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Can You Choose Seats for Free on Thai Airways

This is one of the most common questions we hear: “Is Thai Airways seat selection free” The answer, like many things in air travel, is: it depends. Thai Airways, like most full-service carriers, has moved towards a model where the most discounted tickets do not include complimentary advance seat selection. However, “free” seat selection is absolutely available to a significant number of passengers. It’s not a universal rule, but a privilege extended based on the value of your ticket and your loyalty to the airline. Understanding where you fall in this spectrum can save you from surprise fees and help you plan better. If you are someone who values choosing a specific seat like a window for sleeping or an aisle for frequent trips to the lavatory knowing how to qualify for free selection is incredibly important.

So, who gets to choose seats without paying extra Firstly, passengers traveling in premium cabins Business Class and First Class almost always enjoy complimentary seat selection at any time after booking. Their tickets are priced to include this and many other conveniences. Secondly, members of the Royal Orchid Plus frequent flyer program, particularly those with Silver, Gold, and Platinum status, are granted free seat selection, even when flying in Economy Class. Their loyalty is rewarded with this perk. Thirdly, passengers who purchase higher-tier Economy fares, such as “Economy Flex” or “Full Fare Economy,” often find that advance seat selection is included in their fare. Finally, for all other passengers, there is almost always a window for free seat selection at online check-in, which typically opens 24 to 48 hours before departure. During this time, you can often pick from the remaining available seats at no charge.

• Premium Cabin Passengers: Travelers in Business or First Class can select any available seat in their cabin for free.

• Frequent Flyer Elite Members: Royal Orchid Plus Silver, Gold, and Platinum members receive complimentary seat selection across all cabins.

• Full-Fare Economy Tickets: Passengers on flexible, refundable Economy tickets usually have free seat assignment included.

• The Check-In Window: The most widely available method for thai airways seat selection free is during the online check-in period. While the best seats may be taken, it’s a no-cost option for everyone.

Does Thai Airways Charge a Fee for Seat Selection

Yes, Thai Airways does charge a fee for seat selection for many passengers, particularly those holding the most restricted and discounted Economy fare tickets. This is a standard practice across the industry to differentiate service levels and keep base fares competitive. The Thai Airways seat selection fee is not a penalty, but rather a payment for the convenience of securing your preferred spot in the cabin well before your flight. The cost is variable and depends on several key factors, making it a flexible rather than a fixed expense. If you are traveling on a tight budget but have a strong seat preference, it’s wise to factor this potential fee into your overall travel budget. The fee structure is transparent and will be clearly displayed to you before you confirm your seat choice on the website or app.

The amount you pay is influenced primarily by the route (short-haul vs. long-haul), the specific seat’s desirability, and the cabin you’re flying in. For example, selecting a standard aisle seat on a regional flight within Asia will cost significantly less than securing an Thai Airways extra legroom seats on a long-haul flight to Europe. These extra legroom seats, often located in exit rows or at the front of the Economy cabin, command a premium fee due to the enhanced comfort they offer. The fee is typically presented as a per-person, per-segment charge. This means if you have a connecting flight, you may need to pay a separate fee for each leg of your journey where you wish to select a seat in advance. It’s always best to review the final cost breakdown before proceeding with payment.

Passengers often pay fees for:

• Exit row seats

• Front-row economy seats

• Thai Airways extra legroom seats

Seat selection fees are clearly shown before confirmation, which helps avoid surprises. Fees are usually non-refundable unless Thai Airways changes the aircraft or seating plan.

Typical seat selection fees

• Short-haul flights: lower fees

• Long-haul flights: higher fees

• Extra legroom seats: premium pricing

Tips to avoid fees

• Book early and choose standard seats

• Select seats during check-in

• Use loyalty benefits

• Ask Airlines Deals Hub +1-855-662-5620 about bundled deals

When Can You Select Seats on Thai Airways Flights

Timing is everything when it comes to securing the seat you want. The Thai Airways seat selection timeline offers multiple opportunities, each with its own advantages and limitations. Knowing these windows allows you to strategize. For the planner who wants certainty, acting early is best. For the flexible traveler on a budget, waiting might yield a free option. The process is not a single moment but a phased approach that aligns with your booking journey and the airline’s operational schedule. From the instant you get your confirmation email to the moment you receive your boarding pass, you have several chances to influence where you sit.

