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.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
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.
More than likely, cash-strapped major American carriers are monitoring the move…
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I stand by the emergency exit row while passengers board. It’s interesting to hear the comments as they pass my row. The person with the broken leg “thinks” they deserve to sit there. The person who’s over 6-4 “thinks” they deserve to sit there. The Elite Flier “thinks” they deserve to sit there. The Elderly couple “thinks” they deserve to sit there. And yes, I’ve had a blind passenger “think” they should be able to sit there. And, the passenger with the pet “thinks” they deserve it as well.
In reality, I’m torn between the tall passenger and the Elite. It’s hard to see someone in the row who’s 5 feet tall, while you watch someone 6’5 squeeze into a center seat mid cabin. But, that 5 feet tall Elite may have spent thousands for status.
You pay for better seats at concerts, sports events, the opera, etc. I see nothing wrong with charging extra for exit row seats. It’s a source of Revenue and it’s much needed.
I have frequently ended up in exit row seats and the only people who deserve to sit there are those that meet the guidelines required to sit there. I’ve seen people who clearly were unable and/or unwilling to follow the directions of the flight crew and who in the event of an emergency wouldn’t be able to assist in getting the other passengers off the plane.
If Qantas wants to charge extra for those seats, let them. The market will decide if that is a good deal or will people pay a little more and sit in Premium Economy?
Lives can depend on who is seated in that exit row. I’d hate to think that someone who was too weak to operate the door still got to sit in the exit row because of their FF status.
Exit row seats are there as emergency exits. That is why they are on every aircraft – not to generate extra revenue. People who sit there must be able bodied and must be vetted by the flight crew before the aircraft takes off. They are not there as a premium benefit. Charging extra for that seat assignment is bad business. What happens if I purchase one because I want the extra room because I have a bad back, then there is an emergency and I can’t open the exit because of my back? Selling exit row seats is possible asking for trouble, especially in the event of an emergency.
I think the FAA should prohibit this practice in the interest of safety..
Going to be interesting watching them try and reseat a person who is clearly unable to work the emergency door but who *has* paid a hefty premium to sit there.
Since airlines hate like hell to refund any money paid and since the person paying made a contractual deal with the airline for the seat, the fireworks should be amusing.
Best solution I can see, one that benefits everyone: Require anyone who wants to sit in an emergency seat to be certified to work the door, slide etc. Make a short course (four hours? Whatever it takes to really learn that stuff) available to the general public for a reasonable fee who then get certified.
Then you *know* folks sitting in those rows can handle the door./window/what have you.
On May 27th, 2009 at 11:22 am John M said I have frequently ended up in exit row seats and the only people who deserve to sit there are those that meet the guidelines required to sit there.
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Airlines require a verbal response from passengers in those seats, to operate the exit and meet the selection criteria.
My comments regarding the exit row are under the assumption, that everyone already meets those requirements.
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On May 27th, 2009 at 12:23 pm Skip said Lives can depend on who is seated in that exit row. I’d hate to think that someone who was too weak to operate the door still got to sit in the exit row because of their FF status.
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Who says someone wont “freeze” in a situation like an emergency evacuation?
I’ve seen overweight nurses in the hospital, but they’re very mobile and react quickly in an emergency. Is someone who is old, weak? Are there women who are stronger then men?
What the problem is, Skip, is that passengers view those seats as COMFORT, NOT SAFETY. And, I explain that everytime someone in my view, doesnt meet the requirements there.
Virgin america charges more< called main cabin select, however, free unlimited alcoholic beverages and snacks , sandwiches are free. you have to mention that in your article…
maybe I can get them to credit me $100 if they assign me a middle seat on a 747 from LAX-SYD? I’ll just tell them that its in my contract of carriage which they accepted by selling me a ticket . . .