Ever wondered how full your flight is? If you’re looking to avoid a packed cabin, hoping for an empty middle seat, or just planning ahead, our free Flight Seat Availability Checker lets you see real-time seat maps for any flight. It’s the fastest way to find out how many seats are left — and it’s totally free. It’s also perfect for frequent flyers looking for the best seat before boarding.

Note that seats marked as blocked (yellow) are usually reserved for status passengers, giving you valuable insights into flight occupancy and seat availability.

How To Use the Flight Seat Availability Checker

  1. Enter your flight details (Origin, Destination, Flight number, Departure date, Cabin)
  2. Tap on Search
  3. Instantly see the real-time seat map
  4. Use the color codes to understand how full the flight is. Hover over each seat to get more details.

FULL GUIDE: Seat Maps: Getting The Perfect Seat Even Before Booking

How Full Is My Flight? Seat Map Availability Checker

What the Seat Map Colors Mean

Color Meaning
Green / Empty Available seats
Red / Filled Occupied seats
Yellow / Filled Blocked by airline (e.g., for elites, families, or ops)

When To Check Seat Availability

1. Before Booking

Before booking a flight, it’s worth checking the seat map to see if your preferred seats are still available. On many long-haul flights, certain seats like bulkhead or exit row seats offer more legroom or better convenience, and they tend to go fast. Use the seat map tool to lock in the best option before they’re taken.

2. Before Boarding: Upgrade Your Seat

Many airlines now let you change your seat before boarding, often through their mobile apps. Using the seat map checker gives you a quick way to keep track of seat availability and switch to a better seat if one opens up. Don’t forget to check right before departure, as last-minute changes might give you access to more desirable spots.

3. 24 hours Before Departure: Did you get a Seat Block?

Some carriers will offer seat blocks to status passengers. For example, when a SAS EuroBonus Gold or Diamond member chooses their seat, the system may automatically block the seat next to them, preventing other lower tier passengers from choosing that seat. This is a fantastic perk since it gives you a lot more personal space on the flight, especially when travelling in economy.

Unfortunately this is never a guarantee though. A seat block may disappear at any time, for example if the flight is full or someone may get allocated the seat at check-in or boarding. However, with the seat map checker you can at least check if received a seat block.

4. Before Boarding

Look for open rows or better seats.

Bookmark Your Flight for Future Checks

Pro Tip: You can bookmark your seat map search for easy re-checking later. The search is saved in the URL, so you can revisit it anytime. To take full advantage of this feature, log in to your AwardFares account and keep an eye on seat availability as your flight date approaches.

How Full Is My Flight?

Checking the seat map for a flight can be a good indicator of how full a flight is, but when to check is key. Remember that just because there are many available seats, it doesn’t mean the flight isn’t full - especially when you check the seat map before the check-in time has started. Many travelers may not have had the chance to select their seat, for example, because of how they bought their ticket or because the airline charges for it. Therefore, those passengers may have their seats allocated at check-in time.

Find Award Flights Like A Pro

With our Gold and Diamond tiers, you can access premium features such as unlimited daily searches, alerts, seat maps, flight schedules, and more!

You can try AwardFares for free. We are rolling out new features and improvements regularly, so sign up for our monthly newsletter to stay on top of the latest news, announcements, and pro tips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How accurate is the seat map tool?

The seat map tool shows real-time data from the airline, but keep in mind that seat maps can change frequently as passengers select or change their seats and as airlines manage their inventory. It’s always a good idea to check again closer to your flight date.

2. Can I see how full my flight is using the seat map?

The seat map can give you an indication of how full the flight might be based on available seats. However, keep in mind that some passengers may not have selected their seats yet, especially if the airline assigns them at check-in.

3. Why are some seats marked as blocked?

Seats marked as blocked (usually in yellow) are often reserved for frequent flyers or passengers with elite status. Some airlines also block seats next to elite members to provide more personal space. These blocks may be released closer to the flight if needed.

4. When should I check the seat map?

It’s best to check the seat map when you’re considering booking, as well as a few days before your flight to see if better seats have opened up. Airlines often release premium seats or blocked seats closer to the departure date.

5. Can I use the seat map tool for all airlines?

The seat map tool supports many major airlines, but availability may vary. If you’re unsure whether your airline is supported, give it a try or check with the airline directly through their app or website.

6. Why does my flight show few available seats, but the flight isn’t full?

A low number of available seats on the map doesn’t always mean the flight is full. Many passengers may not have selected seats yet, especially if they’re waiting for check-in to open, or if they’ve chosen not to pay for seat selection in advance.

7. Can I reserve seats through the seat map tool?

No, the tool is only for checking seat availability. You’ll need to use the airline’s website or app to reserve or change your seat.

8. What happens if my seat block disappears?

Seat blocks can be removed if the flight becomes fully booked or if the airline decides to allocate those seats. It’s always worth checking again closer to departure to see if your seat block is still in place.

9. Does the seat map tool show premium cabin seats?

Yes, the seat map tool shows all available cabins, including Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class, depending on the flight configuration.