How long until US follows suit?

[Dont call me Shirley]

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/ite...k=68499818.blog

The proliferation of new airline fees appears to be expanding to old-line European carriers. British Airways announced today that it will charge customers between 10 and 60 pounds ($16-$96) to reserve a seat more than 24 hours in advance. Customers can still select a seat for no charge, but only if they do so within 24 hours of their flight.

 

[jcw]

this is a BA topic and should be moved to the Foreign Carrier forum

 

[Dont call me Shirley]

this is a BA topic and should be moved to the Foreign Carrier forum

The question is whether US will add this to its "a la carte" way of doing things. Not about the merits of BA's plan.

 

[SS255]

I'll bet a confidential e-mail went out to US's IT department, offering a golden ticket to the Wonka Chocolate Factory to the first programmer who could figure out how to incorporate this new fee into the booking process.

Don't do it, US! Unlimited, complimentary seat assignments is about the only advantage you have over WN.

 

[gaucho99]

With our choice seat program, a good portion of seats are already available for sale. I can't see us maching this move unless other U.S. carriers follow suit.

 

[ClueByFour]

Lacking status on US, the choice seat program already ensures you cannot select anything but middles before check-in.

 

[Dog Wonder]

Do it.

The Kettles won't pay extra for seats and non-revs can get an aisle

 

[Sally4th]

I can't tell you how many times I have reviewed changing airlines. The ability to preview and choose my seat is a HUGE reason I am still with US because most of my flights are TATL/7.5 hours plus. If that goes, its back to the spreadsheets.

 

[ClueByFour]

Do it.

The Kettles won't pay extra for seats and non-revs can get an aisle

They should subject non-revs to the same seat selection criteria.

 

[tadjr]

Lacking status on US, the choice seat program already ensures you cannot select anything but middles before check-in.

Not true. There are lots of non Preferreds getting that aisle and window seat in advance. True it isnt 5,6,7 ACDF, but they're getting aisle and window seats somewhere in advance without paying for them.