Buying a Second Seat on U.S. Airlines: What You Need to Know

Traveling can be a rewarding experience, but for some passengers, the comfort of personal space is essential. If you’re a plus-size traveler or simply someone who prefers a little extra room, purchasing a second seat on a U.S. airline may be a viable option. Recent changes in airline policies, especially by Southwest Airlines, have made it crucial to understand how to navigate this process effectively. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to buy a second seat across various U.S. airlines.

In January 2024, Southwest Airlines will implement a new policy requiring passengers who need an extra seat to pay for it in advance and request a refund afterward. Previously, passengers could often receive a complimentary extra seat at the gate, but this option will no longer be available. If you plan to travel with Southwest, it’s important to purchase your additional seat ahead of time to ensure you have the space you need.

Southwest is not alone in offering extra seating options; most major airlines do allow passengers requiring additional space to purchase a second seat. However, each airline has its own policies and procedures. Here’s how the rules differ among the major carriers:

Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines allows all passengers to buy an additional seat, referred to as a “comfort seat.” You can purchase this seat via phone, and standard ticketing fees are waived. It’s recommended to buy the extra seat at the same time as your first, but you can do so anytime before your flight. If you use a Companion Fare voucher or your Atmos Rewards points, make sure to book both seats on the same reservation. After your travel, if you purchased the comfort seat due to size requirements and there were unsold seats on your flight, you can request a refund for the second seat.

American Airlines
To book a second seat with American Airlines, you must call their reservations directly. The second seat must be purchased at the same fare and in the same fare class as the first. If you booked your first seat using AAdvantage miles, you can redeem miles for the second seat as well. However, if you pay cash for the additional seat, you won’t earn miles on that purchase. Remember, both seats need to be booked for the entire itinerary, not just one segment.

Delta Air Lines
Like American and Alaska, Delta requires passengers to call to book an extra seat. You can redeem Delta SkyMiles for the second seat, but you won’t earn miles on tickets purchased for excess baggage or additional space. Avoid basic economy tickets if you plan on booking two adjacent seats, as these do not come with advance seat assignments.

Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines encourages passengers who need extra space to book two seats before traveling. You can inquire about this option through their online chat system, which has replaced their customer service phone line.

Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines allows you to book extra seats online during the initial booking process, but these seats are not guaranteed to be adjacent. If you want to ensure that your extra seat is next to your original seat, contact their reservations team.

JetBlue Airways
JetBlue makes it easy to purchase an extra seat online. When booking your flights, simply select the number of adults traveling and indicate that one seat is for yourself while leaving the second seat as an “empty seat.” You can pay for this extra seat using JetBlue TrueBlue points or a combination of cash and points.

Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines has straightforward rules for purchasing a second seat. You can use your name for both tickets and select your desired seat assignments. This policy applies whether the extra seat is needed for personal space or any other reason. You can use Free Spirit points for this purchase, but you won’t earn points on the additional seat.

United Airlines
United Airlines allows passengers to buy an extra seat via phone and offers the option to redeem MileagePlus miles for the additional seat. If you pay cash, you will earn miles but not Premier qualifying points. United also permits a doubled checked baggage allowance for those who purchase an extra seat, although a double change fee will apply if your plans change.

Navigating the New Policies
With changing policies, especially at Southwest, it’s essential to stay informed. As of January 27, 2024, Southwest will transition to assigned seating, and customers are encouraged to purchase an extra seat in advance. If you arrive at the airport without a pre-purchased additional seat, you will have to buy one at the current fare, and if the flight is full, you may be rebooked on another flight.

Conclusion
Traveling comfortably is a priority for many, and purchasing a second seat can provide the extra space needed for a pleasant journey. As policies vary among airlines, it’s crucial to understand the specifics of each carrier before booking your flight. By planning ahead and being aware of your options, you can ensure a more comfortable travel experience.