http://www.tripso.com/today/exit-row-seats-us125/
Wow! Qantas charges another $125 for exit-row seat
by Janice Hough
In the ever escalating airline fee wars, Qantas has now taken things to a whole new level. Starting next month, the airline plans to charge AU$160 (approximately $125) for exit-row seats on their long-haul flights.
On shorter flights, presumably within Australia, the airline will charge AU$80 for the exit row. Although, Qantas says plans are still being finalized as to the exact charges.
The lowest airfare right now from Los Angeles to Sydney is only about $299 each way plus tax. Which now really means you could spend almost half again the cost of your trip for a seat assignment.
At some point it might be worth it simply to buy a second seat, which would provide more legroom if you stretched your legs sideways, and more width. When two passengers are traveling together, buying up the middle seat would mean more potential shared extra space.
Many U.S. carriers already charge for premium seats, in some cases simply aisle and window seats towards the front. United Airlines and JetBlue charge for seating with extra legroom, although United does not pre-sell exit rows, holding them instead for their most elite frequent fliers.
Virgin America does charge for exit-row seats, and apparently Qantas's move is in response to Virgin Blue's policy of charging for exit-row seats on their domestic Australia flights.
The decision to assess this charge is probably in line with the direction other carriers are moving, the surprisingly part is how significant these charges are becoming. If Qantas can sell these seats at AU$160, no doubt the fee will only go up.
More than likely, cash-strapped major American carriers are monitoring the move, and passengers' reaction with more than a little interest.
Published on May 27, 2009
Wow! Qantas charges another $125 for exit-row seat
by Janice Hough
In the ever escalating airline fee wars, Qantas has now taken things to a whole new level. Starting next month, the airline plans to charge AU$160 (approximately $125) for exit-row seats on their long-haul flights.
On shorter flights, presumably within Australia, the airline will charge AU$80 for the exit row. Although, Qantas says plans are still being finalized as to the exact charges.
The lowest airfare right now from Los Angeles to Sydney is only about $299 each way plus tax. Which now really means you could spend almost half again the cost of your trip for a seat assignment.
At some point it might be worth it simply to buy a second seat, which would provide more legroom if you stretched your legs sideways, and more width. When two passengers are traveling together, buying up the middle seat would mean more potential shared extra space.
Many U.S. carriers already charge for premium seats, in some cases simply aisle and window seats towards the front. United Airlines and JetBlue charge for seating with extra legroom, although United does not pre-sell exit rows, holding them instead for their most elite frequent fliers.
Virgin America does charge for exit-row seats, and apparently Qantas's move is in response to Virgin Blue's policy of charging for exit-row seats on their domestic Australia flights.
The decision to assess this charge is probably in line with the direction other carriers are moving, the surprisingly part is how significant these charges are becoming. If Qantas can sell these seats at AU$160, no doubt the fee will only go up.
More than likely, cash-strapped major American carriers are monitoring the move, and passengers' reaction with more than a little interest.
Published on May 27, 2009
