To Seat or Not to Seat: Should You Purchase Seats for Flights Before the Check-in Stage?

Travelling by air can be an exciting adventure, but it also involves a fair share of decisions, especially when booking your flights. One of the most debated topics among travellers is whether to purchase seats in advance or wait until check-in.

At Fair Dinkum Traveller, we understand that each traveller’s preferences are unique, and the choice can significantly impact your overall experience. Opting for advanced seat selection guarantees that your preferred seat is secured, but it often comes with an added cost. On the other hand, you were waiting until the check-in stage, which can present opportunities for securing available upgrades, better seat options, and potential cost savings.

As travellers, we’ve found that patience and strategic planning often pay off. By weighing the options and considering the potential savings, it becomes clear that waiting for online check-in can be wise for those looking to enhance their travel experience without breaking the bank. In this post, we will explore the advantages of both booking methods and share our insights on why we at Fair Dinkum Traveller prefer to wait for online check-in to secure our seats.

To Seat or Not to Seat: Should You Purchase Seats for Flights Before the Check-in Stage?

Benefits of Booking Seats in Advance for Your Flights

Booking your seats when purchasing your flight ticket can offer significant benefits, especially when travelling in groups. Here are the benefits of buying your seat.

• Guaranteed Seating:
• Booking in advance ensures you have a confirmed seat, which is especially important for families or groups wanting to sit together.
• Choice of Preferred Seats:
  Early booking allows you to select your ideal seat—whether you prefer a window view, extra legroom, or proximity to the front of the plane.
• Peace of Mind:
  Knowing your seating arrangement ahead of time can reduce pre-flight anxiety and make your travel experience smoother.
• Potential for Better Pricing:
  Sometimes, airlines offer discounts for advance seat selections, which can be a cost-saving measure if you want to stretch your travel budget.

The Benefit of Being Patient and Getting Seats at Check-in or Online Check-in 48 Hours Before

Waiting until check-in, whether at the airport or online 48 hours before your flight, can offer unexpected benefits such as potential seat upgrades, flexibility in choosing your seat, and the opportunity to see if better flight options become available.

• Access to Last-Minute Availability:
  Airlines often release additional seat options during check-in, including better locations or extra legroom seats that were previously unavailable.
• Flexibility:
  Waiting allows for a more relaxed approach to seating; if your plans change, you won’t be locked into a specific seating arrangement.
• Improved Chances of Upgrades:
  If the airline has empty premium seats when you wait until check-in, you may be upgraded to a better seat.

Act Fast: Check In Online as Soon as It Opens

One of the most effective strategies to secure the best available seats is to check in online when the airline opens the online check-in window. Here’s why timing matters:

• Grab Seats First:
  By being one of the first to check in, you can select from the best remaining seats available for free before others. This is especially important for popular routes and during peak travel seasons.
• Set Reminders:
  Most airlines open online check-in 24 to 48 hours before departure, so setting a reminder on your phone can help ensure you don’t miss out.
• Early Bird Advantage:
  Just like in many aspects of travel, the early bird often catches the worm! Checking in promptly allows you to secure better options and increases your chances of sitting with your travel companions.

My Strategy: Waking Up at Horrible Hours

When securing the best seats, I often wake up at the most ungodly hours to check in as soon as the online system opens. I remember one particular trip vividly—our flight was set for an early morning departure, and I knew the online check-in would open at the crack of dawn. So there I was, groggily getting out of bed at 4 AM, my heart racing with the thrill of the challenge ahead.

Armed with my laptop and coffee, I grabbed those coveted seats. The house was quiet, and the world outside was still asleep, but I was entirely focused on securing the best available seats for free, whether I was travelling alone or boarding a flight with family. I felt excited and determined, knowing my efforts would help ensure a smoother flight. Though they come with a few yawns, moments like these make for lasting memories and a sense of accomplishment that adds a special touch to my travels.

Why Fair Dinkum Traveller Always Waits for Online Check-in and Never Pays for Seats in Advance

At Fair Dinkum Traveller, we firmly believe in making the most of our travel budget. Here’s why we choose to wait for online check-in rather than purchasing seats in advance:

• Cost Savings:
• The price for selecting seats in advance can be steep, and by waiting, we often save significant money that can be better spent on experiences during our travels.
• No Compromise on Comfort:
• With careful planning, we’ve consistently secured comfortable seats without paying extra. Many airlines do a great job accommodating passengers’ preferences during online check-in.
• Maximising Value:
• Saving on seat selection allows us to allocate funds to other aspects of our trip, such as dining, activities, or souvenirs, enhancing the overall travel experience.
• Past Experiences:
• Our experiences have shown that waiting has often resulted in favourable seating arrangements, sometimes surpassing our initial choices, proving that patience pays off.

A Quick Recap on Whether You Should Purchase Seats for Flights Before the Check-in Stage?

In the end, the decision to purchase seats in advance or wait until check-in is a personal one that depends on individual preferences and travel priorities. While booking provides the assurance of guaranteed seating and can alleviate anxiety, many travellers find that being patient can lead to significant savings and even better seating options.

At Fair Dinkum Traveller, we’re committed to maximising value without sacrificing comfort. We believe that waiting for online check-in is often the best strategy. By staying informed and making the right choices, you can enhance your travel experience while keeping costs in check.

How do you typically decide on your seating arrangements when flying? We’d love to hear your strategies and preferences for choosing where to sit on a plane.

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Should you purchase seats for flights before the check-in stage?