BA to Charge For Advance Seat Choice

Passengers on British Airways flights must soon pay an extra charge to book their seats in advance.

British Airways (BA) is introducing the option to pay extra to select specific flight seats in advance from October 7, 2009.

The new service allows those to pay to secure seats together for a family or group of friends, or a specific spot in an exit row, window or emergency exit seat.

At the current time, passengers can reserve seats in the 24 hours prior to departure for free; this will still remain the case for those who do not choose to pay extra.

But from October 7, those willing to pay will be able to secure their preferred spot in the cabin when they make a booking. BA said the move would "give customers more control over their seating options".

For an economy-class trip within Europe, passengers will pay an extra AGBP10 each to choose a seat. On long-haul economy or short business-class flights, the charge will be AGBP20, while long-haul passengers in business will pay AGBP60.

Seats in an emergency-exit row will cost AGBP50 each and can be booked between 10 and four days before takeoff.

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 airline has already cut luggage allowances and abolished free meals on short flights as it attempts to bolster its balance sheet after a AGBP401m loss since privatisation in 1987.

Related terms: book, business, economy, emergency, europe, family