The first and most obvious window opens immediately after you book your flight. If your fare type or status allows it, you can proceed directly to the seat map and make your selection right then and there. This is the prime time for getting the pick of the litter those window seats with unobstructed views or aisle seats away from the galley. If you couldn’t select a seat at booking (perhaps due to fare restrictions), the next best window is to keep checking your booking in the weeks and days leading up to the flight. As the departure date nears, the airline often releases previously blocked seats, and other passengers may change their plans, freeing up new options. The most significant free-for-all, however, happens when online check-in opens, usually 24 to 48 hours before takeoff. At this point, most remaining seats become available for free selection to all passengers checking in. This is a critical moment for those who didn’t pay for advance selection.

• At Time of Booking: The ideal time for the widest selection, provided your fare permits it.

• Post-Booking via Manage Booking: Continuously monitor your reservation for newly available seats as the flight date approaches.

• Online Check-In Opening (24-48 hours pre-flight): The primary window for free seat selection for all passengers, regardless of fare type.

• Airport Check-In: The final opportunity, where an agent can assign you a seat from what’s left. Choice is very limited at this stage.

How Do You Select Seats on Thai Airways Online or via the App

Completing your Thai Airways seat selection online is a straightforward process designed for user convenience. Whether you’re on a desktop computer or using your smartphone, the steps are intuitive. Let’s walk through them together, so you feel confident navigating the system. The official Thai Airways website and their mobile app are the two primary channels for managing your seat, and both are synchronized in real-time. Before you begin, have your booking reference (or e-ticket number) and your last name handy. This is your key to access your itinerary in the Thai Airways manage booking portal.

Step-by-Step Guide for Online Seat Selection:

1. Visit the Thai Airways Website: Go to www.thaiairways.com and look for the “Manage Booking” or “My Booking” tab, usually located at the top of the homepage.

2. Retrieve Your Booking: Enter your booking reference (6-character code) and your surname. Click to access your itinerary.

3. Navigate to Seat Selection: Within your booking summary, you will see options for each passenger and flight segment. Look for a button or link that says “Select Seat,” “Choose Seat,” or “Seat Map.”

4. View the Interactive Seat Map: Clicking the link will launch a visual map of the aircraft cabin for your specific flight. Available seats will be shown in green. Taken seats are marked in red or gray. Seats with extra legroom or other premium features may have a different color (like blue) and a fee amount displayed on them.

5. Choose Your Seat: Click on your desired available seat. A pop-up or sidebar will often confirm the seat details and any associated fee. If you’re selecting for multiple passengers, you may need to assign seats one by one or choose them together if the system allows group selection.

6. Review and Pay (If Applicable): The system will show a summary of your selection and the total cost if a fee is required. Review this carefully. Proceed to the secure payment gateway if needed. You can use credit/debit cards for this transaction.

7. Confirmation: Once completed, you will receive an on-screen confirmation and your updated itinerary will reflect your chosen seat number. It’s a good idea to take a screenshot for your records.

If online tools feel confusing, Airlines Deals Hub +1-855-662-5620 is a friendly option.

Are Seat Selection Fees Different by Fare Type or Cabin Class

Absolutely. The Thai Airways seat selection fee structure is not one-size-fits-all; it is intricately tied to the type of ticket you purchase and the cabin you are flying in. This tiered approach is central to the airline’s revenue and service model. In simple terms, the more flexible and expensive your ticket, the more likely it is that advance seat selection is included for free. Conversely, the more discounted and restricted your ticket, the more likely you will need to pay an extra fee to choose your seat before check-in. It’s a direct trade-off between upfront cost and convenience.

Let’s break it down by cabin:

• Economy Class: This is where the most variation occurs.

  • Promo/Saver Fares: These are the most discounted tickets. Seat selection fees almost always apply for any advance seat choice. Free selection is only during check-in.

  • Standard/Classic Fares: Mid-tier fares might include free standard seat selection, but may charge for premium seats like exit rows.

  • Flex/Full Fares: These refundable, flexible tickets typically include complimentary seat selection for any available seat in the Economy cabin at the time of booking.

• Premium Economy Class: On aircraft that feature this cabin, seat selection is usually included in the fare for all ticket types, given its premium nature over standard Economy.

