On a boarding pass, "SAG" stands for Seat Allocated at the Gate. This code indicates that your seat assignment will be determined and provided to you at the boarding gate, rather than being pre-assigned during online check-in or at the time of booking.
Understanding SAG: Seat Allocation at the Gate
When you see "SAG" on your boarding pass, it means that at the time your boarding pass was issued, a specific seat number was not assigned to you. Instead, the airline will allocate your seat just before boarding begins, or even as you are about to step onto the aircraft. This process is typically managed by the gate agent.
Why You Might See "SAG" on Your Boarding Pass
Several common scenarios can lead to a "SAG" designation:
- Late Online Check-in: If you delay your online check-in (OLCI) until the last possible moment, all pre-assignable seats might already be taken by other passengers who checked in earlier.
- Airport Check-in: If you opt not to check in online and instead complete the check-in process at the airport counter, especially for flights with high occupancy or strict seat allocation policies, you might be assigned a SAG code.
- Unavailable Seat Assignments: In some cases, even if you attempt online check-in, the airline's system might not have available seats to pre-allocate at that time, leading to a gate allocation. This can happen if the flight is heavily booked or if there are operational reasons for delaying seat assignments.
- Airline Policy: Some budget airlines or specific fare types might intentionally hold back seat assignments until the gate to manage boarding efficiently or to offer paid seat selection options.
Here's a quick reference table summarizing the meaning and common reasons for SAG:
| Code | Meaning | Common Reasons for Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| SAG | Seat Allocated at the Gate | - Failure to check in online - Leaving online check-in to the last minute - No seats available for pre-assignment during online check-in - Airport check-in |
Implications of a SAG Code
For the passenger, seeing "SAG" means you won't know your seat number until you reach the gate. While it doesn't typically indicate an issue with your flight booking or guarantee an undesirable seat, it does remove the certainty of a specific seat choice in advance. You might be assigned any available seat, which could be a window, aisle, or middle seat. It's advisable to arrive at the gate a bit earlier than usual if you have specific seating preferences, although ultimately the assignment will be at the airline's discretion.
