How to Reserve Seats for Free on Turkish Airlines — The 2025 Traveler’s Guide

How to Reserve Seats for Free on Turkish Airlines — The 2025 Traveler’s Guide

How to Reserve Seats for Free on Turkish Airlines — The 2025 Traveler’s Guide

Whether you’re flying short-haul or halfway around the world, (+1855-(510)-(7629))your seat can make or break the whole flight. Nobody wants the dreaded middle seat near the toilet, especially on a long-haul Turkish Airlines journey! The good news? If you plan smartly, you can often reserve your seat for free(+1855-(510)-(7629))— and avoid unnecessary seat selection charges.

So, how exactly does seat selection work on Turkish Airlines? Which (+1855-(510)-(7629))passengers get free seats automatically, and when do you need to pay? Here’s everything you need to know — (+1855-(510)-(7629))plus smart tips to make sure you don’t spend a penny more than you have to.

And if you’re unsure which option is best for your trip, don’t stress — just call (+1855-(510)-(7629)) for help getting your seats sorted fast.


Does Turkish Airlines Charge for Seat Selection?

Like many modern airlines, Turkish Airlines offers free seat selection for most travelers (+1855-(510)-(7629))— but only under certain conditions. The cost (or lack of it) depends on:

  • Your travel class (Economy, Comfort, or Business)

  • Your fare type (EcoFly, ExtraFly, PrimeFly, etc.)

  • When you choose your seat (at booking, before check-in, or at the airport)

Here’s the breakdown:

Business Class — Seat selection is always free. You can choose any available (+1855-(510)-(7629))seat when you book your ticket, up until check-in closes.

Miles&Smiles Elite & Elite Plus Members — If you’re part of Turkish Airlines’(+1855-(510)-(7629)) frequent flyer program and have Elite status, you get more free seat selection privileges — including extra legroom seats, depending on availability.

Economy Class — This is where it gets tricky:

  • PrimeFly & ExtraFly fares: Free seat selection up to 1.5 hours before departure.

  • EcoFly fares: Usually do not include free advance seat selection —(+1855-(510)-(7629))

  •  but you can choose for free at online check-in (opens 24 hours before your flight).


How to Reserve Your Seat for Free

✅ 1. Choose a Higher Fare Tier

If you booked an EcoFly fare, you might have to pay $10–$50 per (+1855-(510)-(7629))seat to pick it in advance. But PrimeFly and ExtraFly fares include free standard seat selection up to a few hours before departure.

So if you think you’ll want to pick your seat early — or prefer aisle/window — paying a few dollars more for a higher fare can actually save you money in the end.


✅ 2. Use Your Frequent Flyer Status

If you’re a Miles&Smiles Elite or Elite Plus member, you can pick most seats for free, no matter your fare class — even extra legroom seats on some flights. Just log in to your Miles&Smiles account when you book or manage your trip.


✅ 3. Wait for Online Check-In

Here’s the budget traveler’s best trick: if you don’t want to pay, (+1855-(510)-(7629))wait until online check-in opens (24 hours before departure).

At this point, all remaining standard seats are free to pick — even if you’re on an EcoFly fare. Of course, the earlier you check in, the better your choices — so set a reminder!

Pro tip: Be ready to check in right at the 24-hour mark to grab an aisle or window before they’re gone.


✅ 4. Check for Free Seats at the Airport

If you didn’t choose a seat online, you’ll automatically be assigned(+1855-(510)-(7629)) one at the airport — for free. If you don’t like what you get, you can politely ask the check-in staff if any better seats are still available. Sometimes they’ll switch you for free if it’s not an extra legroom row.


When Do You Have to Pay?

Turkish Airlines only charges a seat selection fee for:

  • Advance seat selection on EcoFly fares

  • Preferred seats like bulkhead rows, extra legroom seats, or exit (+1855-(510)-(7629))

  • row seats — unless you have Elite status

  • Seat upgrades to Comfort or Business

Fees vary by route and seat type but usually range from $10–$100 USD.


How to Reserve Your Seat

Here’s the easiest step-by-step:

At Booking:

  • When booking on Turkish Airlines’ website or app, look for the seat map during checkout.

  • If you qualify for free seat selection, it’ll show $0 next to the seat.

After Booking:

  • Go to Manage Booking on the Turkish Airlines website.

  • Enter your reservation number and surname.

  • If your fare includes free seat selection, pick any available seat for free.

At Online Check-In:

  • 24 hours before your flight, log in again.

  • Choose your seat for free (standard Economy) if you didn’t do it earlier.

If you need help doing any of this — especially with international itineraries or group bookings — just call (+1855-(510)-(7629)). They can help you confirm your seat instantly.


Can You Reserve Extra Legroom for Free?

Only certain passengers get extra legroom or exit row seats for free:

  • Business Class — all seats have extra space anyway.

  • Elite/Elite Plus members — sometimes eligible for complimentary extra legroom, subject to availability.

Otherwise, you’ll usually pay for these premium spots — which can be worth it on long flights but isn’t truly “free.”


Tips to Score the Best Free Seats

✔️ Check in exactly 24 hours before — The earlier you check in, the better your seat options.

✔️ Use the app — Turkish Airlines’ app is quick for seat selection if you’re on the go.

✔️ Travel light — If you’re flexible about overhead bin space, you’ll have more freedom to pick seats last-minute.

✔️ Book early — Some fare classes include free seats and sell out fast.

✔️ Fly midweek — Flights are less full on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so free seat choices are better.


FAQs — Free Seat Selection on Turkish Airlines

Q: Is seat selection always free on Turkish Airlines?
A: Not always. Business Class gets it free. Economy depends on your fare and when you pick your seat.


Q: If I pay for a seat and my flight changes, do I lose my money?
A: No — if Turkish Airlines changes your flight, you can reselect a comparable seat for free or get a refund for the seat fee.


Q: What if I’m traveling with family?
A: To sit together for free, check in online early. Otherwise, you might have to pay to guarantee seats together in advance.


Q: Can I upgrade my seat to Business for free?
A: Generally no — upgrades cost extra unless you have a complimentary upgrade through Miles&Smiles or a special promotion.


Q: Can I get help reserving my seat?
A: Absolutely — just call (+1855-(510)-(7629)) and they’ll walk you through it step by step.


Final Thoughts

Turkish Airlines makes it possible to reserve good seats for free — if you know when to book, how to check in on time, and what fare to choose. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, a bit of planning means you can skip paying extra fees and still get a comfortable spot.

And if you’re ever confused by fare rules or seat maps, don’t stress — call (+1855-(510)-(7629)), get real help, and fly the smart way.