New York - Throwing Exit-Row Seats Into the ‘For Sale’ Bin |
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News Source: NY Times
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New York - Consider the exit-row seat, that prize catch of the frequent-flying business traveler because it offers extra legroom.
Getting first dibs on exit-row seats in coach cabins has long been one of the top perks for passengers in elite-status programs, which typically allow members to reserve those seats, if available, when they make online reservations. Without extra charge.
Lately, though, those three words — without extra charge — seem to rankle the airlines, as they take services that used to be part of the basic fare and slap extra fees on them. In the third quarter of 2009, the top 10 domestic airlines raised an extra $1.95 billion from fees for things like checking bags and allowing passengers to change reservations, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics has reported.
That figure doesn’t include new revenue that airlines are raising from selling priority seats on the aisle or in exit rows. Last week, Continental Airlines said it would begin offering exit-row seats in coach to anyone who wanted to buy “extra legroom.” Continental said the per-seat price would depend on the route and the demand. Members of the two top elite-status levels would continue to be able to book the seats without charge, the airline said.
“It’s going to be real similar to how we do the first-class upgrades,” said Julie King, a Continental spokeswoman. “So when a customer checks in online or goes to the airport, a screen is going to come up and say: ‘Hey we have seats with extra legroom for X amount. Are you interested?’ So the customer can decide if they value extra legroom and if it’s worth it to them to pay a little extra.”
Read the full story at The NY Times
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Read Comments (8) — Post Yours »
1
Mar 10, 2010 at 05:22 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
This is not news. Jet Blue has been charging higher rates for "extra leg room" seats for ages.
2
Mar 10, 2010 at 06:59 PM simchas Says:Report as Inappropriate
jet blue has special seating up front designed with extra legroom that they charge a premium for. the exit row seats by nature have more room, so this is news that the airline industry is taking advantage of this. smart move, unless they sell out all the emergency isle seats to lazy or handicapped people, in which case they wont be any help in case of an emergency....just saying.
3
Mar 10, 2010 at 07:50 PM Beware Says:Report as Inappropriate
Be aware! The exit row seats does not recline!
4
Mar 10, 2010 at 08:09 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
As long as passengers insist on "low fares" and will choose a flight on another carrier to save even a few dollars, the airline will "unbundle" fares and charge for EVERYTHING a la carte. In Europe, several airlines offer "gold tag lavs" for those customers who don't want to wait on line for the bathrooms so expect that next after the new charges for pillows, blankets and water take effect this summer.
5
Mar 11, 2010 at 01:52 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
what a pity we should all feel bad for the owners of airlines they only $55 million instead of $65 million so instead they are passing the losses onto us with bad service and crazy prices. up next $25 for a smile from the cabin crew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6
Mar 11, 2010 at 06:17 AM frequent flyer Says:Report as Inappropriate
I flew from NY to Israel with ELAL and paid $55 for the exit seat. It was a total disaster! Those seats are narrow, they dont recline as much as the other seats. The food tray comes out from under the arm-rest. It's so close to your stomach ( and Im not fat ) that's its impossible to eat!!!! All the people gather in that area to wait for the bathroom...they step all over you, talk loud so forget about sleep. As you can see the door in the picture, it sticks out so your legs have to be sideways, when streatching.... So how comfortable can it be???
7
Mar 11, 2010 at 09:54 AM s Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ jet blue has special seating up front designed with extra legroom that they charge a premium for. the exit row seats by nature have more room, so this is news that the airline industry is taking advantage of this. smart move, unless they sell out all the emergency isle seats to lazy or handicapped people, in which case they wont be any help in case of an emergency....just saying. ”
if you don't book your seat untill boarding time they give you some of those seats in the first five rows.
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Mar 14, 2010 at 06:56 AM UNITED1K Says:Report as Inappropriate
Strictly first class for me.