How to use ExpertFlyer alerts to snag a better seat on the plane

Airline seat selection can be a frustrating experience. Window or aisle seat? 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.

Here's what to know about using the program.

Related: Where is the best seat on an airplane? Here's how to choose the place to sit whenever you fly

What is ExpertFlyer?

ExpertFlyer is free to join, but it also includes two paid membership tiers that unlock expanded features and functionality. Here are the three ExpertFlyer membership levels:

• Free: Set an alert to receive a notification if a more desirable seat becomes available on your flight. You're limited to one free alert at a time, but you can add more for 99 cents each.
• Basic ($4.99 per month or $49.99 per year): 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.

Plus, if you're a new member, you can sign up for a free five-day Premium trial on the ExpertFlyer website.

For more information on using this tool, check out our ExpertFlyer guide.

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Related: Should you ask to switch seats on a plane?

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 visiting ExpertFlyer to set a seat alert. Specifically, you'll need the following information about your flight:

• Departure airport
• Arrival airport
• Date
• Airline name or two-letter International Air Transport Association code
• Flight number
• Class of service

Once you have this information, log in to your 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; then, you'll want to click "Create seat alert." In the box that appears, name your alert and select your criteria, then click "Create."

If you are a free ExpertFlyer member using your free alert, you can only set up an alert for aisle or window seats.

If you are a paid member, you can opt for any exit-row seat, select two seats together or choose specific seats. For example, you could set up an alert for either bulkhead window seat in row 9, which offers additional personal space in Air France business class.

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

Open seats tend to fill up quickly, so acting promptly when you receive an alert will increase your chances of securing 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 or family member.
• You'd prefer a seat in a different part of the plane (like closer to the front for easier deplaning or closer to the back for better restroom access).
• 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 switch to a more desirable seat.

Bottom line

If you can't select the seat you want for an upcoming flight, consider starting a free ExpertFlyer membership (or a free five-day Premium trial) and setting a seat alert to search for a better seat. It's quick and free to do so, and it may let you snag a window or aisle seat.

If you're traveling with a friend or family member and can't find two seats together, consider upgrading to a Basic or Premium ExpertFlyer membership, as it allows you to create a seat alert for any two seats together.

Related reading:

• How to use ExpertFlyer to find the real reason your flight was delayed or canceled
• These 12 apps and websites make award redemptions easier to find
• Redeem your points and miles: How to search flight award availability for the major airlines
• SeatGuru is dead: Here are the best alternatives