This article explains how and when you can choose your seat on British Airways, and what it may cost.
Can I choose my seat in advance?
Seat selection becomes available once your ticket is issued. Tickets are typically issued one to two months before departure. If you check before then and the airline tells you your flight isn't paid for yet, that's normal — it simply means your ticket hasn't been issued yet.
Once ticketed, you can request a seat by phone directly with British Airways. Seat selection isn't available online before ticketing.
Is there a cost?
Seat selection typically costs between $38–$48 and varies depending on the specific seat. In most cases, you can also select a seat for free at check-in, starting 24 hours before your flight.
How do I request a seat?
- By phone: Call British Airways at 1-800-247-9297 once your ticket is issued.
- Online: Visit British Airways' website once your ticket is issued.
Need help?
If you have questions about your airline's seating, we recommend you first visit the airline's website and use your confirmation number to access your reservation. If you run into trouble selecting a seat at that time, review the timeline information above, as you may be too early to select a seat. If you still have issues after that, reach out to our team and we'll help you sort it out.