Europe, September 25: CASH-STRAPPED British Airways is to start charging passengers who want to choose their seats when they book their flights, the airline says.
The new charges will affect people who want to ensure they sit together on a flight, or anyone with a preference for seats next to a window or an emergency exit or in an aisle.
BA currently makes no charge for passengers who want to reserve seats in the 24 hours prior to departure but from October 7 those willing to pay will be able to secure their preferred spot when they make a booking.
The airline said the move would “give customers more control over their seating options.”
For an economy class trip within Europe, passengers will pay an extra £10 ($18.50) per person to choose a seat.
The fee rises to £20 ($37) for long-haul economy or short flights in business class, and £60 ($111.25) in business class on long-haul trips.
A seat in an emergency exit row will cost £50 ($93) and can be booked between 10 and four days before take-off.
A BA spokeswoman said: “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.”
The seat charge is the latest measure BA has taken since it logged a net loss of £375 million ($695.28 million) in its last financial year as the global financial crisis took its toll on air travel.
The airline said this week it would reduce subsidies on staff meals to save £2.7 million ($5.01 million) annually.
One of BA’s low-cost rivals, easyJet, reacted to the seat charge announcement by saying it was “same old BA, attempting to replicate low-cost principles but charging premium rates.”
The Irish no-frills airline Ryanair has been criticised for considering introducing a “fat tax” on obese passengers and other money-making schemes including charging people to use toilets on its plans.
—Agencies