December 25, 2009
Flying coach on airlines continues to become less democratic, as airlines find new ways to charge more for better seats.
Southwest Airlines, for example, used to offer seating on a first-come, first serve basis. This year, the economy-minded airline started charging a $10 “early-bird” fee for travelers who want to board the plane first, so they have first crack at, say, an aisle seat.
“Early-bird” fliers on Southwest get on ahead of the general boarding group but behind “Business Select” and “Elite Frequent” fliers. “Business select” started in 2007 and charges an extra $15, on top of full fare.
Since 2008, low-cost rival JetBlue has been charging extra for “Even More Legroom” seating at the front of the plane and in exit rows. The charges vary, depending on the length of the flight.
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Some international airlines — including Cathay Pacific — have started to charge extra for exit-row seats in coach.
Airline experts see this as part of a trend to charge extra for things that used to be free.
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