How to use ExpertFlyer alerts to snag a better seat

We get it — airline seat selection can be a frustrating endeavor. Window or aisle? Preferred seat or standard seat? Over the wing 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. Best of all, you can set an alert for a window or aisle seat with ExpertFlyer's free membership. 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. If you're a new member, you can sign up for a free five-day Premium trial on the ExpertFlyer website. 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.

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? Here's how to choose the place to sit whenever you fly

How to set an ExpertFlyer seat alert

Once you've signed up for ExpertFlyer, you can set a seat alert even if you opt for the free membership tier. Gather your flight information before you go to ExpertFlyer to set a seat alert. 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.

Next, enter your flight details and click "Search."

A seat map for your flight should load, but you'll want to click "Create seat alert." In the box that appears, name your alert and select your criteria before clicking "Create."

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. If you are a paid member, you can opt for any exit row seat, any two seats together or select specific seats. 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.

Once you create an alert, ExpertFlyer will email you if your desired seats become available. If you get an email, immediately head to your airline's website or app to change your seat selection. 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

In any of these cases, the ExpertFlyer seat alerts feature can help you change your seat to a better one.

Related: The best travel credit cards to add to your wallet

Bottom line

If you can't select a window or aisle seat you like for an upcoming flight, consider starting a free ExpertFlyer membership (or a five-day free Premium trial) and setting a seat alert to search for a better seat. 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. In that case, upgrading to a Basic or Premium ExpertFlyer membership may be worth it, so you can create a seat alert for any two seats together.