Last Updated: June 2026

Quick Answer: Can I Choose My Seat on Contour Airlines?

Seat selection options, fees, and available seat locations may vary by route and aircraft. If you do not choose a seat, Contour Airlines may assign one automatically before departure.

At a Glance: Contour Airlines Seat Facts (2026)

Feature	Details
Seat selection fee	Typically none — often included at no extra cost
Seat assignment timing	At booking or during check-in
Aircraft type	Embraer ERJ-135
Total seats per flight	Approximately 30
Cabin classes	Single class only
Extra legroom seats	Not available
Seat upgrade options	Not available
Family seating fee	No extra charge
How to change seat	Via online check-in on contourairlines.com

What Aircraft Does Contour Airlines Use and How Are Seats Arranged?

Contour Airlines operates a fleet of Embraer ERJ-135 aircraft configured in a 30-seat single class layout. With only 30 seats on every flight, the cabin is compact and intimate — much smaller than a typical mainline jet. 

All seats offer the same comfort level. There are no Business or First Class sections, and no preferred seating tiers. Every passenger sits in the same cabin with the same amenities, which keeps the experience simple and the boarding process fast.

Because the aircraft is small, nearly every seat has a relatively good view and feels close to the front. The difference between a front-row and back-row seat is far less significant than on a larger aircraft.

Does Contour Airlines Charge for Seat Selection?

On most routes, seat selection is included with your Contour Airlines reservation at no extra cost, but seat options can vary by route and availability. There are no upgrade options for extra legroom or preferred seating, as the cabin layout is uniform for all passengers.

This sets Contour apart from most low-cost US carriers. On airlines like Spirit or Frontier, choosing a specific seat costs extra. On Contour, you simply pick a seat as part of your booking or during check-in — no added fee.

How Does Seat Assignment Work on Contour Airlines?

During online check-in, passengers can view and change seat assignments through the Contour Airlines website by entering their last name and confirmation number. The process is straightforward:

1. Visit contourairlines.com and go to the check-in section
2. Enter your last name and booking confirmation number
3. View the seat map and select your preferred seat
4. Save or print your boarding pass

Contour ticket counters open two hours before departure. Passengers and baggage are accepted until 30 minutes before departure, and all passengers must be at the gate at least 15 minutes before departure. At major hub airports including Charlotte, Dallas Fort Worth, Chicago O’Hare, Denver, and Washington Dulles, the check-in deadline is 45 minutes before departure. 

What Happens If You Skip Seat Selection on Contour Airlines?

If you do not select a seat, Contour will assign you one at check-in. Given that the aircraft only has around 30 seats, every seat is relatively close to the front and the differences between positions are minor. However, if you are travelling with others and want to sit together, selecting seats in advance is the only way to guarantee that.

For solo travelers, skipping seat selection is a low-risk option on such a small aircraft

Does Contour Airlines Seat Families Together?

Contour does not publish a dedicated family seating policy similar to larger US carriers. However, because the aircraft only holds about 30 passengers and seat selection is free, families can easily choose adjacent seats during booking or at check-in without any extra cost.

Unaccompanied minors between 5 and 14 years old are accepted only on Contour non-stop flights and must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult until they board the aircraft. Children under five are not allowed to fly without an adult. 

A ticket must be purchased for infants travelling in their own seat, and parents must provide an FAA-approved child safety seat installed according to its label instructions. A reserved seat is required to carry a safety seat, or a seat must be available next to you

Does Contour Airlines Offer Extra Legroom or Seat Upgrades?

There are no upgrade options for extra legroom or preferred seating on Contour Airlines. The cabin layout is uniform for all passengers. There is no Business Class, First Class, or tiered seating product.

This is simply the nature of the Embraer ERJ-135 — a 30-seat regional jet designed for short-haul efficiency rather than premium offerings. What the aircraft does offer is a generally comfortable seat pitch by regional jet standards, and a quiet, uncrowded cabin experience.

Can I Change My Seat After Booking on Contour Airlines?

You can change your seat at any time before departure through the Contour online check-in portal. Log in with your last name and confirmation number, open your itinerary, and update your seat assignment from the available options.

No fee typically applies for changing seats, but seat options can vary by route and availability, so always verify details when you manage your booking.  As availability on a 30-seat flight can shift quickly, checking your seat assignment a day or two before departure is a good habit.

If you booked through a third-party travel agent or partner airline, you may need to manage your seat through the original booking source.

When Is the Best Time to Choose a Seat on Contour Airlines?

Because seat selection is free and included at booking, there is no cost reason to wait. The best time to pick your seat is when you first book your ticket — this gives you the widest choice on a flight with only 30 seats available.

If you are travelling with a companion or family, select seats together immediately at booking. On a small aircraft, the most convenient seats — front rows or window seats — fill up first as other passengers check in.

Practical Traveler Scenarios

Scenario 1: Solo business traveler
A passenger books a Contour flight from Chattanooga to Charlotte. They want a window seat near the front. Since seat selection is free, they log in during booking and choose their preferred position at no extra cost.

Scenario 2: Couple travelling together
Two passengers book on the same reservation. They want to sit side by side. Because the aircraft has a single-class cabin with only 30 seats, they can easily select adjacent seats during booking at no charge.

Scenario 3: Family with a young child
A parent travelling with a toddler needs a seat next to an empty seat for a child safety seat. A reserved seat must be purchased for the infant in the safety seat, and a seat must be available next to the parent. Booking early and selecting adjacent seats together avoids any issues at the gate.

Scenario 4: Traveler connecting to a major airline
A passenger flies Contour from a regional city to Charlotte Douglas, then connects to an American Airlines flight. Seat selection on the Contour leg is free. The American Airlines leg will have its own separate seat selection process and may involve fees depending on the fare class.

Tips for Getting the Best Seat on Contour Airlines

• Select your seat at the time of booking — it costs nothing and the choice is better early.
• Front-row seats are the quickest to board and deplane, which matters if you have a connecting flight.
• If you are travelling with someone, choose your seats together during booking rather than hoping to be assigned nearby at check-in.
• Keep essential items in your carry-on bag rather than a checked bag, since Contour flights are short and overhead bin space is limited on a 30-seat aircraft. See the Contour Airlines carry-on rules page for sizing details.
• For information on Contour’s baggage allowances and what is included free, see the Contour Airlines baggage fees page.
• If you need to review seating options across multiple airlines, the airline seat selection guide covers how different carriers handle seat assignments and fees.

Key Takeaways: Contour Airlines Seat Selection

• Seat selection is generally included with Contour Airlines reservations.
• All flights operate a 30-seat Embraer ERJ-135 with no extra-legroom or upgrade options.
• Seats can be selected or changed during online check-in.
• Families can choose seats together at no extra cost.
• If you skip seat selection, a seat is assigned at check-in.
• Unaccompanied minors (5–14) are accepted only on non-stop flights.
• Always verify current policies directly with Contour Airlines before travel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Disclaimer: All information on Flytripinfo.com is provided for general travel guidance only. Airline policies, seat fees, and allowances can change at any time without prior notice. While we strive to keep our content accurate and updated, travelers should always verify details directly with the airline before their journey. Flytripinfo.com is not responsible for any errors, delays, or decisions made based on the information provided.