How to Web Check In on IndiGo Without Paying for Seat Selection
IndiGo's web check-in pushes paid seat selection hard, but you don't have to pay. You can skip it entirely and get a free auto-assigned seat. Here's how, and when it actually makes sense to pay.
If you've ever tried to web check in on IndiGo, you've probably noticed that the process pushes you pretty hard towards paying for a seat. The seat map shows up front and center, every seat has a price tag, and there's no obvious "no thanks, just give me any seat" button.
This frustrates a lot of people. And it's the reason "indigo web check in without seat selection" is one of the most searched IndiGo queries in India right now.
So let's clear it up: you do not have to pay for seat selection on IndiGo. Here's what to do instead.
The Short Answer: Skip It
When you web check in on IndiGo (at goindigo.in/web-check-in), you'll see the seat map with priced seats. You don't have to pick one. Look for the option to check in with an auto-assigned seat instead of selecting a specific seat. Choose that, and IndiGo will assign you a seat for free.
The option isn't always prominently displayed, and that's by design. IndiGo makes money from seat selection fees (starting at Rs 150 for a regular seat, more for extra legroom or front rows). The free path exists, it's just not the one they want you to take.
What Is Auto-Assigned Seating?
When you skip seat selection, IndiGo's system assigns you a seat automatically. You don't get to choose window, aisle, or middle. The system picks whatever's available, and you find out your seat number when you get your boarding pass.
In practice, you'll usually end up with a middle seat, since window and aisle seats are more popular and tend to get picked (or paid for) first. But sometimes you get lucky, especially on less crowded flights.
The important thing: you will get a seat. The plane won't leave you behind because you didn't pay for seat selection.
IndiGo Auto Check-In: The Even Easier Option
IndiGo also has a feature called Auto Check-In. If you don't web check in at all, IndiGo will automatically check you in and send your boarding pass with an auto-assigned seat via email, roughly 3 hours before departure.
So you actually have three options:
| Option | What Happens | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Web check-in + paid seat | You pick your exact seat (window, aisle, legroom, etc.) | Rs 150 to Rs 1,200+ |
| Web check-in + skip seat selection | You check in but let IndiGo assign a random seat | Free |
| Don't check in at all (Auto Check-In) | IndiGo auto-checks you in 3 hours before and emails your boarding pass | Free |
Options 2 and 3 both give you a free seat. The difference is that option 2 lets you complete check-in on your own timeline (up to 48 hours before), while option 3 happens automatically but only 3 hours before departure.
When Should You Actually Pay for a Seat?
Skipping seat selection is perfectly fine for most domestic flights. But there are situations where paying makes sense:
Long flights (3+ hours). If you're flying Delhi to Bengaluru or Mumbai to Kolkata, being stuck in a middle seat for 3 hours is noticeably less comfortable than having a window or aisle. Worth the Rs 150 to 300.
Traveling with family or kids. If you're flying with children, you want to sit together. Random assignment could put you in row 5 and your child in row 22. Pay for adjacent seats.
You have a strong aisle or window preference. Some people genuinely can't sleep in a middle seat or need aisle access for medical reasons. That's worth paying for.
Extra legroom rows. If you're tall or just want more space, rows 1, 12, and 13 (emergency exit) have significantly more legroom. These cost more (Rs 600 to 1,200) but the comfort difference is real on longer flights.
For a 1 to 2 hour domestic flight where you're traveling solo? Skip it. Save the Rs 150. You'll survive the middle seat.
The Airport Check-In Alternative
If you don't want to web check in at all, you can check in at the airport counter. In some cases, the counter agent may be able to give you a window or aisle seat for free if the flight isn't full. This isn't guaranteed, but it happens, especially on early morning or late night flights with lower occupancy.
The trade-off is that you'll spend time in the queue. Web check-in with auto-assigned seating gets you the same result (a free seat) without the wait.
Earning Points on This Flight?
While you're checking in, quick question: are you earning IndiGo BluChip points on this flight?
If you have a BluChip account, make sure your membership number is linked to the booking. If you forgot to add it when you booked, you can retro claim the BluChips within 90 days of travel.
And if you're not into loyalty programs yet but curious about how airline miles work, our beginner's guide to airline miles in India covers everything from earning to redeeming. You can earn miles through everyday spending on the Magnify app, no credit card needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I definitely get a seat if I skip seat selection?
Yes. Every passenger gets a seat. IndiGo's system auto-assigns one for free if you don't pay for selection. You'll see your seat number on your boarding pass.
What seat will I get if I skip?
Most likely a middle seat, since window and aisle seats are more popular and tend to be selected (or paid for) first. But on less crowded flights, you might get lucky with a window or aisle.
Can I change my auto-assigned seat later?
Yes, but only by paying for seat selection. Once IndiGo assigns you a free seat, you can change it through "Manage Booking" on goindigo.in, but the new seat will have a fee.
Is IndiGo Auto Check-In available for all flights?
Auto Check-In is available for most domestic flights. International flights may require manual web check-in. Check your booking confirmation email for details on whether Auto Check-In is enabled for your flight.
What if I'm checking in for multiple passengers?
Each passenger can independently choose to pay for a seat or accept auto-assignment. You don't have to pick the same option for everyone. But if you want to sit together and skip paid selection, there's no guarantee you'll be assigned adjacent seats.
