Whether you’re looking for extra legroom, a window seat with a view, or a seat near the front of the plane for a quicker exit, the airlines have got you covered. The British Airways seat selection policy is easy to navigate, and the airline’s friendly staff is always available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
What options are there for seats on British Airways?
British Airways offers different seating options to cater to different passenger needs and budgets. Here are the options available to reserve seats on British Airways flights:
- Economy Class – British Airways economy standard seat selection is the standard seating option available on all British Airways flights. It provides a comfortable seat with a pitch of 29-31 inches and a width of 17.5 inches. Passengers can enjoy a variety of in-flight entertainment options and purchase food and drinks onboard.
Travel cabin | Seat dimensions | Armrests |
Economy: | ||
World Traveller (long haul) | 17” to 18”/43cm to 45cm | All armrests lift to some degree. On a few aircraft they stop at a 45-degree angle. |
Euro Traveller (short haul) | 17″ to 18″/43cm to 45cm | Two seats can be utilized together because all armrests can be fully raised. |

- Premium Economy – British Airways premium economy seat selection also known as World Traveller Plus, offers wider seats with more legroom than economy class. Passengers also get a separate cabin with a dedicated crew, priority boarding, and an enhanced dining experience.
Travel cabin | Seat dimensions | Armrests |
Premium Economy: | ||
World Traveller (long haul) | 18.5″/46cm | The armrests in the front row are permanent and not liftable. |
- Business Class – British Airways’ business class, known as Club World, provides a flatbed seat, priority check-in, lounge access, and an exclusive dining experience. Passengers can also enjoy a variety of entertainment options and a fully stocked bar.
Travel cabin | Seat dimensions | Armrests |
Business Class | ||
Club Europe (short haul) | 18″/45cm | All armrests lift. |
Club World (long haul) | 19 to 20.5”/48cm to 52cm | The armrests on these seats cannot be adjusted |
- First Class – British Airways’ first class, known as First, provides the most luxurious experience with a private suite, a fully flat bed, a personal wardrobe, and a dining experience that includes caviar and fine wines. Passengers can also enjoy a variety of entertainment options and a fully stocked bar. The cabin features a free seat selection with British Airways.
Travel cabin | Seat dimensions | Armrests |
First Class | ||
First | 22″/55cm | The arm rests are permanent because these seats are contoured individual units. |
It’s worth noting that British Airways seats availability may vary depending on the aircraft type and route, so it’s best to check with airlines.
What a seat map would look like on a British Airways flight? (map)
The configuration for British Airways seat selection may vary depending on the aircraft type and route. Here are some common configurations for their aircraft:
- Airbus A319-100 – The seating configuration for an Airbus A319-100 operated by British Airways typically includes a total of 132 seats. The specific configuration may vary depending on the cabin layout and class of service, but a typical configuration includes:
- 8 seats in Business Class
- 23-24 seats in Euro Traveller (Economy) Class
- Airbus A320-200 – The seating configuration for an Airbus A320-200 operated by British Airways typically includes a total of 168 seats. The specific configuration may vary depending on the cabin layout and class of service, but a typical configuration includes:
- 12 seats in Business Class
- 156 seats in Euro Traveller (Economy) Class
- Airbus A320 neo – The seating configuration for an Airbus A320-200 operated by British Airways typically includes a total of 180 seats.
- 62 seats in Club Europe
- 118 seats in Euro Traveller (Economy) Class
- Airbus A321-200 – British Airways offers a range of seat combinations, with 154 seats on long-haul routes and up to 177 seats on flights within the UK and Europe.
- 38 seats in Club Europe
- 116-139 seats in Euro Traveller (Economy) Class
- Airbus A321neo – This aircraft typically has two cabins: Club Europe (Business Class) and Euro Traveller (Economy). The seating configuration is usually:
- 56 seats in Club Europe
- 130 seats in Euro Traveller
- Airbus A350-1000 – The aircraft has a total seating capacity of 331 passengers. Here is a breakdown of the seating configuration:

- First Class – The A350-1000 has no first-class cabin.
- Club World (Business Class) – There are a total of 56 Club Suites on the A350-1000, arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. Each seat has direct aisle access and converts into a fully-flat bed.
- World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) – The A350-1000 has 56 World Traveller Plus seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. Each seat has a 38-inch pitch, 18.5-inch width, and a recline of 7 inches.
