A Smart Way to Get More Comfort on a Long Flight Without Paying for First Class
If you are facing a flight of more than three hours, there is a simple trick that can make your trip much more comfortable without spending the kind of money airlines charge for first class or even premium economy.
The trick is this: buy an extra seat.
A lot of travelers do not realize this is even possible, but airlines often allow you to purchase an empty seat next to you. It is not just for comfort, either. Musicians have done this for years when traveling with valuable instruments they do not want checked or crammed into an overhead bin.
But for regular travelers, especially on a long domestic flight, buying an extra seat can be a very smart travel move.
Why This Works So Well
The biggest advantage is simple: more space.
If you are traveling alone, having the seat next to you empty gives you extra elbow room, more breathing room, and a much less cramped experience.
If you are traveling as a couple, this can work even better on planes with three seats across. One person takes the window, the other takes the aisle, and the middle seat stays empty. That setup gives both travelers noticeably more comfort and a lot more personal space.
On a long flight, that can make a very big difference.
The Math Can Be Surprisingly Good
This strategy can also make financial sense.
For example, we recently looked at a coach fare on American Airlines from New York JFK to Los Angeles for $184. A first class ticket on the same route was $870.
So if two people bought three coach seats — window, empty middle, and aisle — the total would be:
3 x $184 = $552
Two first class seats would cost:
2 x $870 = $1,740
That is a difference of nearly $1,200.
No, you are not getting the meal service and all the extras that come with first class. But if your main concern is simply having more room and a more relaxed flight, three coach seats for two people may be all the comfort you need.
How It Works
On American Airlines, for example, an extra seat is often listed under the traveler’s last name followed by EXST.
So if John and Mary Smith were seated in 17A and 17C, the middle seat might show up as:
SMITH/EXST
That tells the airline the seat has been purchased as an extra seat and is not available for another passenger.
You may be able to arrange this online, but in many cases it is easier to call the airline directly so everything is handled properly.
A Common Question: Can the Airline Take the Seat Away?
Usually, no.
If you paid for the extra seat and it has been assigned to you, it is your seat. In general, the airline cannot simply give it to someone else because the flight is full.
As with most airline matters, safety, security, or operational issues could override that, but under normal circumstances, a purchased extra seat stays with the person who bought it.
A Few Things to Know
There are a few limitations to keep in mind.
An empty seat does not earn frequent flyer miles and is not eligible for upgrades. It also does not come with an additional checked baggage allowance.
In some cases, extra seats can be purchased using award miles. They can also be purchased for pets, although the pet carrier still has to remain on the floor.
Another nice little bonus is that an empty seat may be exempt from certain Passenger Facility Charges that apply only to occupied seats.
Our Take
For travelers who care more about comfort than luxury perks, this is one of the smartest airline tricks out there.
It is especially good for couples, nervous flyers, or anyone who dreads being packed into a tight row for hours. You are not flying first class, but you may get the part that matters most: extra room.
And on a long flight, that can be worth a lot.
Final Thoughts
Buying an extra seat is one of those travel tips that sounds unusual at first, but makes perfect sense once you think about it. If you are trying to make a long flight more comfortable without paying first class prices, it is well worth considering.
Before you book, call the airline and ask exactly how they handle extra-seat reservations. Policies can vary, and it is always best to make sure everything is done correctly.
But for the right trip, this can be a very clever way to fly more comfortably and save a substantial amount of money.