What to do about extra seat on flight (Icelandair)

Reality is they can put a person there when he doesn’t check in. This has been an issue with others in the past but you don’t get to keep the unused seat.

Hopefully you can change your seat reservation so that at least the two of you can sit together.

The only way to keep the extra seat is to check that person in. Then, at the gate, say you have purchased that seat and wish to keep it empty.

This is what happens when a person of size is forced to buy a second seat. The seat next to him is blocked off and no one should sit there.

I don't suggest doing what Frank recommends. When people check in and then don't board it creates an issue. If you want an extra seat for a person of size, I think you need to mention that when purchasing.

I don't know if you can change your seating, but sometimes when I book tickets, if the plane configuration has 3 seats together, I put us towards the back of the plane with the empty seat in the middle. It seems that, often, when Delta seats single travelers that didn't pay for an assigned seat, they start towards the front of the plane and the seat in our row may remain empty. Obviously, that's what Delta seems to do, and I have no idea how Icelandair handles it.

I would call Icelandair and explain the situation and perhaps they have some insight to share.

Checking that person in will not hold the seat, nor will telling them at the gate that you wanted to keep the seat empty. If you want to pay for that seat, there’s a process to go through to get it and guarantee it stays empty what Frank I’d suggesting is not that process.

The airlines assume this is going to happen and so oversell so your seat will probably get filled. If you would like to call the airline back and buy an empty seat so you would have the space, you have to call them, you have to explain what you’re doing and there’s a process, but just because your son is a no-show even if you check him in will not keep that seat empty regardless of what you might ask

My way worked for me in the past when a friend couldn't travel at the last minute. I spoke to the gate agent and the seat was left empty.

It is worth a call to Icelandair and see what they say.

You said you cannot get a refund, but can you get a credit? If so, I would certainly shoot for that. Otherwise, I would do what others suggest: call Icelandair and check on their policy. It seems a little incongruous that you would pay for a seat you cannot use, but not be allowed a refund.

"It seems a little incongruous that you would pay for a seat you cannot use, but not be allowed a refund."
I thought this happened all the time. It has happened to me. Isn't the point of non-refundable tickets that if you cannot use them, you cannot get a refund?

@pebell: You need to contact Icelandair and ask them if you can put your son's seat in your name. There was recently a question about this very thing on Icelandair on an air travel forum. The only way to get an extra seat is to buy one tied to your name. You have to make a special arrangement with the airline to do that. In your case, you may ask at check in to keep the seat for your self, but the airline can decline and if the flight is oversold, put someone else in that seat.

Thanks everyone for the helpful answers!