To change seats on a plane

[Enidblyton1]

Has anyone flown with Ryan Air recently? I've just checked in and didn't pay to reserve seats. Oops! I haven't flown for a while...

All 4 of us are sitting in different places - ridiculously apart (rows 1, 15, 27 and 29!). We have a 5 and 1 year old.

As the flight is early tomorrow morning I assume we were one of the last people to check in, so other seats have been allocated.
AIBU to ask to pay for seats next to each other when we arrive at the airport tomorrow? Am I just too late?

I wouldn't move. I pay to ensure I have an aisle seat as close to the front as possible because of anxiety/claustrophobia. I pay to ensure my kids are seated beside me or behind me for the same reasons, and will continue to do so for as long as they travel with me.
Maybe it's just a money making scam by the airlines but I really wish people would just pay the money, get on the plane and damn well sit down so the damn thing can get in the air ASAP.
Flying cattle class is NOT generally a pleasant experience and this whining about seat allocation makes it a lot more unpleasant. Seems to be more of a thing recently. I don't think I've been on a single flight in the last couple of years where parents haven't been stomping down the aisle demanding free seats for Tarquin and Amelie......

Update!
All was fine
I spoke to someone on Ryan Air live chat on the way to the airport. They managed to find us some seats (2 + 2) without inconveniencing anyone.
I'll definitely be checking in quickly next time and buying allocated seats.
Thanks again for the advice everyone.

That's good :) Enjoy your hols!

That's good. Have a great trip

I'm interested to know:

1. can the airline compel you to move to accommodate others?

2. if you've paid extra to book a specific seat, will this money be refunded?

Really glad it worked out for you.

I think the answer to both those questions is no very. Bit in the event of a big stalemate the crew may tell them to sit down or get off or the plane could lose its take off slot.

People just need to book in as soon as it becomes able to online and if there's issues and seats are already gone when you go to then they need to be sensible like op: talk to the airline before the flight.

I've not been on planes enough to be asked to move but was once asked to in the cinema which I refused. With bladder problems I needed an aisle seat not to be shunted to the middle. Luckily after a dirty look they moved on. I'd have to do the same on a plane so that would be uncomfortable since I'd not want to say why.

Btw someone mentioned upthread that they wanted to buy a seat for a 19 month old. Legally you can't. Under 2 must be on a parents knee.

Have a lovely trip OP.

Have a lovely holiday

Glad it worked out for you, OP, I've found Live Chat to be very good for resolving/changing things prior to flight so glad it was the same for you. Enjoy your trip.

Isn't that just for take-off and landing, furry?

Personally I like Saudi Airlines first class. People.often don't even take to their seats for take off and landing.

Have a great holiday.

furryminkymo

Btw someone mentioned upthread that they wanted to buy a seat for a 19 month old. Legally you can't. Under 2 must be on a parents knee.

Of course you can buy a seat for them. For take off and landing they must be on an adult's knee, but you absolutely can buy a seat.