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Comments (5)
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Save/ShareFliers are getting used to being charged extra for everything. But the nickel-and-diming is reaching the last holdout of airline freebies: your choice of seat. Starting October 7, British Airways will let you reserve the exact seat you want within economy class for a fee of about $60 each way.
Here at home, Southwest is allowing passengers to pay for the privilege of being in one of the first groups to board their planes, choosing seats on a first-come, first served basis. The EarlyBird Check-in fee is $10 each way.
I suppose that airlines will soon charge for paper luggage tags next.
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We fly Southwest a lot so I figure we will take advantage of this option when it makes sense for us. Currently Southwest reserves A1-A15 on most flights for a special category and we have often logged in 24 hours and 1 minute before departure and gotten A16 through A30 seats. It wouldn't be worth it to pay $20 extra just so we have our pick of the first available seats, especially if we only move up to A14 or so. But if we are not checking bags and are pressed for time to get to our real destination, it might make sense to pay a premium to be one of the first ones off of the plane.
Posted By Tom B. on September 25, 2009, 2:27 PM
Our last flight with Southwest we checked in 24 hours prior to departure and got in the mid-high B's. for our return flight. We had mid A on the departure flight. I do not like not having an assigned seat. And it is sometimes difficult to check in 24 hours in advance on the return flight so I did it for an upcoming flight. I am now checked in both ways and to me that is worth the extra money. As to where I am in line, I guess I will see when it is poosted.
Posted By Carolinagirl on September 28, 2009, 12:45 PM
British Air eliminated the ability to reserve seats when booking flights about three years ago, offering seat selection 24 hours in advance of one's flight. Such a restriction makes seat selection difficult at best when overseas and not able to get to a computer. With this new offering, it gives me one more reason not to fly on BA. I think I'll choose to fly with one of the other airlines serving Seattle with direct European flights. On a return flight from Paris aboard Air France a week ago, we were surprised when our flight steward came around the cabin to personally thank each passenger for flying Air France. He mentioned to us that with the increased competition for passengers, Air France (crews) are working hard to provide good service to keep their passengers coming back . Our service was outstanding. We plan to fly Air France back to the continent next year, selecting our seats at the time we book our flights. Why bother with BA when competition offers better features and benefits to the flying public?
Posted By Mark B on September 28, 2009, 10:35 PM
THE BEST AND MOST COMFORTABLE DEAL IS THE $150.00 UPGRADE TO 1ST CLASS ON U.S. AIRWAYS, IF YOU USE THEIR CREDIT CARD...DID IT TWICE, AND IT MADE THE FLYING SO GREAT.....
Posted By Joanne Moceri-Taveira on September 29, 2009, 10:39 AM
It just keeps getting more difficult to fly...I fly SW frequently and checked-in this morning exactly 24 hours prior to my flight and got A-38! Incredible! I am tired of being nickle and dimed to death! We carry luggage on now when possible and purchase food in the airport as often the food for purchase on the plane is out as we experienced last week going and coming from Hawaii (United)...out of beer! Out of sandwiches! Pittiful!
Posted By Tina C on October 6, 2009, 4:59 PM