• Business Class & First Class: Seat selection is a fundamental part of the premium experience. No fees apply for any seat in these cabins, regardless of fare type. Passengers can select their seat be it a window suite or an aisle seat at any time after booking.

Furthermore, the specific fee amount for those who do pay can also vary within the Economy cabin. A middle seat at the back of the plane will be cheaper than an aisle seat in the front few rows. The most expensive seats are invariably the Thai Airways extra legroom seats. These are officially branded as “Preferred Seats” or “Exit Row Seats” and come with a significantly higher fee, reflecting the tangible benefit of several extra inches of space for your legs. Always review the seat map carefully, as it will display the exact fee for each seat category before you click to select.

Which Are the Best Seats on Thai Airways Economy Class

Choosing the “best” seat in Thai Airways Economy Class is subjective and depends entirely on your personal travel priorities. Are you a sleeper who wants minimal disturbance A nervous flyer who prefers being near the wings A tall passenger desperate for more space By understanding the layout of common Thai Airways aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350, you can make an informed choice. Let’s explore the pros and cons of different zones in the Economy cabin to help you decide what “best” means for you.

For quiet and smooth rides, the seats over the wings are often recommended. This area tends to experience less turbulence and is closer to the middle of the aircraft. However, the view from the window might be partially obscured by the wing structure. For quick exit and bathroom access, an aisle seat in the front few rows or near the mid-cabin lavatories is ideal. You’ll be among the first to disembark and won’t have to climb over sleeping neighbors. For undisturbed sleep and views, a window seat away from the galleys and lavatories is perfect. Look at the seat map to identify where the lavatories are (usually at the very back and in the middle) and try to avoid the rows immediately in front of them. The very last rows are often the least desirable due to proximity to lavatories, limited recline, and sometimes more noise from the galley.

Now, let’s talk about the holy grail for many: Thai Airways extra legroom seats. These are objectively some of the best seats in Economy if you value space. They are typically found in:

• Exit Rows: The rows immediately next to emergency exits. These offer tremendous legroom. Be aware that there are strict criteria to sit here (you must be able-bodied, over a certain age, and willing/able to assist in an emergency). Your carry-on baggage must also be stowed in the overhead bins for takeoff and landing.

• Bulkhead Rows: The first row of the Economy cabin, behind a physical divider. These seats offer more legroom and no one reclines into you. They are often reserved for families with infants (bassinets are mounted on the bulkhead), so they can be noisy. Armrests are usually fixed and tray tables are in the armrest, making them slightly narrower.

Pro-Tip: Use detailed aircraft seat review websites to look up the exact seat map for your specific flight number and aircraft type. These sites often have user-submitted photos and notes about specific seat advantages or drawbacks, like misaligned windows or proximity to noisy areas.

What Are the Best Seats on Thai Airways Business and First Class

In the premium cabins of Thai Airways, the concept of a “bad seat” virtually disappears. However, there are still nuances that can elevate your experience from excellent to exceptional. Thai Airways is renowned for its serene, hospitality-focused service in Business and First Class, often featuring fully-flat beds, direct aisle access, and luxurious amenities. Your choice here is less about avoiding negatives and more about optimizing for your preferred style of travel whether it’s maximum privacy, easy interaction, or the best dining experience.

In Royal Silk Class (Business Class) on modern aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, giving every passenger direct aisle access. The best seats often come down to privacy versus convenience.

• Window Suites (Odd-numbered rows like 11A, 11K): These are often considered the best for solo travelers. You get a console and storage on one side and a wall on the window side, creating a very private cocoon. You are also furthest from the aisle traffic.

• Center Seats for Couples (Even-numbered rows like 12E, 12F): These pairs of seats are close together, with a privacy divider that can be lowered. They are perfect for travel companions who wish to interact easily during the flight.

In Royal First Class, the experience is even more exclusive, with only a handful of suites on aircraft like the 747-400 and A380. Here, every seat is phenomenal, but front-row suites (like 1A or 1K) can feel even more spacious and are often the first for disembarkation. On the iconic Airbus A380 upper deck, the solitude and quiet are unparalleled.

A key consideration in both cabins is the service flow. Seats closer to the front are typically served first for meals. If you like to eat immediately and then sleep, a forward seat is ideal. If you prefer to sleep first and eat later, a seat further back might be better. Also, consider proximity to the galley and lavatories; while these areas are much quieter than in Economy, being immediately next to them could mean a bit more light and activity. Ultimately, in premium cabins, your Thai Airways seat selection is about curating your personal inflight sanctuary.

