26 Sep 2009

Airline to charge for seat bookings

8:12 am on 26 September 2009

British Airways is to charge passengers who want to choose their seats before they travel.

The airline says the charges will affect those seeking to ensure they sit together on a flight and people with a preference for window, aisle or emergency exit seats.

Prices range from £10 per person for European economy flights, to £60 for long haul trips in business class. A seat in an emergency exit row will cost £50.

The charge comes into effect from 7 October. Seats can be booked between 10 and four days before take-off.

The BBC reports the airline has already cut luggage allowances and abolished free meals on short flights.

British Airways made a loss of £401 million last financial year.