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How to use ExpertFlyer alerts to snag a better seat
Kyle Olsen
Points and Miles Expert
Kyle Olsen is the former points and miles reporter at TPG. He specializes in maximizing points and miles, elite status and credit cards so readers travel more comfortably and at a lower cost.
Nick Ewen
Senior editorial director
Nick Ewen is TPG's senior editorial director and helps readers leverage credit cards (he has 23 of them) and loyalty programs to travel more for less. He's been at TPG for over 11 years.
April 26, 2025
•
5 min read
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Editor's Note
This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
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:
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- Departure airport
- Arrival airport
- Date
- Airline name or International Air Transport Association code
- Flight number
- Class of service
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.
Featured image by OSCAR WONG/GETTY IMAGES
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.