Can You Change or Upgrade Your Seat After Booking on Thai Airways

Yes, you absolutely can change or upgrade your seat after your initial booking with Thai Airways. This flexibility is a key part of managing your travel plans. The process and costs involved differ significantly between a simple seat change and a full cabin upgrade.

Changing Your Seat: If you simply want to move from one seat to another within the same cabin class (e.g., from a middle seat in Economy to an aisle seat in Economy), you can usually do this via the “Manage Booking” section online or on the app. If you originally paid a seat selection fee, you may be able to change to another seat in the same price category without an additional charge, subject to availability. If you move to a more expensive seat type (like switching from a standard seat to an exit row), you will need to pay the price difference. If you had a complimentary seat, you can typically change it freely as long as other standard seats are available.

Upgrading Your Seat (Cabin Upgrade): This is where Thai Airways upgrade to business class online or to Premium Economy becomes relevant. A cabin upgrade means moving from Economy to Premium Economy, or from Premium Economy to Business Class, etc. Thai Airways offers several paths for this:

1. Paid Upgrades: You can often check upgrade availability and prices through “Manage Booking.” The Thai Airways upgrade price varies dramatically based on route, demand, time before departure, and your original fare. It can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. This is usually the most straightforward way to secure an upgrade.

2. Bid to Upgrade: Thai Airways frequently operates a bidding system called “Royal Upgrade by Bid.” After booking, you may receive an email invitation to place a confidential bid for an upgrade to the next cabin. You specify the amount you’re willing to pay, and if your bid is accepted, your card is charged and your seat is changed.

3. Mileage Upgrades: As a Royal Orchid Plus member, you can use your accumulated miles to request an upgrade, subject to availability on your flight. This is often a great value if you have a stockpile of miles.

4. Airport Upgrades: Sometimes, last-minute paid upgrade offers are available at the check-in counter or departure gate. These can be discounted but are highly unpredictable.

For any change or upgrade, the golden rule is to act through the official Thai Airways manage booking portal or by contacting their reservations directly to ensure your ticket is correctly reissued.

Does Thai Airways Allow Seat Selection at Check-In

Yes, seat selection at check-in is not only allowed but is a fundamental part of the process. In fact, for passengers who have not selected a seat in advance (either due to fare restrictions or by choice), the check-in period is their first and best opportunity to choose a seat for free. Thai Airways’ online check-in opens 24 hours before scheduled departure and remains open until a few hours before the flight. During this window, you can access the seat map and pick from any remaining available seats at no additional cost. This is how Thai Airways seat selection free becomes a reality for budget-conscious travelers.

The key thing to understand about seat selection at check-in is the trade-off: you gain a free seat assignment, but you sacrifice choice. The most desirable seats exit rows with extra legroom, window seats in quiet zones, and seats together for groups are almost always taken by passengers who paid for advance selection or were eligible for complimentary selection. What remains are typically middle seats, seats at the very back near the lavatories, or seats that are separated from your travel companions. However, if you are a solo traveler or are not particular about your location, this can be a perfectly good option. The process is simple: as you complete online check-in and receive your boarding pass, you will be prompted to choose a seat from the available map. If you don’t choose one, the system will automatically assign you one.

At airport check-in (either at a kiosk or with an agent), the same principle applies, but the selection is even more limited. The agent can see the final seat map and can assign you an available seat. You can politely ask if any aisle or window seats are left, or if any seats have opened up together for a group. Being courteous can sometimes help, but the options are dictated by what’s left in the inventory. Therefore, while Thai Airways does allow seat selection at check-in, relying on it means embracing uncertainty.

What Happens If You Don’t Select a Seat on Thai Airways

If you take no action towards Thai Airways seat selection you don’t pay for a seat, you’re not eligible for a free one, and you don’t manually choose one during check-in the airline’s system will not leave you seatless. You will be automatically assigned a seat before departure. This assignment is typically done by the airline’s computer algorithm during the check-in process or at the airport. The primary goal of this algorithm is to balance the aircraft’s weight and ensure operational efficiency, not to optimize for passenger comfort or group seating.

