British Airways becomes a budget airline
Those flying with British Airways will have to pay if they want a particular seat on their flight, representatives of the airline declared. The charges for a seat will affect those people looking to sit near the window or near the aisle, those wanting to sit together or on seats next to emergency exits.
The charge will be effective from October 7th. The smallest fee to be paid is £10 for people booking their seats on European economy flights, while the priciest seats will cost £60 on long haul trips in business class. Those wanting a seat near the emergency exit will have to pay £50, while a seat on long-haul economy or short flights in business class is £20.
British Airways says this measure will give customers more control over their seating. British Airways currently allows customers to select their seat for free 24 hours prior to their flight. If customers want to book ahead of time, they can do it before 10 and 4 days before take-off.
“Customers frequently request specific seats, but in the past we’ve only been able to confirm them 24 hours in advance or on the day. We know people want to secure them in advance and have real control over their flying experience. This will allow them to do that,” said a BA spokesman.
With this new fee and probably others that will follow, BA tries recover after £401m loss last year. Earlier this year, BA decided to no longer offer free meals on short flights and cut luggage allowances. (via BBC)
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I’m not trying to be a troll here, but how exactly does this make BA a budget airline? Southwest Airlines is a budget airline, and they do this. As a matter of fact, seating isn’t assigned, and it’s done on a first come, first served basis.
British Airways becomes a crappy airline might be more accurate ^_-
They *don’t* do this. I’m having trouble with proofreading and grammar today, lol.
I can understand paying a fee for additional services but that’s pretty pricey for a few mouse clicks.
Well, assigning a seat should be free on normal airlines. On budget airlines, you need to pay if you want a particular seat and for a meal. Just like BA.
Previously, only BA Silver and Gold card holders and those travelling in First were permitted to choose a seat prior to online check in opening 24 hours before the flight, so in a sense this is a “new” service that wasn’t previoulsy available. Having said that, it is obvioulsy a sign of the continuing trend towards charging for things that previously were “free” (albeit, effectively subsidised through higher fares).