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British Airways seat reservation charge comes into effect

British Airways passengers face the unwelcome prospect of paying up to £60 for a seat reservation from today (7 October) as the airline looks to recoup some of the £401m it lost during the last business year.

The controversial new levy means that economy passengers who want to nominate their seats on flights within Europe will have to pay an extra £10 each way to the loss-making flag-carrier. The charge will increase to £20 each way for economy passengers on long-haul flights; that means that a family of four who want to guarantee seats together would have to pay an additional £160 for a return trip away.

Business-class passengers who want to select their seats will have to pay £60 each way.

Critics have accused BA of mimicking the tactics of budget carriers. Bob Atkinson of Travelsupermarket.com said: “This is another way for BA to drive up its revenues but it is all additional cost for the passenger.

“The line between the budget carriers and the full-service carriers has been blurred a little more. It’s a bad day for travellers and the cost of flying has just gone up again.”

A BA spokesman said: “Customers frequently request specific seats but in the past we’ve only been able to confirm them 24 hours in advance or on the day. We know people want to secure them in advance and have real control over their flying experience. This will allow them to do that.”

Is this just another example of the major airlines ripping off the public? And will it put you off flying with BA in the future? Let us know by commenting on our travel blog >>

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