You're checked in but have no seat

Head to the gate now, then check the app for open seats while you go through the next steps.

Do these, in order

1. Find out which situation you're in.No seat usually means one of three things: the flight is oversold, seats are blocked (for weight and balance, crew, or passengers who need special seating), or the gate is holding seats to hand out itself. Ask the gate agent which one it is. The answer tells you what to do next. On a basic economy ticket, no seat number is normal. Seats are assigned at check-in or at the gate.
2. Get to the gate early and stay there.Seats are usually handed out at the gate shortly before boarding. Be there before that starts. If you're not at the gate by the airline's boarding deadline, often 15 to 30 minutes before departure, you can lose your reservation and any right to compensation.
3. Keep checking the app.Seats open up as upgrades clear and people don't show. You can often grab one yourself before the agent gets to you.
4. If the flight is oversold, decide now whether you'd volunteer.People without a seat are usually first in line to be bumped. Getting on the volunteer list early puts you in charge of the deal instead of waiting to be picked.
5. Speak up if you need to sit together or need a specific seat.Airlines hold seats for passengers with disabilities. Some airlines promise to seat young children next to an adult, but not on every fare. On Delta basic, call reservations ahead of time. Tell the agent before boarding starts, not on the plane.
6. Next time, check in the moment it opens.Check-in usually opens 24 hours before departure. When no one volunteers, some airlines bump whoever checked in last without a seat.

What to say

• “Is this flight oversold, or are seats being held for the gate?”
• “Can you add me to the volunteer list? What are you offering?”
• “I'm traveling with my child. Can you seat us together?”