This means you could be assigned any remaining seat on the plane. Often, these are the least popular seats: middle seats, seats at the very back, or seats separated from your family or friends. If you are traveling with others on separate bookings and don’t select seats, it is highly unlikely you will be seated together unless the flight is very empty. For solo travelers, it might be a gamble that pays off with an okay seat, but it’s a gamble nonetheless. The auto-assignment usually happens in the 24-48 hours before the flight, so you might not know your seat number until you check in.

The key takeaway is that not selecting a seat means relinquishing control. For a short flight, this might be an acceptable risk. For a long-haul overnight journey, ending up in a middle seat in the last row could significantly impact your comfort and rest. Therefore, we highly recommend actively engaging with the seat selection process, even if it’s just taking the 60 seconds to pick a free seat during online check-in. It’s a small step that guarantees you have a say in your inflight experience. Remember, tools like the Thai Airways manage booking portal are there for you to use.

FAQs (Frequently Aksed Questions)

1. Is Thai Airways seat selection free for Royal Orchid Plus members
Yes, members with Silver, Gold, or Platinum status in the Royal Orchid Plus program enjoy complimentary seat selection in any cabin they are flying, including Economy. This is a valuable benefit of loyalty.

2. Can I select a bassinet seat for my infant online
Bassinets are attached to bulkhead walls. While you can often select a bulkhead seat online, the actual allocation of bassinets is usually managed by Thai Airways staff. It is strongly recommended to select a bulkhead seat online and then call Thai Airways reservations afterward to confirm bassinet availability for your infant.

3. What are "Preferred Seats" and are they worth the fee
“Preferred Seats” are Thai Airways’ term for seats with extra legroom, typically exit rows or bulkhead rows. Whether they are worth the fee depends on your height, the flight duration, and your budget. For a long-haul flight, the extra space can dramatically improve comfort and is often considered a worthwhile investment.

4. How do I know if my fare includes free seat selection
During the booking process on the Thai Airways website, before you pay, the fare conditions will be listed. Look for “Seat Selection” in the inclusions. Typically, “Flex” fares include it, while “Promo” or “Saver” fares do not. You can also check your fare rules after booking in “Manage Booking.”

5. I’m traveling with a group. How can we ensure we sit together
The best strategy is to book together on a single reservation. If that’s not possible, try to book at the same time and link the bookings by calling Thai Airways. Select seats immediately upon booking, even if it means paying a fee for some members. As a last resort, check in online the minute it opens to grab free seats together.

6. Can I get a refund on my paid seat selection fee if I change my flight
This depends on the reason for the change and the fare rules. If you voluntarily change your flight, the seat selection fee is typically non-refundable but may be applied to your new flight if the same seat type is available. If Thai Airways changes your schedule significantly, you are usually entitled to a refund. Always contact them for clarification.

7. What is the best way to find a cheap upgrade price
The most reliable ways are to monitor the “Upgrade” option in your “Manage Booking” portal regularly, as prices can fluctuate, or to participate in the “Royal Upgrade by Bid” program if invited. Setting up fare alerts for business class on your route can also give you an idea of when low paid upgrade offers might appear.

8. Are there any seats I should definitely avoid on Thai Airways
Seats to be cautious of include the last rows (limited recline, near lavatories), seats immediately in front of lavatories (people may queue near you), and some rear bulkhead seats where the proximity to the galley can mean more light and noise. Checking seat review websites for your specific aircraft is the best defense.

9. Does Thai Airways offer discounts on seat selection or upgrades during sales
Yes, Thai Airways occasionally runs promotions that can include discounted or bundled seat selection offers, or special upgrade sales. This is where keeping an eye on official channels like Airlines Seat Hub or signing up for Thai Airways newsletters can be beneficial. Major events can also trigger special travel deals.

10. I’m planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Can I book my Thai Airways seats now
While specific FIFA World Cup 2026 flight deals with discounts up to 50% off are likely to be announced closer to the event (2025-2026), you can absolutely book flights as schedules are released, usually around 11 months in advance. Our advice is to book a flexible fare that allows changes, and then select your seats immediately. You can then watch for special promo deals or seat sales that might be launched for the event and adjust your booking if needed. For complex event travel, using the Thai Airways manage booking tool or speaking to a travel agent specializing in sports travel is wise. For the latest offers, always check the official Thai Airways website or trusted partners.