📒 How Seat Selection Works
💺 Free vs. Paid Seats: Basic economy fares often restrict free seat selection options to limited areas of the plane. Extra legroom, front-row, or exit-row seats may require an additional fee.
🛫 When to Select Seat: Seats can be chosen during your flight booking, after payment, or during online check-in (24–48 hours before departure).
🚫 Exceptions Apply: Some airlines (eg. low-cost carriers) only allow seat selection directly with the airline, so you will not see the seat selection option on Trip.com for some flights.
✈️ How to Select Seat in Flight During Flight Booking?
Step 1: Visit Flight Search Page
Visit flight search page on APP or desktop website. Enter the departure city, arrival city, travel dates, preferred class, and number of travellers. Then, click "Search" button.
Step 2: Choose Your Preferred Flight
Click "Select" for your preferred departure flight, then proceed to do the same for your return flight(if you are flying roundtrip) on the next page.
After you have selected your preferred flight(s), review the flight(s). Choose your preferred fare type and click "Continue" to proceed.
Step 3: Enter Passenger Info
Fill in personal details such as name, gender, nationality, date of birth, and frequent flyer number. Tap "Next" to choose your Trip.com seat selection process.
Step 4: Select Your Seat
At the last page of the flight booking process, you will find the Seat Selection page. Click on "Select" and choose the seat you prefer for your flight(s).
Step 5: Add Travel Insurance for Protection (Optional)
On the same page, there is an option to add travel insurance for a worry free journey.
Step 6: Pay and Secure Your Booking
Select your preferred payment method and click on "Pay" button to complete your booking. You will receive your booking information via email.
🛠️ Seat Selection: Errors and Possible Solutions
There could be several reasons why sometimes seat selection fails. Here are some possible solutions:
| Problem | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
Airline does not allow Trip.com seat assignment | Go to the airline’s official website and log in with your booking reference (PNR). |
No seat map shown during booking | Use the Manage Booking section on the airline’s site or app to pick your seat. |
Error message after selecting a seat | The seat may already be taken. Refresh or choose a different seat, or call the airline’s customer service. |
Basic economy or budget fare restrictions | Upgrade to a higher fare class that includes free or paid seat selection. |
Seats only open closer to departure | Wait until online check-in (24–48 hours before flight) to select from available seats. |
Technical glitch on Trip.com | Try using the Trip.com app, clear cache, or contact Customer support for assistance. |
💺 3 Steps to Cancel Your Selected Seat
It's easy to cancel your flight seat selection with 3 steps:
Procedure | Details |
Step 1 | Log in to your Trip.com account and find the booking under "My Bookings" for which you want to cancel the seat selection. |
Step 2 | Select "Seat Selection" > "Change or Cancel Seat Selection" your selected seat. |
Step 3 | Select the seat you wish to cancel, confirm your selection and submit the request. |
🌟 Tips for Smoother Seat Selection
- 🪑 Book early for the best seat options and availability.
- 💳 Be prepared to pay extra for exit rows or bulkhead seats.
- 👥 Want to sit together? Select seats at the same time to avoid separation.
- 📱 Use the airline’s app for last-minute changes or upgrades.
Level up your seat-picking and save while you’re at it—check our weekly updated promos and travel deals to score discounts on flights, seats, and add‑ons before you book.
FAQ: Seat Selection in Flight
What happens if I don’t select a seat on my Trip.com booking?
You will be auto-assigned a seat at check‑in. You may be separated from companions and won’t be able to choose window/aisle preferences.Does Trip.com seat families together automatically?
Not guaranteed. Select seats together during booking or after booking via ‘Manage Booking’ at your account to ensure your family sits together.Why am I being charged for a seat?
Seat fees are set by airlines. The cost depends on your fare—basic/budget fare types often require payment for any advance seat choice, while most fares charge extra for premium spots like extra legroom, exit rows, and forward-zone seats.