Reserving seats on Flights from US to Europe

There are two main factors at play here. First, what was the fare conditions of the fare that you purchased? Without exception, the lowest fare classes do no allow seat selection until just prior to, or at check in. On Air France, this would be the economy light fares.
Air France has the following policy for their economy fares.
"To provide you with the widest range of options, we offer an advanced seat selection service that allow you to book your Standard seat in the Economy cabin or your Premium seat in the Premium Economy cabin ahead of your flight. This paid service is available on all flights, from the time of booking until 30 hours before departure."

Secondly, what is the policy of each individual airline? You have to check. Sometimes having status or using frequent flier miles allows a person to select a seat.

Is your flight a code share purchased through another airline? Sometimes, at least in the past, it is possible to book through Delta on an Air France flight and be able to select seats as if it was a Delta flight. I haven't tried this recently so I can't promise that it still works.

One other item to consider is that while some airline tickets may now be refundable, seat selection fees rarely are.

When you say "reasonably priced tickets" I'm assuming you mean the cheapest ones. You'll find that not only can't you choose your seats, but in some cases you are limited as to how much baggage you can carry on. (As in no more than a personal item unless you pay more.)

To put it mildly, buying the cheapest seat may mean the middle seat for that long flight. Of course, you could pay a little more and choose your seats.

Thanks to those who replied. I am happy to pay a bit more for seat selection, but I don't see that option on the websites. I am also willing to pay for a bit more leg room and also do not see that option.

Booking directly on the airline's own website, or through some third-party site?

On the basic fare you don't have those options.

If you want to be able to book a seat at time of purchase, you have to buy a different fare.

If you want more legroom, you have to buy a premium economy ticket.

That basic fare ticket is based on the practices of some very budget European carriers.

I just looked at a Delta flight to London from LAX. It says that those flying in basic economy can purchase a seat 7 days prior to the flight. Or it will be assigned at check in. Additionally, that group is the last to board.

I always book directly on the Delta website and generally book Comfort + and always have a choice of seats. I can look at the seats before I purchase in case I am trying to decide between 2 dates. I haven't book main cabin or the basic economy but as the others said that might be the issue.

Hi shopper6006. You say " I am happy to pay a bit more for seat selection, but I don't see that option on the websites."
What sites are you using? I just went in to the United site and searched for LAX to FCO and it clearly shows the flights available, and for each flight shows the fare options and whether seat selection is included, along with an easy popup that shows the differences for each fare class (bags included, changeable, free seat selection, etc.).
From my experience, the Delta site has similar info. Or am I not understanding your question?

I start with Google Flights and drill down from there, they are quite upfront about the different "classes" of tickets within tickets. You want a seat and to check bags, and perhaps refundability? Tick this box and pay more.

If you are buying directly from the airline, you can usually pay to select your seat - in my experience you do not need an upgraded fare class, seat selection can be done as an add-on. This will vary by airline, though. And also code-share (like if you are buying it on American, but the flight is offered by Iberia) can complicate matters. Look at buying direct from the airline operating the flight, there will most likely be the option to pay for seat selection. 3rd party sights, you may be out of luck.

Just did this on TAP Portugal. Bought the cheapest fare, then paid additional for seat selection. Still cheaper than the more expensive ticket, because I didn't need the luggage allowance that came with the next level ticket. Also did it on Emirates (for trip to Greece).

Shopper6006,
How can we help you further? It seems, despite our best attempts at explaining the different fare types, we have still left you a bit confused. I don't want to see that happen.

Perhaps if you can tell us the specific dates and airlines you are considering, we can look on the websites ourselves and give you more specific help. Up to you, but if you still need help, keep asking.

If it helps, to speak specifically for Delta, they offer a Basic Economy as their lowest class of seating. It does not allow a seat selection, plus there are restrictions on baggage, and less refundability or change of tickets.

Next up is Main Cabin, this is standard fare, you can pick your seat, for International flights you get a checked bag, you escape change fees, but have to pay any fare difference.

From there, you have Comfort Plus, bit more leg room; Premium Select, basically First Class Light; then Delta One, a lay flat, private cubby that you will pay dearly for.

Probably what you want is Main Cabin, other airlines have rolled out similar schemes of seating as well.

Thanks to all of you. I think I understand now that I won't be offered seats until booking. You have all been very kind.

Hi, others have been very thorough but didn’t see it mentioned that if you book the main (not the cheapest version) or comfort plus, you can always go into your reservation after it’s booked and switch your seat within the same category. ( I am assuming you’re booking directly with the airline and not a 3rd party.)

As Pam mentioned, I will look at what’s available before I book. Sometimes I just wait until I’ve purchased it to go back in and obtain the seats I would like.

You could always go old school and place a phone call to the airlines. In my experience, Delta agents are usually very helpful.

Oh man. This is the new racket.

From what I'm finding trying to book a trip in September, the only way you can select seats with most airlines is to 1) book directly with the airline you are FLYING ON. Not the Airline that might take over for American in order to fly over the ocean (Lufthansa, Iberia, etc.) You'll need to book ALL flights with the carrier that you're paying. 2) You're going to have to pay. Either select whatever upgrade package they have that lets you select your seats (some are for a fee, some are free), or select the basic and pay later to select seats. 3) You're going to have to pretend you're booking the flight to get to the part where you can add seats. Meaning select your flights, add your family members' names, etc. Then you should be given the option to select seats. This is where you find out what you get for your upgrade package. Because even though you pay for a package that lets you select your seat, some seats are STILL extra. Seats on exit aisles for example. If it's British Airways, any "twin seats (what they call it when there are only 2 seats next to each other)" are extra. If the seat is an inch larger than the one next to it... extra.

If you're still wanting to book a flight, say through American... but the flight is actually operated by British Airways, Air Canada, Iberia, etc., you'll have to actually complete the booking, pay the money, in order to find out how much the other airlines are going to milk you for seat selection. I did this the other day. I had to purchase 2 tickets for $1200 in order to find out that British Airways wanted a total of $500 for all of the seat selections, plus $160 for a single checked bag. So I canceled that before my 24 hours was up.

A few years ago I was considering a British Airways flight but changed my mind when I realized that airline's seat-selection fee was higher than anyone else's. I don't know whether that's still the case.

You're right that it smells like a racket.

BA is probably one of the priciest when it comes to seat selection. I was so excited to find a flight for about 1200-1300 until I realized that BA didn't honor American's seat selection costs.

That's the issue that bums me out the most. In any other case it'd be robbery.

Imagine buying a car and adding an extra $500 for a Deluxe Package that included heated seats, a sunroof, and a navigation system... but when the car is delivered, you find out that you have to have the navigation system installed by someone else and they can charge you whatever they want. That's the airline partnership system right now.

I fly on Delta and always select my seats. It’s not a racket like it is on other airlines.

I overlook Basic Fares and just buy the package that includes checked luggage and sear assignments. My Parents are Senior Citizens and I do not want a middle seat or carry on suitcases and carryon items. The $$$ is worth it in gold to buy it at the time of booking even if it means one less restaurant meal.

I have seen people on Basic fare lose. their liquids thar costed more rhan rhe fee to check their bag and was charged more to check it in at the airport. The passenger yelled at the agent about hos middle seat on a full flight

Guess what happened to me who paid the small price for Main Cabin? I got upgraded to Business Class as a single passenger to make room for a Family.