Quote Originally Posted by Rachlm927 View Post
US Air uses the first handful of rows in economy for those with status or willing to pay extra to sit towards front. Other than that you can pick another seat in economy without an additional charge.

However, if all of the no additional charge seats are already taken you will have to make a decision...either pay for a preferred seat, or take your chances at no seat assignment. No seat assignment will mean you are assigned, at no charge, whatever is available when you checkin. You are guaranteed your seat, but may not be seating with whoever you are flying with.

When you search flights on their website, check out the seat maps. If you see seats available from about row 10 and higher you will not have to pay additional. Anything in an exit row is only available to those with status, and if available those seats are released for anyone when you checkin.

Hope this helps,
Rachel
This has been my experience with US Air, as well. I never pay for seat selection. At the time of booking (online) you will be asked to select your seats. If you book far enough in advance, you can pick any seat you want, except those designated as "premium" or whatever. One time we did not book far enough in advance, and I was unable to find two seats next to each other for my wife and I. I selected 2 random seats anyway, and waited until I was able to do an online check-in, 24 hours before the flight. When I logged-in to do my online check-in, those "premium" seats were now available to the public and I was able to snag them at no additional charge.

It's all a big game.