Originally Posted by
Zorak

for most FTers probably it would be a red flag, but OP says in the very post you're replying to that they're infrequent travelers. With the added info later of an unfamiliar airline, and booked through an unfamiliar channel, maybe I'm just feeling more charitable but I'm inclined to cut them some slack.
Gee, every other airline gives me a seat assignment. This one doesn't. I wonder if I should call someone?