diff --git a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/footprints/footprints.py b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/footprints/footprints.py
index ad8c7ff351..4340494998 100644
--- a/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/footprints/footprints.py
+++ b/jdaviz/configs/imviz/plugins/footprints/footprints.py
@@ -198,12 +198,10 @@ def vue_link_by_wcs(self, *args):
         # are retained.  Remove this method if support for plotting footprints
         # when pixel-linked is reintroduced.
         op = self.app._jdaviz_helper.plugins['Orientation']
-        try:
-            self.app._jdaviz_helper.plugins['Orientation'].align_by = 'WCS'
-        except ValueError:
-            # require the user to go to through the orientation plugin to
-            # delete subsets and change link type
+        if op._obj.need_clear_astrowidget_markers or op._obj.need_clear_subsets:
             op.open_in_tray()
+        else:
+            op.align_by = 'WCS'
 
     def _ensure_first_overlay(self):
         if not len(self._overlays):