Can I Choose My Seat on British Airways?

When you are about to fly with British Airways, one of the most common questions people have is - Can I select my seat? The answer is yes, but there is a little more to it than just picking a spot on the plane. In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know about British Airways seat selection, including whether it's free, how to choose your seat, and if there are any extra charges involved. 

Does British Airways Charge For Seat Selection?

When you book a flight with British Airways, you will likely want to know about the British Airways seat selection cost. The answer varies depending on the type of ticket you purchase, your cabin class, and when you choose your seat. 

Economy Class 

In Economy class, the British Airways seat selection fee applies depending on the type of fare you have purchased. If you have bought the cheapest basic fare, also known as a "Hand baggage only" fare, you won't be able to select a seat for free until 24 hours before your flight. This means you will either be randomly assigned a seat or you can pay an additional fee to choose a specific seat in advance. 

The fee for British Airways select seats in the economy can vary, but typically, it ranges from £7 to £30 for short-haul flights and £25 to £80 or more for long-haul flights. The more desirable seats, like those with extra legroom or seats in the front of the plane, usually come at a higher price. 

Premium Economy, Business, and First Class 

If you have upgraded to premium economy, business or first class, you are in luck. For these fare types, British Airways select seats are included for free as part of the service. You don't have to worry about paying extra to pick your seats in advance. 

Family And Group Travel 

British Airways understands that families or groups traveling together might want to sit together. For families with children under 12, the airline typically allows free seat selection so that you can choose seats together. However, for larger groups or families with older children, there may be a change in the British Airways seat selection fee. 

British Airways Free Seat Selection: When Does It Apply?

While the British Airways seat selection fee applies to most economy fares, there are some exceptions. If you are booking a more flexible or premium ticket, such as a flexible economy fare or a premium economy fare, seat selection can be free. Additionally, if you are a frequent flyer with a British Airways executive club membership, you might be eligible for free seat selection earlier in the process. 

Furthermore, for certain bookings, such as if you have booked a long-haul flight in Business or first class with British Airways, free seat selection is included automatically. You don't have to pay any extra fees to select the best seat. 

If you're planning an upcoming flight with Emirates, you might also want to review their Emirates seat selection to find the best cabin experience for your budget.

How To Select Seats on British Airways

Now that you know when you can select your seat for free or when a British Airways seat selection fee applies, let's go over the process of how to actually select your seat. 

1. Before Booking

In some cases, you can choose your seat before booking your flight. When booking your flight on the British Airways website, the system will show you a seating map for the plane, and you can pick a seat from the available options. If you have chosen a fare type that allows free seat selection, you won't have to pay an additional fee. 

2. After Booking

Once you have booked your flight, you will receive an email with all your flight details. After this, you can log in to your British Airways account to access your booking and select your seat. 

• Log in to your British Airways account or use the "Manage My Booking" section of the British Airways website. 

• Enter your booking reference and last name. 

• Once you have accessed your booking, you will be able to see the seating map for your flight. 

• From there, you can pick an available seat. 

3. Seat Selection 24 hours before your flight

If you have opted for a basic fare like the "Hand Baggage Only" fare, you will be able to select your seat 24 hours before your flight. If you have not already chosen a seat at this point, British Airways will automatically assign you one. You can choose a seat from the available options, but the fare options might be limited. If you want to ensure that you have the best available seat, it's recommended to select your seat as early as possible after booking, especially for popular flights. 

4. Using the British Airways App 

You can also use the British Airways app to select your seat. Simply log in, access your booking, and choose your seat from the available options. The app is especially useful if you need to make last-minute changes to your seating preferences while on the go. 

5. At check-in

If you have not selected a seat before check-in, you will be given the option to choose one when checking in online or at the airport. While you may still be able to select a seat, keep in mind that you will have fewer options available, and some seats may already be taken. 

If you are curious about onboard experiences with top-rated airlines? Don’t miss our take on Turkish Airlines seat selection, especially if you’re flying long-haul.

British Airways Seat selection 24 Hours 

If you have booked a basic fare and don't want to pay for seat selection upfront, you can still choose your seat 24 hours before your flight. This is an excellent opportunity to select a seat if you didn't want to pay the British Airways seat selection cost earlier. However, you might not get the ideal seats as they tend to fill up quickly, especially on busy flights. 

To Do this: 

• Log in to your British Airways account or use the British Airways app. 

• Go to your booking and select a seat from the available options. These may include seats in the standard economy section, or you can choose an extra legroom seat for an additional fee. 

Read more if you're curious about Middle Eastern airline offerings, check our breakdown of Etihad Airways seat selection — including Economy Space and neighbor-free seating options.

British Airways Seat Selection policy

Understanding the seat selection policy can help you avoid confusion and surprises when booking your flight. Here is a summary of the key points: 

• Available for premium economy, business and first-class passengers and for families with children under 12. 

• Seat selection fee applies to most economy class tickets with prices varying depending on the flight route, time of booking and seat type, like standard or extra legroom. 

• Passengers who booked a basic fare can choose their seat 24 hours before the flight, either for free or by paying the seat selection fee. 

• Seat maps are available to choose from at the time of booking or when managing your booking online. 

• Families with children and passengers traveling with groups may have the opportunity to select seats together without additional fees, but this depends on availability and fare type. 

British Airways' seat selection is a convenient service that allows you to choose your seats in advance, but it's not always free. Depending on your fare type, you might have to pay a fee, especially if you are flying economy. However, you can enjoy free seat selection if you are in premium economy, Business, or first class. We hope this blog clears up your confusion about seat selection costs and how to select a seat. 

Booking with a U.S.-based airline? Our overview of Southwest Airlines seat selection explains their open seating policy and tips for early boarding.

Conclusion

British Airways allows passengers to select their seats, but whether it's free or not depends largely on your fare type and timing. Paying attention to these details helps you avoid surprises and ensures you sit where you're most comfortable, especially on long journeys. Whether you're flying Economy or splurging on Business Class, understanding the seat selection process lets you make the most of your travel experience.

Flying with Sun Country? Make the most of your journey by reading about Sun Country seat selection, including upgrade options and preferred seating.

FAQs:

1. Is seat selection free on British Airways?
It can be, depending on your ticket. Passengers in Premium Economy, Business, and First Class enjoy free seat selection. Economy passengers on basic fares may need to pay.

2. When can I choose my seat for free on British Airways?
If you’ve booked a basic fare, you can choose your seat for free 24 hours before departure during online check-in.

3. How much does British Airways charge for seat selection?
Fees range from £7–£30 for short-haul flights and £25–£80+ for long-haul, depending on the seat type and location.

4. Can I change my seat after booking?
Yes, you can change your seat anytime via "Manage My Booking" or the BA app, though charges may apply unless your fare includes seat selection.

5. Are families seated together automatically?
If traveling with children under 12, British Airways tries to seat families together. For older children or large groups, it’s safer to select seats in advance.

Also Check for Hawaii-bound travelers, learn about Hawaiian Airlines seat selection process and onboard experience. Those traveling to Latin America should review Aeromexico seat selection policies prior to check-in.