After checked baggage fees, probably the most disdained airline fee is the one for selecting your seat. Long a perk that came without charge--and one that costs the airline nothing extra to provide--it's now just another profit center. Here's what several airlines charge, if anything, for advanced seat selection.
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Earliest available |
Charge? |
Can you pre book an exit row? |
Premium Services |
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|
During booking, before purchase |
$6-$20 |
$20, book anytime |
Upgrades to business class available at set prices $49-$129. |
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|
During booking, before purchase |
No |
Yes |
Some seats at front of economy section and aisle seats for premium customers |
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|
During booking, before purchase |
up to $75 |
Yes, for a fee |
No |
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|
During booking, before purchase |
No |
Reserved for premium customers |
$4-$59 for preferred seats (window/aisle toward front); $8-$118 for Main Cabin Extra (more leg room). Free for certain frequent fliers and full fare tickets. |
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|
Free at check in or from 24 hours before departure. Fees apply to choose seats at booking up to 25 hours before departure. |
Depends on class of service; For international economy and domestic UK, £10/$15 to choose seats from time of booking up to check-in, 24 hours before departure up to £60/$90 for other classes of service (First Class free) |
£50/$75 for economy/World Traveller Plus |
N/A |
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|
During booking, before purchase |
No |
Reserved for premium customers |
$9-$99 per segment for Economy Comfort (more leg room); $9-$59 per segment for preferred seats (window/aisle toward front). Free for certain frequent fliers and full fare tickets. |
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|
During booking, before purchase |
No |
Request at check in |
$5 for select seats; $5-50 for stretch upgrades. Free for certain frequent fliers. |
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During booking, before purchase |
No |
Request at check in |
No, but upgrades available for sale |
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|
During booking, before purchase |
No |
Yes, from $10, depending on flight length |
$10-$65 for "Even More Room" seats. (more leg room) |
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At boarding |
No |
No |
$10 for preferred boarding (“Group A”) |
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|
During booking, before purchase |
$1-$50 depending on route |
Yes, for a fee |
$12-$199 for “Big Front Seat” in advance; $25-$75 for onboard upgrades. |
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|
During booking, before purchase |
No |
Request at check in |
$9-$179 for Economy Plus. Free for certain frequent fliers. |
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|
During booking, before purchase |
No |
Request at check in |
$5-$99 for Choice Seats (window/aisle toward front). Free for certain frequent flyers. |
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|
During booking, before purchase |
No |
Sold as “Main Cabin Select” seats for hefty fees |
Exit rows and bulkheads sold as “Main Cabin Select” for variable fees, includes free premium TV and meals |
