Use our free seat map checker to quickly check how full your flight might be. Whether you’re booking a new flight or tracking seat availability closer to departure, our tool lets you see blocked and available seats in real-time. Perfect for frequent flyers or travelers looking to snag 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.

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

Tips for Using Seat Maps: Why and When to Check

Find A Good Seat 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.

Upgrade Your Seat Before Boarding

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.

Check If You’ve Received 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.

Check How Full A Flight Is

Just because there are many available seats doesn’t mean that the flight isn’t full - especially when you are checking the seat map before the check-in time has started. Many travellers may not have had to 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. Even so, checking the seat map for a flight can be an indicator of how full a flight is.

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.

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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.