Air Canada is going to start charging extra for preferred seats

Hello All BlkAv8tor2003 Checking In!!!

Well folks it's hit North America and I fair warned you! Paying for premium seating on your next airline flight is in your near future. Air Canada is going to charge you to be a little more comfortable on their flights! It's only a matter of time before the US carriers do the same! Exit row seating or bulk head seat assignments are the primary seats that are preferred and sought after.

So as we cruise into this holiday season, keep your ears and eyes open for added charges when making your next flight arrangements because there may be some added fees!

From what I can tell so far this fee is only added (your charged) if you "choose" to sit in the exit rows or wherever the airline designates a preferred seating location. If your just automatically assigned upon check-in you will not be charged. I will break down the seating advantages at a later time and date because it can be somewhat lengthy!

Just an FYI for things to come this holiday season!!!

Remember to "Be Proactive, Not Reactive" and Enjoy Your Flight!!!

BlkAv8tor2003

The Canadian Press
Date: Friday Nov. 13, 2009
MONTREAL — Air Canada has been busy spending lots of cash on stuff like iPhone Apps, in-flight WiFi, and snazzy software for your Blackberry. This stuff all costs money, and like all other airlines, the money probably isn’t just pouring in up in Canada.

So the country’s flagship carrier is opening up the fee and charge toolbox in hopes of finding a good way to boost revenue. Air Canada is going to start charging extra for preferred seats with extra legroom including emergency exit rows and bulkhead seats.

Fees start at $14 per one-way trip for those wanting specific exit rows or bulkhead seats at the front of airplane sections.

Costs will vary by length of flight, fare class purchased and the customer's Aeroplan status. Fees can be waived or reduced depending on a number of factors including fare class purchased or a traveler’s status with the airline.

However, for most of us, this means that we are going to need to open up the wallet yet again at the airport. All these fees are certainly getting old, but we love airplanes and where they take us, so we’ll just have to ask for a second piggy bank for Christmas this year.

The service will be available on any Air Canada or Jazz flight.
Canada's largest airline is attempting to find $500 million in additional revenue and cost savings as part of its effort to improve its profitability.

It wasn't immediately clear how much money is expected to be raised from the new fees.

Airlines charging extra for window seats

BlkAv8tor2003 Checkin' In!!!

Hello all!!!

Here we go, as the airlines are charging for almost anything and everything windows seats and leg room are at a premium. The trick will be are you able to get your money back if the flight is not full? If there are enough seats for you to sit anywhere or the seat next to you is open and you paid a premium for the extra legroom and you end up having enough room will you be refunded? It's just a thought and how much grief are you going to catch or hoops you will have to jump through to get that refund. Also don't forget cancellations and changes in your reservations they may not carry across if you miss a flight because the next flight might be sold out of window seats by the time you get to it. Paying extra to talk to a human...that's a new one....I think but then again what are the odds that the person you’re talking to is actually in the US.
I'll revisit this one later but here is the article from UPI.

*note* Supposedly Jet Blue doesn't charge for window seat or legroom.

Published: May 4, 2008 at 3:01 PM

BOSTON, May 4 (UPI) -- The practice of charging travelers extra for such premiums as window seats and extra leg room is gaining a hold among U.S. airlines, analysts note.US Airways, Jet Blue Airways Corp. and Air Canada recently began charging $5 more for a window seat, $10 for extra stretching room and $25 for passengers who want to be able to connect with a reservations agent if s flight is delayed or canceled, The Boston Globe reported Sunday.US Airways additionally plans to charge most passengers at least $5 extra to reserve an aisle or window seat in the first several rows of coach class, beginning Wednesday.The charges are a way for the airlines to offset rising fuel costs in an economic climate that has been the worst for the airlines since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.Although some passengers are sure to grumble over the increased costs associated with air travel, others may welcome the charges as a way to give them more control over what they pay for to fly."Ultimately, they will be more satisfied because they will be in control of their travel experience," said Henry Harteveldt, principal airline analyst for Forrester Research Inc.

© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.

Monday, May 5, 2008 at 01:02 PM