One of the perks of certain levels of frequent flyer status is that seat selection is free. Now that I have dropped from that level, it is confronting to see that I have to pay for my favourite seat in business class.

Needless to say, having been used to getting it for free, I am reluctant to do it. That being said, there are arguments for and against forking over some cash, so let’s have a look at them.

Why I Should Pay For My Favourite Seat

I am spectacularly picky when it comes to seating on board a flight. For example, on Aer Lingus I always choose row 3 or 6 as the window is easy to look out of while sitting comfortably. While not vital, it is a consideration for me.


An even better reason is the food service. European airlines tend to run cabin service from front to back, and routinely run out of popular selections very quickly. Anyone sitting further back from the front won’t get their meal choice, and I like getting what I want. For me, this is a big factor as I eat everything on board.

Why I Shouldn’t Pay For My Favourite Seat

At the end of the day, everyone on the plane is going to the same place, so who cares? It’s business class, so the seats will be at the front and food will be served.


Priority boarding, lounge access and the extra luggage all come with the ticket, so the seat has no bearing on any of that. I should just save the money and take what I can get at check-in.

Overall Thoughts

Having to pay for my favourite seat – favourite really just being the seat as far forward as possible – is something I don’t really love doing. On airlines where I have never had it for free, such as Aer Lingus and Ryanair, sure, I go ahead and pay.

But in business class? When I am used to getting it for free? I am not sure whether I will go ahead and do it. Seems a little crazy in the grand scheme of things.

What about you? Are you someone who pays for seat selection or do you wait until check-in and get it free? Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.

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Featured image by Aero Icarus via Wikimedia Commons.