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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| British Airways sets seat charges | British Airways sets seat charges |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| British Airways passengers may have to pay to choose their seats before they travel, the airline has said. | British Airways passengers may have to pay to choose their seats before they travel, the airline has said. |
| 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. | 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. |
| People will pay from 7 October. Prices range from £10 per person for European economy flights, to £60 for long haul trips in business class. | People will pay from 7 October. Prices range from £10 per person for European economy flights, to £60 for long haul trips in business class. |
| BA said it would "give customers more control over their seating options". | BA said it would "give customers more control over their seating options". |
| The airline currently allows passengers to reserve seats in the 24 hours prior to departure. | The airline currently allows passengers to reserve seats in the 24 hours prior to departure. |
| The new charge - aimed at passengers wanting to reserve seats earlier than this - will be £20 on long-haul economy or short flights in business class, while a seat in an emergency exit row will cost £50. | |
| This can be booked between 10 and four days before take-off. | |
| A BA spokeswoman said: "Customers frequently request specific seats, but in the past we've only been able to confirm them 24 hours in advance or on the day. | A BA spokeswoman said: "Customers frequently request specific seats, but in the past we've only been able to confirm them 24 hours in advance or on the day. |
| "We know people want to secure them in advance and have real control over their flying experience. This will allow them to do that." | "We know people want to secure them in advance and have real control over their flying experience. This will allow them to do that." |
| The move comes as the airline attempts to bolster its balance sheet after a £401m loss in the last financial year. | The move comes as the airline attempts to bolster its balance sheet after a £401m loss in the last financial year. |
| And it follows BA's decision to cut luggage allowances and abolish free meals on short flights. | And it follows BA's decision to cut luggage allowances and abolish free meals on short flights. |