Airlines offer seats up front for extra fee
Last week, we talked about how airlines are always looking for ways to squeeze out more revenue — without scaring off customers by actually raising fares.
Now, even the cheap seats are getting more costly. Yesterday, American Airlines announced an add-on fee for the front rows in coach class.
Fees for the so-called “Express” seats, which allow passengers to enter and exit the plane in the first group, are based on distance – $19 for shorter distances up to $39 for a cross-country trip.
Travelers can buy the Express Seat option at airport check-in kiosks only, from 24 hours before their trips up to 50 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
The carrier is following in the footsteps of several other airlines that already charge for special seats. In June, for instance, it already rolled out a $10 fee that allows travelers to board a flight in the first group.
Keeping in mind that it generally takes about five minutes for a plane to empty once the door opens, is it worth extra money just to ensure empty overhead bin space, a bit more legroom (depending on the size of the plane) and more time waiting for your luggage inside?
Probably not, says Terry Maxon, a travel writer with the Dallas Morning News: “On one hand, you don't get more legroom or elbow room. On the other hand, you can get off the airplane more quickly at the destination."
“On one foot (since we're out of hands), it's a long way back to the economy-section toilets, and you know how they feel about you trying to sneak up to the first-class toilets,” he adds.
What do you think? Would you pay the man to sneak in with the business class passengers?
By Gordon Powers, MSN Money
Posted by: Russell | Aug 21, 2021 5:12:48 PM
If the airlines keep going the way the are, they better start thinking. What I mean is that, trains are getting faster (like they are in Europe). It's only the matter of time & they are going to feel it.