Why Your Boarding Pass Says ‘Seat Assigned at Gate’

With the stress of a long travel day ahead, it’s comforting to be able to check in online ahead of a flight and receive a boarding pass with an allocated seat. When that’s not the case, some travelers naturally may worry. But rest assured: Not being given a seat assignment ahead of boarding won’t necessarily lead to you being bumped from the flight. Let’s take a look at why your boarding pass might say “seat assigned at gate.”

You Bought the Cheapest Ticket

In recent years, there’s been a trend for airlines to segment cabins with an increasingly complex number of fare classes. At the cheaper end of the spectrum, those who’ve paid less for their flight with, say, a basic-economy ticket may forfeit free checked bags, be the last to board, and not be able to choose where they sit on the aircraft (or have to pay extra).

For instance, if you purchase a basic-economy fare on American Airlines, the airline will allocate you a seat at check-in; United Airlines will also pick for you and confirm your assignment before you board. Delta’s Main Basic passengers are told that their seat “will not be assigned until after you check in to your flight. If your seat number does not appear on your boarding pass, your seat will be assigned at the gate before you board.” In turn, this practice of not sharing a seat assignment in advance may also encourage passengers to fork over the extra cash for a seat assignment for peace of mind. 

The Airline Might Be Holding Back Seats

In certain instances, an airline might wish to not allocate all the seats on its aircraft until passengers are fully checked in. Smaller planes, in particular, need to be loaded in a way that they can take off and land safely. Weight must be distributed as evenly as possible to ensure the aircraft remains stable. Some seats may also be held back for passengers with disabilities or those who may need extra assistance.

On other occasions, a plane may be swapped out for another one at the last minute. Seats may be configured differently on the new aircraft, so holding back some seat allocations may make it simpler for gate agents to switch passengers around. Withholding seat numbers might also be a way to prioritize families so that they can be moved to sit together — even if they’ve been issued seats that are more spread out. Gate agents will bear factors such as these in mind before boarding gets underway.

The Flight Is Oversold

This reason is the one every traveler fears. Airlines routinely — and legally — overbook to ensure they fly as full as possible, since a certain percentage of passengers will end up no-showing for a flight. This happens when a passenger doesn’t check in or reach the gate on time, when they miss their connecting flight, or when they decide not to fly and don’t bother to cancel, for example. But if more passengers show up than expected, this means that, from time to time, passengers will be bumped and put on an alternative flight. 

If you’ve purchased a ticket at the last minute, the flight is more likely to be full — and your boarding pass may request that you see a gate agent for a seat assignment. In this case, there’s still a chance that one will be available even if the flight was originally oversold, as airlines will typically ask for volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for compensation. 

You Need To Undergo a Document Check

Airlines need to ensure that anyone flying with them has the right to be on board. Particularly for international flights, the correct documentation (such as a visa) is required to make the journey. Some passengers, therefore, won’t be able to check in online, as they will need to present those documents for inspection at the airport. In rare cases, a carrier won’t allocate a seat until the passenger’s paperwork has been verified. 

A similar situation can arise if it’s a codeshare flight, in which you book with one airline but travel with another. If you find yourself in this kind of situation, it’s best to arrive at the airport as early as possible. Head to the check-in desk or bag drop counter to see if the document inspection and seat allocation can take place as soon as you arrive at the airport. If you’re traveling with only carry-on luggage, it’s wise to present yourself at the gate as soon as it is staffed so you can swiftly receive a seat assignment.