How to Select a Seat
You can select your seat through the following methods:
- During Booking
When booking your flight on the British Airways website, you’ll have the option to choose your seat. - Manage My Booking
If you’ve already booked, go to Manage My Booking:- Enter your booking reference and last name.
- Click on your flight number.
- Under ‘Seating,’ select ‘View or change seats for this flight’.
- Mobile App
Use the British Airways app to manage your booking and select seats. - At Check-In
If you haven’t selected a seat earlier, one will be assigned. You might still be able to change it at check-in depending on availability.
Seat Selection Fees
Seat selection may be free or come at a cost, depending on your ticket type:
- Basic Economy (Hand Baggage Only): Seats are allocated at check-in. You can pay to choose a seat earlier.
- Other Economy Fares: Free seat selection from 24 hours before departure.
- Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus): Seat selection is usually included.
- Business Class (Club World) and First Class: Free seat selection from time of booking.
Prices vary based on the seat type and route. You’ll see the cost during booking or in Manage My Booking. More info on seat pricing is available here.
Executive Club Members
Your Executive Club status affects seat selection privileges:
- Gold / oneworld Emerald: Free seat selection at booking for your whole party.
- Silver / oneworld Sapphire: Free seat selection at booking, except exit rows on long-haul.
- Bronze / oneworld Ruby: Free seat selection from 7 days before departure.
- Blue: Free seat selection from 24 hours before departure.
More details on status benefits can be found here.
Travelling with Children
- Children under 12: British Airways will seat children next to an accompanying adult if seats haven’t been selected in advance.
- Infants under 2: If your infant doesn’t occupy their own seat, seat selection for your party is free after booking.
Full information is available on the family travel seating page.
Passengers with Disabilities
If you need specific seating due to a disability, you can reserve seats free of charge. Steps:
- Complete your booking.
- Request special assistance at least 48 hours before departure.
- Then go to Manage My Booking to choose your seat.
More information is on the seating support for passengers with disabilities page.
Changing or Cancelling Seats
- Changing Seats: You can change your seat up to check-in, subject to availability. You’ll pay the fare difference if the new seat is more expensive.
- Refunds: If British Airways changes your seat or cancels your flight, you may request a refund within 30 days.
Full policy details are here.