Traveling with your family? Want to sit together? But don’t know how to reserve seats? Then it's essential to check the airline’s seat selection policy. Having a seat of your choice not only makes your journey smoother but also more relaxing, especially when you are traveling with your family and want to sit together.
Generally, the airline assigns the seat on the day of travel. But if passengers want, they can choose their seats during flight reservations. This facility is usually offered by all airlines, including British Airways. However, before selecting the seat on BA, it’s necessary to familiarize yourself with the British Airways seat selection policy.
What Should I Know About British Airways Seat Booking?
Having a seat of your choice helps you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the flight. Hence, whenever you make reservations, do use the British Airways seating chart. This chart will show you the visual representation of the seats in the plane and allow you to choose one based on your preferences.
However, it doesn’t mean you will easily get a seat, as it requires booking in advance, and the assignment depends on the time of booking and the fare type. Additionally, the option to choose a seat is not free and may incur charges.
What Is British Airways Seat Selection Policy About?
As the name suggests, the British Airways seat selection policy provides guidance and rules for selecting seats on the plane. It is essential to know, as it helps you select seats at the price you can afford, based on fare type and cabin selection. This seat selection can be made online or at check-in.
However, before choosing the seat on the flight, let’s have a basic understanding of BA policy on seat selection:
- BA allows you to select a seat during or after the reservation through the seat map.
- British Airways seat selection cost depends on the fare type, booking time, and cabin type.
- Seat selection in Basic Economy fare is optional; however, if you want it for free, you need to wait until check-in, or you can select it 24 hours before the flight departure.
- The BA official website can be used to select or change the seat. However, if passengers wish, they can contact the airline by phone at 0344 493 0787 to make selections or changes according to their preferences. If the official line is busy or difficult to reach (due to technical issues), call the flight expert at +1-866-738-0741.
- The airline recommends that passengers select their preferred seat as soon as possible, especially when traveling with friends or family.
- According to British Airways seat selection, the airline will not refund if a request is made to move to a lower-priced seat.
- When requesting a shift from a lower-priced seat to a higher-priced one, passengers must pay the fare difference.
- If a passenger changes their flight and the seat selection was made on the previous flight, they must choose the seat again, as the previous selection can’t be automatically carried over to the new flight.
- Lastly, the passenger who doesn’t choose a seat will automatically be assigned one at the time of check–in, but it doesn’t guarantee the seat will be according to the choice, as per British Airways seat selection policy.
These are some of the rules under the BA seat selection policy; however, for Group Bookings, passengers need to contact the Group Sales department for seating arrangements, and specific rules will apply that differ from standard bookings.
British Airways Seat Classes And What They Offer
The services and benefits a passenger receives depend on the class or cabin they select. Hence, it is best to know the services and amenities before selecting a seat:
- Economy Class: The best budget-friendly option for BA travel. The ticket price for this class is lower than for business or first class. However, the airline categorizes Economy class into two sections: Euro Traveller and World Traveller. Passengers can choose between these two based on their needs. For short-haul flights, the Euro Traveller is a good option; for long-haul flights, the World Traveller is a better option.
What Are The Benefits In Reserving A Seat In Euro Traveller And World Traveller?
Here are the benefits offered in Euro Traveller and World Traveller:
- A standard seat with basic legroom will be offered in Euro Traveller, whereas on World Traveller, passengers will get a personal TV screen and other types of entertainment.
- British Airway seat selection in Euro Traveller offers complimentary meals to passengers. Similarly, beverages and meals are served on the World Traveller class.
- Selecting a seat on Euro Traveller is free only if done the day before the flight. If a passenger wants a specific seat, particularly in exit rows, they will need to pay the charges.
- Speaking of World Traveller fares, they offer a more flexible seat selection option that can be made at the time of booking. However, if you need a specific seat (such as a window seat or aisle seat) on the plane, you may have to pay the fee for it.
- Premium Economy: A passenger who wants to feel the luxury in BA Economy class can opt for a seat in the World Traveller Plus cabin. It offers a wide range of benefits, including extra legroom, wider seats, complimentary meals, and inclusive entertainment. The price might be on the higher side compared to standard economy class.
What Are The Benefits In Selecting A Seat In World Traveller Plus?
Here are the major benefits of seat selection on British Airways World Traveller Plus cabin:
- Compared to standard Economy class, passengers will get a more comfortable, spacious seat in World Traveller Plus.
- In Premium Economy, passengers will get a smaller cabin that has wider legroom and a personal TV screen.
- Complementary full meals, including mouthwatering dishes, will be served twice. Additionally, bar service is available in this cabin.
- Passengers who paid for the World Traveller Plus cabin will get an amenity kit and priority boarding.
- The BA Premium Economy class will have an In-seat power socket, ideal for long-haul flights.
- Business Class: Similar to basic Economy class, British Airways seat business class is divided into two categories: Club Europe (short-haul flights) and Club World (long-haul flights). Both offer distinct benefits, with more luxurious amenities and services.
What Are The Benefits In Selecting A Seat In Club Europe And Club World?
