British travellers are facing a growing financial hurdle when booking their holidays: the often-steep cost of selecting a seat on the plane. What can seem like a minor add-on for a short trip can quickly escalate into a significant expense, especially for families and groups.
The Hidden Cost of Your Flight
Many passengers are caught off-guard by these optional fees. A simple £5 charge for a short-haul seat selection seems manageable, but it multiplies rapidly when booking for several people on a return journey. The situation becomes even more extreme on long-haul routes. For instance, British Airways can charge up to £62 for a business class seat selection, while some Emirates flights demand a staggering $260 (approximately £200) for an extra-legroom seat.
Smart Strategies to Bypass Seat Fees
The crucial thing to remember is that, on most airlines, paying to choose your seat is not compulsory. If you do not pay, the airline will allocate you a seat at no extra cost, guaranteeing you a spot on the plane. However, if you have specific needs, such as wanting to sit with your travel companions or avoid certain areas, there are effective ways to achieve this without opening your wallet.
Firstly, airlines typically allow passengers with additional needs, including those travelling with infants or with disabilities, to select a suitable seat free of charge. Furthermore, if you find your party has been separated after an automatic allocation, you can politely ask the check-in agent if it's possible to be seated together.
Leverage Loyalty and Timing
One of the most powerful tools is joining an airline's frequent flyer programme. As reported by The Times, loyalty schemes like the British Airways Executive Club offer free seat selection as a key benefit. For example, British Airways Club Bronze, Silver, or Gold members can often choose their seats for free, providing substantial savings for regular travellers.
Another reliable method is to be prompt with online check-in. On legacy carriers such as British Airways, checking in within 24 hours of departure often unlocks the ability to pick your seat from the remaining available options for free. While there's no guarantee your preferred seat will be free, it significantly increases your chances.
If all else fails, a final piece of advice comes from industry insiders. Ashley Bautista, a former check-in agent at Heathrow Airport, suggests going to the check-in desk as soon as it opens. This proactive approach can sometimes allow staff to manually assign you a preferred seat without the extra fee, ensuring you and your companions can travel together comfortably and affordably.
