---
title: "What is Seat selection fee? | Benefit Systems"
description: "A seat selection fee is a charge for choosing a specific seat before departure instead of having one assigned at check-in."
source: "aus dem gebauten HTML abgeleitet"
---
# What is Seat selection fee?

A seat selection fee is a charge for choosing a specific seat before departure instead of having one assigned at check-in.

Also called: Seat fee.

## How it works #

The fee is tiered by position in the aircraft and rises as departure approaches. Without paying, a seat is allocated automatically, which can split travelling companions. Elite members and higher fares are normally exempt. Several jurisdictions require that children be seated next to an accompanying adult without an extra charge.

## Not to be confused with #

A seat selection fee is not the same as an upgrade: the fee buys a different seat in the same cabin, an upgrade moves the passenger to another cabin.

## In German #

The German term is Sitzplatzgebühr. [German version of this term](/de/glossar/sitzplatzgebuehr)

## Related terms #

- [Ancillary revenue](/en/glossary/ancillary-revenue): Ancillary revenue is income from services stripped out of the ticket price and sold separately, such as bags, seats or changes.
- [Basic economy](/en/glossary/basic-economy): Basic economy is a network airline’s cheapest fare, with baggage, seat selection and changes stripped out of the price.
- [Exit row](/en/glossary/exit-row): An exit row is the seat row at an emergency exit, offering extra legroom and subject to legal requirements on who may sit there.

## Articles that use this term #

- [When do you have to pay to choose a seat?](/en/knowledge/seat-selection-fees)
- [What is basic economy and what’s missing?](/en/knowledge/basic-economy)
- [Is the exit row or bulkhead seat worth paying for?](/en/knowledge/exit-row-seats)
- [What do US airlines owe you when your flight is cancelled?](/en/knowledge/us-cancellation-rights)
- [How do you find out which aircraft you’ll get?](/en/knowledge/finding-your-aircraft)