- World Traveller (Economy Class) – The A350-1000 has 219 World Traveller seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. Each seat has a 31-inch pitch, 17-inch width, and a recline of 6 inches.
- Airbus A380-800 – This aircraft typically has four cabins: First Class, Club World (Business Class), World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy), and World Traveller (Economy). The seating configuration may vary, but a common layout is:
- 14 seats in First Class
- 97 seats in Club World
- 55 seats in World Traveller Plus
- 303 seats in World Traveller.
- Boeing 777-200 with First Class – Here is the most common layout:
- First Class: 14 seats
- Club World (Business Class): 48 seats
- World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy Class): 40 seats
- World Traveller (Economy Class): 124 seats
- Boeing 777-200 LGW – The seating configuration for British Airways’ Boeing 777-200 LGW (London Gatwick) version is as follows:
- Club World (Business Class): 32 seats
- World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy Class): 48 seats
- World Traveller (Economy Class): 252 seats
- Boeing 777-200 ER – Here is an example of the seating configuration for a typical British Airways 777-200ER:
- Club World: 48 seats
- World Traveller Plus: 40 seats
- Economy Class: 184 seats
- Boeing 777-300 – Here is an example of the seating configuration for a typical British Airways 777-300:
- First Class: 8 seats
- Club World: 72 seats
- World Traveller Plus: 40 seats
- Economy Class: 132 seats

- Boeing 787 – 8 – Here is an example of the seating configuration for a typical British Airways 787-8:
- Club World: 35 seats
- World Traveller Plus: 25 seats
- World Traveller: 154 seats
- Boeing 787-9 – This aircraft typically has three cabins: Club World (Business Class), World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy), and World Traveller (Economy). A common seating configuration is:
- 8 seats in First Class Suite
- 42 seats in Club World
- 39 seats in World Traveller Plus
- 127 seats in World Traveller.
- Boeing 787-10 – There are 248 seats on board the aircraft. Here is an example of the seating configuration for a typical British Airways 787-10:
- First Class: 8 seats
- Club World (Business Class): 48 seats
- World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy): 35 seats
- World Traveller (Economy Class): 165 seats
- Embraer 190 – There are 98 seats on board the aircraft. Here is an example of the seating configuration for a typical British Airways Embraer 190:
- Club Europe: 42 seats
- Euro Traveller (Economy Class): 56 seats
How can I purchase seats on a British Airways flight Online?
To select a specific seating position, you can follow the directions given under the British Airways seat selection policy.
To easily choose your seats on British Airways, you can follow the steps given here:
- Go to the main website of this airline by keying in “britishairways.com” on your browser.
- On reaching this site, you can scroll past the booking box to find the tab “Manage My Booking”.
- Here, gives the required information like “Booking Reference” and “Last Name”.

- You can view the details of your reservation. To select the preferred British Airways seats, click on the “Seating” tab.
- Now, you can tap on the option “Choose Seats for this Flight”.
- Next, by following the on-screen instructions, you can pick the seat you want based on its availability and fare.
- After selecting your seat, you can continue with the payment procedure in the case of British Airways Economy seat selection. The other options usually do not charge a selection fee.
- Upon completion of the payment process, verify your positions to finish the selection process.
Please Note – Passengers can request under British Airways online check-in seats program.
How can I purchase seats on a British Airways flight via mobile app?
Download the British Airways mobile app and log in to your account. Select the flight you want to book and follow the prompts to choose your seats. Here are the steps to follow:
- At this page, Pessenger can download the British Airways mobile app and log in with your credentials.

- Once you have logged in, select the “Book” option from the main menu.
- Enter your departure and arrival destinations, dates, and the number of passengers traveling. Then, select the type of trip (one-way, round-trip, or multi-city).
- On the next screen, select the flight that best fits your travel plans, taking into account the departure and arrival times, the price, and any other factors that are important to you.
- Choose the class of service you want to travel in (economy, premium economy, business, or first class).
- On the next screen, you will be able to select your seats. If you have a British Airways Executive Club membership, you may be able to select your seat for free. Otherwise, you may need to pay a fee to reserve a specific seat.
- Once you have selected your seats, you will be prompted to enter your personal information, including your name, contact information, and payment details.
- Review your booking details, including the flight itinerary, seat selection, and total cost. If everything looks correct, confirm your booking.
