Seat alerts from ExpertFlyer: A better seat on the plane
We understand that choosing an airline seat can be frustrating. Which is better, window or aisle? Standard seat or preferred seat? Should you fly with the wings or not? Select a seat or hope to score a great one at check-in?
Sometimes, your ideal seat may not be available when you book. And who has time to manually check a seat map multiple times a day leading up to a flight in the hopes that a better one opens up?
Fortunately, ExpertFlyer (owned by TPG’s parent company, Red Ventures) can do this automatically. ExpertFlyer offers a free membership that allows you to set alerts for window and aisle seats. In this guide, we’ll take you through exactly how to set up and use ExpertFlyer seat alerts.
What is ExpertFlyer?
ExpertFlyer is free for anyone to join, but it also includes two paid membership tiers that unlock expanded features and functionality. You can try ExpertFlyer for five days free if you are a new member. Here are the three ExpertFlyer membership levels:
Free
- : Set an alert for a notification if a more desirable seat opens up on your flight. You’re limited to one free alert at a time, but you can add more for $0.99 each.Basic
- ($4.99 per month): This plan offers additional features like award and upgrade inventory search and flight availability. You can set four seat alerts simultaneously, but you’re limited to 250 monthly queries.Premium
- ($9.99 per month or $99.99 per year): This plan includes flexible search options, unlimited queries, and the ability to create aircraft change and flight alerts. You can have up to 200 combined flight and seat alerts simultaneously.ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
For more information on ExpertFlyer, check out our ExpertFlyer guide. The remainder of this article will focus solely on ExperFlyer seat alerts.
Related: Where is the best seat on an airplane? How to select the best seat for your flight.
How do you set up an ExpertFlyer Seat Alert?
If you have signed up for ExpertFlyer you can still set a seat alarm.
You’ll need to gather your flight details before going to ExpertFlyer in order to set up a seat notification. Specifically, you’ll need the following information about your flight:
- Departure airport
- Arrival airport
- Date
- Airline name or International Air Transport Association code
- Flight number
- Class of service
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Once you have this information, log into your ExpertFlyer account and click “Create seat alert” from the homepage.
EXPERTFLYER
Next, enter your flight details and click “Search. “
EXPERTFLYER
A seat map for your flight should load, but you’ll want to click “Create seat alert.” Click “Create” and then enter a name for your alert. Select your criteria in the box that appears. “
EXPERTFLYER
If you are a free ExpertFlyer member using your free alert, you can only set up an alert for any seat, aisle seat or window seat. You can choose any seat in the exit row, two seats at once or specific seats if you’re a paid ExpertFlyer member. For example, you could set up an alert for either seat in the two-seat row by using the “Select specific seats” option and clicking on those two seats.
EXPERTFLYER
Once you create an alert, ExpertFlyer will email you if your desired seats become available. You can change your seat immediately if you receive an email. Open seats tend to get snapped up quickly, so acting quickly when you get an alert will maximize your chances of moving to a better seat.
Related: 8 reasons why you should always sit in an aisle seat on planes
When to set an ExpertFlyer seat alert
There are a handful of times when you may find yourself in need of a better seat, including the following scenarios:
- Your preferred seat type (aisle or window) isn’t available
- You’re stuck in a middle seat and prefer a window or aisle seat
- You can’t find seats together for you and your spouse/friend(s)/family member(s)
- You’d prefer a seat in a different part of the plane (like closer to the front for easy deplaning or closer to the back for restroom proximity)
- You want a specific seat, such as an exit-row seat or one in a two-seat row
United exit row seats provide extra legroom. You can use the ExpertFlyer Seat Alerts feature to change seats. It’s quick and free to do so and may let you snag a window or aisle seat.
Likewise, suppose you’re traveling with a friend or family member and can’t find two seats together. Upgrade to Basic or Premium ExpertFlyer Membership if you want to create a seat alert.