Here are the benefits of selecting a seat in Club Europe (short-haul flights) and Club World (long-haul flights):
- Club Europe cabin is mainly booked for travel within the UK and Europe. Seats are often free to choose; however, it depends on the time of booking and on your Executive Club tier. Higher tiers allow a reserved seat anytime at no extra cost, whereas lower tiers must wait to choose a free seat selection on British Airways, which usually opens a day before the flight departure.
- Priority airport services and lounges will be offered in both Club Europe and Club World cabins.
- A lie-flat bed, gourmet dining, and luxury bedding will be provided to passengers who booked a seat in Club World. The Club Europe cabin offers more personal space, baggage allowance, complimentary food and drinks, and contoured leather seats.
- In the Club World cabin, the airline offers in-flight entertainment.
- First Class: To get an extravagant experience and the premium services, British Airway seat selection in First Class is the best option. The pricing of this class is surely on the higher side, but the benefits will make you understand why the airline is charging it. If you are still unsure whether it is worth booking a seat on this cabin, explore the benefits below.
Note: When updating passenger details, remember that Name Correction On British Airways allows only minor spelling fixes with proper documents. Major changes need legal proof. For quick updates and accurate assistance, contact British Airways or speak with a travel expert before your flight.
What Are The Benefits In Selecting A Seat In BA First Class?
Here are the benefits of selecting a seat in BA First Class:
- Passengers will get a more luxurious personal cabin/private suites and a gourmet dining experience.
- Priority services from start to finish of the journey, including upon arrival at the airport.
- Personal wardrobe, premium beverages, lie-flat beds, etc, are some of the premium benefits offered on British Airway seat selection in First Class.
- The airline permits free seat selection in the First Class cabin from the time of booking.
What Is British Airways Seat Selection Cost?
Usually, BA automatically assigns a seat at check-in or the day before the flight, free of charge. However, if passengers wish, they can choose their seats according to their preferences or locations using the British Airways seating chart. But before that, let’s understand the pricing set by the airline regarding the seat selection on different cabins/classes:
| Cabin Clas |
Ticket Type |
Seat Selection Fee (In Euro) |
|
Economy - Euro Traveller (Short Haul)
|
Basic |
£7-£20 plus
|
| Plus |
£7-£20 plus
|
| Plus Flex |
Free |
| Economy - World Traveller (Long Haul) |
Basic |
£7-£30 plus |
| Standard |
£7-£30 plus
|
| Premium Economy |
World Traveller Plus |
£18-£50 plus |
| Busines |
(Club Europe/Club World) |
Free for flexible fares and executive club members. |
| First |
|
Free |
This fee chart helps passengers understand the pricing structure for selecting a seat across BA cabins or classes. However, it is recommended that you contact the airline to confirm the BA seat selection fee. Additionally, charges can be paid in advance using a debit or credit card. Passengers who want can pay with Avios points.
How To Do British Airways Seat Selection Online?
Several approaches can be used to select a seat on British Airways during or after booking. If you want to do it online, use the official website or download the airline’s main application.
Here are the steps for British Airways seat selection online: Via Website
- Step 1: Go to the British Airways website.
- Step 2: Enter into “Manage My Booking”.
- Step 3: Enter your booking details, including your e-ticket number and surname.
- Step 4: Once the “Your Booking Details” tab opens, select the flight number.
- Step 5: Here, the “View or change seats for this flight” option will pop up on the screen; click it.
- Step 6: Now, follow the remaining instructions to select a seat on the British Airways seat map.
These steps are essential to selecting a seat in advance on BA. However, selecting a seat is subject to charges that must be paid.
The steps for British Airways Seat Selection Online: Via App
- Step 1: Go to the Google Play Store/App Store and download the British Airways app.
- Step 2: Log in to the app and choose the “Booking” option.
- Step 3: Choose the flight and click on the “Seat Selection” tab.
- Step 4: After that, hit the button to view the “British Airways seat map”.
- Step 5: On the map, select your preferred seat and pay any applicable charges.
- Step 6: Check your itinerary to find the seat you have selected.
The above steps are essential to follow when using the online method to select a preferred seat on BA. To check the British Airways seat map business class, follow the same instructions.
How Can I Select a Seat on British Airways for Free?
Usually, choosing a seat is not a free choice to make, but BA does allow passengers to choose a seat for free under some conditions, which are:
- Seats can be selected free of charge 24 hours before departure.
- Traveling with an infant also permits passengers to select seats on British Airways.
- Tickets booked in basic Economy fare are allowed to choose a seat for free at check-in; however, if you want to change your seat, you will need to pay.
- Additionally, if you want to select the seat of your choice, then it is a must to pay the charges even for a Basic Economy fare.
Conclusion
Select seats on British Airways is an ideal option for passengers who want preferred seats or locations to ensure a relaxed, comfortable journey. However, certain charges are required to be paid depending on the fare type, time of booking and etc. Before choosing a seat, check the BA seat selection policy. If you want verbal assistance, call the airline’s customer service at 0344 493 0787 and easily choose the seat. By any chance, the line is not connected, you can speak to a travel expert at +1-866-738-0741.
Frequently Asked Questions