What's next? Paying for privilege of middle seat?

Posted 30/08/2011

Observers wonder now that American Airlines has started charging extra for aisle and window seats whether the next move might be a fee for the dreaded window seat.

The new program is called “preferred seating.”

Certain window, aisle and exit row seats will now be called “preferred.”

The number and location of those seats will vary by flight but will always be in the front half of the plane, according to airline spokeswoman Stacey Frantz.

The seats will be available for advance booking only to Platinum- or Gold-level frequent fliers or people who are paying full fare, along with members of the military and their families.

The airline says none of these fliers will be charged extra for a preferred seat.

But if any of those seats are still available 24 hours before the plane's departure, passengers who paid lower fares will be able to buy them online for an extra charge of $4 to $39. The price will depend on the length of flight and time of day.

This is a change from the Express Seat program launched last year to sell seats in the first few rows of coach. More seats will be up for sale in Preferred Seat.

Other airlines, including United, JetBlue and AirTran, already charge extra for exit row and other "extra leg room" seats.

US Airways charges for some window and aisle seats.

Southwest allows passengers to pay more to board early and pick their own seat.

By David Wilkening

Originally published 30 Aug 2011 at: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/398/f/5923/s/17cabb51/l/0L0Stravelmole0N0Cstories0C11491360Bphp0Dmpnlog0F1/story01.htm