Why You Should Not Pay For A Seat On Your Next flight
Paying extra to sit next to loved ones is a burden, especially for budget-conscious travellers and pensioners. Here’s why airlines should rethink seat charges.
When booking a flight, securing a seat is a basic expectation, not a privilege we should have to pay extra for. But in recent years, airlines have shifted to selling seat reservations separately, asking passengers to pay an additional fee to sit in specific spots or, in some cases, just to sit next to their companions. As a pensioner flying on a budget, I recently had to pay for two seats to ensure that my husband and I would be seated together on our flight. The additional expense felt unnecessary and, frankly, unfair, especially since being seated together should be a standard part of the ticketing process. Here’s why no one should be required to pay for their seat when booking a flight.
1. Seat Reservations Should Be Included in the Ticket Price
Purchasing a plane ticket should cover the essential aspects of a flight—securing a seat being one of them. The notion that passengers must pay extra to confirm their own seats disregards the original purpose of a ticketed seat. When we buy tickets, we’re essentially purchasing space on the plane. Airlines, however, increasingly present seat selection as a premium service, despite it being a necessity. Instead, airlines should prioritize seating arrangements for all passengers as part of the standard fare.
2. Unnecessary Expense for Budget Travelers
Many travelers are already stretching their budgets to afford flights. This is particularly true for retirees, families, and those traveling on tight budgets. Paying extra to sit next to a companion, whether it's a spouse, child, or friend, adds an unexpected burden. For pensioners like my husband and me, these seat fees can quickly add up. An expense that might seem small on the surface can create stress and financial strain, especially for those who have worked hard to travel responsibly within their means.
3. Airline Responsibility, Not Passenger Burden
It should be the airline’s responsibility—not the passenger’s—to assign seating on their aircraft. Customers buy tickets expecting to travel with the peace of mind that they have a seat secured on the plane. When passengers are expected to pay for seat selection just to avoid random assignments, it shifts responsibility unfairly onto the customer. Ensuring that each passenger is seated comfortably and logically is a service that airlines should provide.
4. Customer Experience and Loyalty
The airline industry is built on customer experience and loyalty, yet charging for basic seat reservations can drive away customers. Passengers should not feel pressured to pay more just to enjoy the flight with loved ones. Instead, including seat assignments in the booking price would enhance the travel experience, create goodwill, and foster customer loyalty. Travelers who have good experiences are more likely to become repeat customers, and they’ll remember airlines that put passenger comfort above profit.
5. A Simple Solution for a Better Journey
Ultimately, making seat selection a free and straightforward part of booking a ticket would bring peace of mind to travelers. Sitting next to family and friends shouldn't be a luxury; it’s a reasonable expectation, especially on long-haul or overnight flights.
As airlines continue to evolve their services, it’s time to rethink practices like seat charges, which add stress and financial strain for passengers. Reserving a spot should be simple, fair, and included in the ticket price—a change that would benefit both airlines and their valued customers.
6. "Cheap Tickets" with Hidden Costs
Airlines often advertise "cheap" ticket prices to attract budget-conscious travellers, but these low fares frequently come with hidden costs that can add up quickly. While the ticket price may look affordable initially, passengers are often surprised by the need to pay for basic necessities like seat selection, checked bags, and even carry-on luggage. These extra fees turn what seemed like an economical choice into a much more expensive journey. For passengers traveling on a tight budget, such as pensioners, these added costs feel deceptive and diminish trust in the airline's pricing transparency. In the end, a "cheap" ticket can end up costing as much as, or more than, a standard fare, leaving passengers frustrated and financially strained.
#airlines #airlinecharges #airlineseats #seatbookings