- You will receive a confirmation email and/or push notification with your booking details, including your flight itinerary and confirmation number.
- That’s it! You have successfully booked your British Airways flight through the mobile app and selected your preferred seats.
How can I purchase seats on a British Airways flight through customer service?
Call British Airways seat selection phone number to book your flight and select your seats. You can find the customer service phone number on the British Airways website.
- Call the British Airways customer service number for your region. You can find the phone numbers on the British Airways website.
- Telephone: 1-800-247-9297
- Daily, 7 AM – 1 AM: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Once you are connected to a representative, provide your personal details such as your name, contact information, and flight details such as the departure and arrival cities, dates, and flight numbers.
- Let the representative know your seating preferences such as window or aisle seat, and any other special requests like extra legroom, seat location preferences (front or back), or dietary requirements.
- After providing your preferences, the representative will provide you with the available seats and prices. Verify the details and prices before proceeding.
- If you are satisfied with the details and prices provided, you will be asked to provide your payment details. You can pay by credit card, debit card or any other method specified by British Airways.
- Once your payment is processed, the representative will confirm your booking and provide you with a booking reference number. You can use this number to access your booking and make any changes if necessary.
- After booking, you will receive an email confirmation of your booking along with the details of your flight and seat assignments.
How can I purchase seats on a British Airways flight after I purchased my flight ticket?
That is simple to do, either when making your flight reservation or later through British Airways Manage Booking section. Follow these easy steps if you have a reservation:
- Check in to Manage My Booking.
- Choose your flight number from the list of “Your booking details.”
- Click on “See or change seats for this flight” under “Seating” and follow the on-screen directions.
How can I purchase seats on a British Airways flight while check-in in at the airport?
If you are unable to book your seats in advance, you can select your seats at the airport during check-in. However, it is recommended to book your seats in advance to ensure availability and your preferred location on the plane.
If you would like to book seats with British Airways through airport check-in, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the British Flight check in counter at the airport.
- Provide your booking details to the BA agent.
- You would be asked to select your preferred seat(s) from the available options.
- Pay any applicable seat reservation fees, if required.
- The agent will help you print the “Boarding Pass” to receive a copy of your boarding pass.
- If you are traveling with checked baggage, you can proceed to the bag drop area to check in your bags.
Can I change my seat with British Airways?
If you are traveling with British Airlines, you can switch seats at any time before takeoff, including during check-in. You can do this online through the British Airways Manage Booking section. Add to that –
- If you paid to select your seat, you may be required to pay the difference if you transfer to a more costly seat, as seat prices fluctuate.
- You will have to select your seats again if you change flights after selecting a seat.
- Depending on the Terms & Conditions, you might have to pay a fee to select a seat.
- You will be unable to change your seat on flights offered by another airline but operated by British Airways.
What happens if British Airways switches your seat?
Even after you’ve boarded the plane, the airline may need to modify your seat. British Airways make every effort to avoid this, but it may be necessary for a variety of reasons, such as
- A change of aircraft owing to operational, safety, or security concerns.
- Due to overbooking
You may request a refund if we are unable to provide you with an appropriate replacement for the seating you paid for.
Can I claim a refund on the seats that I paid?
Yes, you may be eligible for a refund on the seats that you paid for with British Airways, depending on the circumstances of your booking and the type of ticket you purchased.
When you can claim a refund
You can request British Airways seat selection refund within 30 days of the last flight on your schedule if you do the following:
- If you’re not pleased with the alternate seat the airline provided you.
- In the event where a flight is canceled by the airlines.
- When you no longer qualify for an exit row seat, and you notified airlines at least 48 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure time.
- You paid for a cabin upgrade, so you don’t want to pay more to choose your seat in the inferior cabin.
- There is no need to submit an application for a refund for your seat if British Airways has already rebooked your ticket within 48 hours of departure.
When you cannot claim a refund
You may not be eligible for a refund if –
- You request British Airways flight cancellation.
- When you are unable to get a refund
- In case you’re not eligible for an upgrade.
- If the seat type you have chosen, such as an exit row seat, is deemed inappropriate for you.
- You will be able to select an equivalent seat on your new flight if you decide to change your flight.
- If you accept a certificate for a future reservation that includes paid seating
- If you purchased a ticket for a British Airways-operated flight that was promoted by another airline and you decide to change flights.
What are the terms and conditions for paid seating with British Airways?
