Can You Complain If an Airline Doesn't Assign Your Seat?

Yes, you can complain if an airline does not assign you a seat. You can complain to the airline through various methods, but you will have to check the airline's procedure for handling the claims. This may include filling out a form or sending a letter. You can also check the airline's website or even call them for more details regarding the same. Filing the complaint to the US Department of Transportation requires the airline to acknowledge consumer complaints within 30 days and respond in writing within 60 days.  Also, read the other information regarding the same issue.

What happens if you are not assigned a seat on a flight?

Do not worry if you have not selected a seat on the plane; you will still be given a seat. Most airlines assign seats randomly to any traveler who does not pay the extra charge for the seat. Sometimes, you might now get our preferred seat, but you might get the extra legroom or an upgrade. There are also other related things to know, which are mentioned below; read and understand the following:

• Due to the flight's overbooking, you might be bumped off the flight if you do not check in early enough.
• Some airlines automatically assign seats to passengers who do not select the seats during check-in.
• Some of the airlines hold some seats in the reserve until the day of departure.
• All the airports have minimum checkin times, and you might lose your seat if you do not check in on time.

Can an airline change your seat without permission?

Yes, an airline can change your seat without your permission for various reasons, including safety, weight balance, family seating, caregiver seating, and accommodating airline staff. You can contact the airline for the same and respond politely, as the airline will provide you with a refund if you are moved from the preferred seat to a non-preferred seat or from a seat with extra legroom to a regular economy seat.  

Do airlines refund seat selection?

The seat selection refunds vary by airline and the circumstances of the refund request; there is my airline that provides the refund for the seat selection, and there are other airlines which does not. Airlines like Emirates and Finnair do not provide seat selection charges in most circumstances; on the other hand, British Airways and Singapore Airlines may refund the seat selection charges if you change the destination and the departure date and time of the flight. But it is not eligible if you change your seat type, and it is still available on the new flight. 

The advance seat selection refund conditions are independent of the after-refund conditions. Paid seating will not be refunded if you cancel your flight and are involuntarily upgraded due to ver sales or are not suitable for the seat type you have selected.

Why are airlines charging for the seat selection?

This enables airlines to offer even more competitive ticket prices to passengers who are indifferent to their seat allocation, thus promoting ticket affordability in air travel. So there is no issue if you want to pay a charge, as the airline will assign you the seat accordingly. 

How to avoid seat selection fees?

Yes, there are some ways to avoid the fees: flying an airline that does not charge them, buying a ticket that includes seat selection, or having frequent-flyer status, which also gives you free seats as a perk. You also have to keep in mind that these fees are technically optional.

So, if you are an elite member, then it is easy for you to get the selected seat easily. You can also ask the airline at last moment if someone canceled the ticket for the same seat you want and request the executive to provide you with the same. If the seat is available, there will be some chances for you to grab the seat. 

How to complain to the airline if you are not assigned your seat?

The complaint can be submitted through the form available on the airline's official website. You can also contact the airline by the customer service phone number, and you will be directly connected with an executive. Share your issue with the executive regarding the seat assignment, and the executive will look into the matter and help you to solve the issue.