We understand that choosing an airline seat can be quite challenging. Window or aisle? Preferred seat or standard? Should you pick a seat or wait for a better one at check-in?
Often, your dream seat isn’t available at the time of booking, and manually monitoring the seat map multiple times a day is hardly feasible.
Luckily, ExpertFlyer (owned by Red Ventures, the parent company of Flying Frugal) automates this process. With a free membership, you can set alerts for preferred window or aisle seats. This guide will walk you through setting up and using ExpertFlyer seat alerts.
What is ExpertFlyer?
ExpertFlyer offers a free membership option alongside two paid tiers that provide enhanced features. New members can sign up for a free five-day Premium trial on the ExpertFlyer website. The membership options are:
- Free: Receive alerts if a more desirable seat opens up. You can set one alert at a time; additional alerts cost $0.99 each.
- Basic ($4.99/month): Access features like award and upgrade inventory searches. You can set four alerts simultaneously with a limit of 250 queries per month.
- Premium ($9.99/month or $99.99/year): Enjoy flexible search options, unlimited queries, and the ability to create alerts for aircraft changes and flights. You can have up to 200 combined flight and seat alerts.
For more details about ExpertFlyer, check out our comprehensive guide. The rest of this article will focus exclusively on ExpertFlyer seat alerts.
Related: Discover the best seat on an airplane and how to choose it.
How to Set an ExpertFlyer Seat Alert
Once you create your ExpertFlyer account, you can set a seat alert—even with a free membership. Gather your flight details before proceeding:
- Departure airport
- Arrival airport
- Date of travel
- Airline name or IATA code
- Flight number
- Class of service
After you have this information, log into your ExpertFlyer account and click “Create seat alert” on the homepage.
Next, fill in your flight details and click “Search.” A seat map for your flight will appear, where you can click on “Create seat alert.” In the pop-up, name your alert, select your criteria, and click “Create.”
As a free member, you can set alerts for any available seat, aisle, or window seat. Paid members can choose exit row seats, two adjacent seats, or specify particular seats. For instance, you can select both seats in a two-seat row using the “Select specific seats” feature.
Once you create the alert, ExpertFlyer will email you if your desired seats become available. If you receive an alert, act fast and visit your airline’s website or app to update your seat selection. Available seats are often taken quickly, so prompt action will maximize your chances of securing a better seat.
Related: Here are 8 reasons to always opt for an aisle seat on a plane.
When to Set an ExpertFlyer Seat Alert
There are several situations when you might want to find a better seat:
- Your preferred seat type (aisle or window) isn’t available.
- You’re stuck in a middle seat and would prefer an aisle or window seat.
- You can’t find seats together for you and your travel companions.
- You want a seat in a different section of the plane.
- You’re looking for specific seating options, such as an exit-row seat.
In any of these scenarios, ExpertFlyer’s seat alerts feature can assist you in securing a more favorable seat.
Related: Check out the top travel credit cards to add to your wallet.
Bottom Line
If you can’t select a suitable window or aisle seat for your next flight, consider registering for a free ExpertFlyer account (or a five-day Premium trial) to set a seat alert. It’s quick, free, and may help you land that ideal seat.
If you’re traveling with friends or family and can’t find two seats together, upgrading to a Basic or Premium membership might be worthwhile to set alerts for adjacent seats.