The terms and conditions for paid seating with British Airways vary depending on the specific type of paid seating that you select. Here is a general overview:
- All reserved seats are subject to availability and are only guaranteed after payment.
- Paid seating is offered on flights operated by British Airlines.
- Certain flights run by codeshare partners might not provide paid seating.
- Paid seating is only available for group reservations (bookings with more than 9 passengers) when they have been arranged directly with British Airways Group Sales.
Here is a general overview of the terms and conditions for some of the most common paid seating options:
- Standard Seat Selection – With standard seat selection, you can choose your seat in advance of your flight for a fee.
- Preferred Seat Selection – You can choose a seat in a more desirable location on the aircraft, such as a seat with extra legroom or a seat closer to the front of the cabin.
- Exit Row Seat Selection – You must meet certain criteria, such as being over 16 years old and able to assist in an emergency.
- Extra Legroom Seat Selection – You can choose a seat with more legroom than standard seats.
How much is the fee associated with seat assignment on British Airways?
Cash or Avios can be used to prepay for seat selection. In addition –
- Costs vary depending on the kind of seat and the cabin in which you travel.
- Pricing are displayed during the booking process and under Manage My Booking.
- Bulkhead seats are typically reserved for passengers who are disabled or those traveling with a baby (under two years).
British Airways seat reservation fee may range from around 10 USD to over 100 USD per person, per flight, depending on the seat’s location and other factors. The fee may be lower if you’re a member of the airline’s loyalty program or if you’ve booked a more expensive fare class.
Traveling in First Class – Seats in our First-Class cabin are always available at the time of booking.
Executive seat selection – Passengers are able to choose seats at different stages of travel, depending on their elite status
Tier | Seat selection | Exit Row seating |
Gold/oneworld Emerald | Free | Not applicable |
Silver/oneworld Sapphire | Free | Can be booked 24 hours before departure for free |
Bronze/oneworld Ruby | Free | Can be booked 24 hours before departure for free |
Blue | Free | Not applicable |
Flexible and semi-flexible tickets – More flexible tickets give you more freedom to adjust the day and time of your flight. Also, they offer free seat selection.
- You can choose your seats for free at the time of booking with flexible fares (Plus Flex).
- Seat selection is free starting 48 hours prior to departure with semi-flexible prices (Plus).
Family seating – Free seat selection British Airways would be applicable if passengers traveling within an infant.
Group of nine passengers – British Airways offers free seating when you travel in a group. While the airline makes we will make every effort to seat your group together, but not guaranteed.
The best way to find out the specific fee for your seat selection on British Airways is to visit their website, enter your booking details, and check the available options for your particular flight.
In Conclusion, British Airways offers a variety of options for seat selection, ranging from standard seats to seats with extra legroom, and even premium seats for those looking for a more luxurious flying experience. British Airways seat selection process allows passengers to customize their flying experience and ensure a comfortable journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your flight is heavily booked, British Airways may restrict seat selection to ensure that groups or families can sit together. In such cases, seat selection may only be available at the airport.
Go to the British Airways website and look for the “manage” section. Enter your reservation details. Choose the flight for which you want to select a seat, and follow the on-screen instruction to complete the process.
British Airways usually allows passengers to select their seats during the booking process. The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have to choose from.
If you are a light sleeper or prefer a quieter environment, you may want to choose a seat away from high-traffic areas such as the galley or lavatories.
If you want to reserve a preferred seat, you may be required to pay an additional fee, even if you have purchased a higher-fare class ticket.
The cost of a seat selection fee can vary depending on the airline, the specific flight, and the type of seat selected.
British Airways typically tries to allocate seats together for passengers who are traveling together on the same booking, but this is not guaranteed.
It is possible to change seats after checking in for a flight, but it may depend on several factors such as the airline, the type of ticket purchased, and the availability of seats.
Yes. If you have already checked in online, you may still be able to purchase a seat assignment by logging into your booking on the British Airways website or mobile app.
Yes, although the availability of seat changes may depend on a variety of factors such as the fare type you booked, how close you are to your flight departure date, and the availability of other seats on your flight.
It’s always a good idea to check with British Airways directly to confirm when you can select seats on your flight, as policies can change over time.
If you haven’t selected a seat in advance and wish to do so at the airport, you can usually speak with a representative at the check-in desk to choose your seat.
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