Do Airlines want you to Pay for Seats? How to Avoid the Cost and still Get a Good Spot on the Plane
Passengers trying to avoid pricey extras when paying for flights may soon struggle to keep costs down. Airlines are cracking down on free seat reservations – with some even charging for it in business class.
Most Budget Airlines are Getting Rid of Free Seat Reservations – Even for Business Travelers
Most budget airlines are known for charging extra fees for seats, along with hand luggage and priority boarding. Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air all charge, with passengers who don’t pay being given any seat at check-in. Despite this, some airlines that used to offer this for free are also scrapping this – even if you are paying thousands for your flight already.
Big Changes for Premium Passengers Too
British Airways business class passengers now have to pay extra for a seat, USA Today reports, which can cost between £60-£100 extra, each way. Air France and KLM also introduced this fee to business class passengers last year. Even non-budget carriers such as American Airlines now charge economy travelers for a reserved one.
The Revenue Airlines Get from These Fees May Shock You
Jay Sorensen, president of airline consulting firm IdeaWorksCompany told the website: “These fees are beginning to rival what they collect for baggage at many carriers. The extent to which they have been such powerful generators of revenue has been a surprise to me as well.” The company estimates that as much as $4.2billion is made from seat fare revenue from eight of the major US airlines in the US in one year.
What’s at Stake for Passengers and How to Avoid the Extra Charges
While passengers don’t have to pay for a seat, it could mean you end up being split up from your friends and family on a long flight, or you could end up with a middle seat, at the back of the flight. Hand luggage travelers are also finding stricter rules, with many passengers opting to ditch the checked-in bag to save money. This has resulted in full overhead cabins and even delayed flights. And some experts have called to rid cabins of lockers entirely to prevent this.
New Ways to Avoid Losing Your Money to Extras on Flights
Until big changes are made, there are some clever ways to make sure you can fit everything in your hand luggage size bag.
1. Stuff your sandals
To avoid them getting bent en route, stuff them underwear and socks so they keep their shape. Remember to also slot them together in the suitcase to save even more space.
2. Tie things together
Use belts to tie items together so clothes don’t move around and get creased. This can also keep them condensed in one shape.
3. Packing cubes
Packing cubes let you fit a lot more in your suitcase as well as keep it organized. Look out for compression cubes too, which compact even further.
By following these tips, you can avoid some of the extra costs and inconveniences when flying.