NOT getting advance seat assignments?

[Karmel96]

I just learned that AirTran, who were about 95% sure of using, only does advance seating for a fee ($5 per person, per one-way, which would be $40 extra for us). Otherwise, you can either pick your seats 24 hours prior to our flight or at the airport.
Has anyone done this before? Should I just bite the bullet and pay the $40 extra (if I can; Expedia has the cheapest flights, even lower than AirTran's website). I'm only concerned because of my two little ones; I don't want us all spread out over the plane!
Thanks!

 

[puffkin]

We're just going to wait until we check in. I don't want pay the extra money, I don't really care where we sit. I don't really see it being too large of a problem, especially if you can check in at 24 hours and reserve seats.

 

[ParrotBill]

I paid the 5 bucks. Made our reservation before this started but went back and did it after the fact. We're on a popular flight, the only nonstop from our city, and don't need the extra stress of checking in and finding I can't get seats together.

 

[seashoreCM]

Not perfect but familes can pre-reserve two seats for every three people to reduce the total seat reservation costs. The seat pairs would be aisle-window in a row and those family members would offer to trade (only to trade) for the seat in between for the purpose of bringing the third family member into it.

 

[Kimberle]

Really? I'm flying AirTran next week and have advanced seats. I didn't have to pay. Last year, we also got our seats ahead of time at no fee.

I've found, that even thought they don't always tell you what your seats are, they do assign them in advance. The only airline I've ever seen families have a problem getting seats together is DELTA.

 

[pjstevens]

I debated back and forth whether to pay the $5 pp for our flight down. really trying to budget as we'll be going back in December (and never in my life did I think I'd get to Disney twice in one year). I did the return flight as we won't be able to check in online. I guess I'll find out at 7 tomorrow morning what kind of seats we'll get. Hoping we are all togethers. I'll let you know.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Just booked my dads tix and after speaking directly with airline was "suggested" that if sitting together was important, to book the seats. , paid the extra $20 for r/t.
Also, take a look at seating arrangements, his plane was three on one side and 2 on other. Many of the aisles were taken, so if it worries you, I'd say BUY and be prepared!
Good Luck and have a great time!

 

[mika911]

I say pay $15 extra each for exit row.

 

[Brian Noble]

I just include AirTran's $5 each way fee in my fare comparisons. I do the same thing with Spirit's $5/bag each way. Often, these two still come out to be the least expensive options for me.

I would try to save the $5 only if you really can accept the fact that your kids may be sitting alone.

Edited to add: kids can't sit in exit rows, unfortunately, per the FAA.

 

[cdrn1]

I bit the bullet and paid it because we have two littles whose mama is a worry-wort. I still see plenty of empty "together" seats on the website. We are about a month out from our flight.

 

[Poohbear67]

I paid for the seat just because I am a frequant flyer and I have a huge problem with being in an enclosed area so I have to be infront of the wing and by a window so I am ok for the flights(not that I freak out) but just get my blood pressure riaising and my hands sweating etc. I am even thinking about bumping up to first class for r/t but got to see what that would cost first.

 

[Karmel96]

Thanks for all the tips! If DH will agree to it, I'll pay the extra $40 for all of us. If nothing else, I think I'll do it for the way home, since we won't be able to check in at the hotel the day before.
Thanks again!