can skip paying charges for picking seats and save on your travel expenses. However, it is important to follow the guidelines mentioned above.

So, what are you waiting for? Select your most preferred seats with BA for a remarkable journey today!

You May Visit:

British Airways Flight Change Policy

British Airways Teléfono Español

Can I Select My Seat on British Airways?