Hey there, travel enthusiasts! If you’re planning a trip with British Airways and wondering whether you need to reserve a seat in advance, you’re not alone. I’ve been caught off guard before—like when I assumed I’d get a decent seat on a flight to Rome, only to end up in the middle row! British Airways’ seat selection policy can feel a bit tricky, but it’s pretty flexible once you know the rules. Let’s dive into whether booking seats is mandatory in 2025, how it works, and some tips to snag your preferred spot. If you’re unsure about your booking, just call 844-928-0428—they’re great at clearing things up.

The short answer? No, you don’t have to book seats in advance on British Airways. If you skip selecting a seat during booking, BA will assign you one for free at check-in, either online (24 hours before departure) or at the airport. But here’s the catch: you might end up with a less-than-ideal seat, like near the galley or a middle spot on a long-haul. I learned this the hard way on a transatlantic flight when I got stuck next to the restroom—never again! Choosing your seat early gives you control, especially if you want to sit with your travel buddies or need specific accommodations.

Seat selection availability depends on your fare class. For most fares—Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Club World), and First—you can pick seats for free at booking, though some premium spots (like exit rows or bulkheads) cost extra, starting around £20-£60. Basic (Hand Baggage Only) fares, however, require a fee for seat selection at booking, or you wait for a free random assignment at check-in. I once booked a Basic fare to save money on a short hop to Amsterdam, paid £15 to pick an aisle seat, and it was worth it for the comfort. Not sure about your fare’s rules? A quick call to 844-928-0428 can confirm what’s included.

Executive Club members get perks here. Bronze members can select seats for free seven days before departure, while Silver and Gold members can do so right at booking, even on Basic fares. If you’re traveling with family or a group, BA’s policy ensures kids under 12 are seated with an adult, but pre-selecting seats avoids surprises. My family trip to Barcelona was stress-free because I locked in our seats early via the BA app. For accessibility needs, like wheelchair access or extra legroom, call 844-928-0428 at least 48 hours before to request specific seats—they’re super accommodating.

You can pick seats during booking on ba.com or the app, or later in “Manage My Booking” using your PNR. Fees vary by route and cabin—long-haul Business seats might cost more to reserve prime spots. If you’ve booked through a travel agent or codeshare partner (like American Airlines), seat selection might need to be done via BA’s site or the operating airline’s platform. I had a codeshare flight once where the partner’s site didn’t show BA’s seat map—calling 844-928-0428 sorted it out in minutes.

If you change your mind or upgrade cabins, you can often reselect seats, though fees may apply if you’ve prepaid for a specific spot. For Avios reward flights, seat selection follows the same rules as cash bookings, but availability might be limited for popular routes. Check early—seats open 355 days out.

My advice? Book seats early if you’re picky or traveling with others. Use tools like SeatGuru to check seat maps for quirks (like limited recline). If you’re flexible and on a short flight, waiting for free assignment might be fine. For long-hauls, though, I always pay to secure a good spot—it’s a game-changer.

In 2025, with BA’s expanded routes and updated app, managing seats is easier than ever. Whether you’re chasing a window view or just want to sit near your crew, you’ve got options. Need help figuring out fees or availability? Call 844-928-0428—they’ll guide you to the perfect seat!