Why Do Airlines Charge Extra for Seat Selection When Booking Online?
A serve of indignation from a recent traveler who booked a direct flight with Emirates and was charged over the odds for a seat—only to discover that they were entitled to a free seat. This frustration has sparked a debate about the merits and fairness of airlines charging extra for seat selection services. Many travelers wonder: Is there a genuine benefit to this additional charge beyond mere profit?
Airlines Charging for Seat Selection
Emirates, like many other airlines, is known for its premium services and the occasional touch of greed when it comes to seat selection. This traveler, who booked directly with Emirates, paid a higher fare for a seat that they could have flown in with the help of a travel agent, sans the hefty seat selection fee. The essence of their complaint is that the practice of charging extra for a seat, even when included in the initial fare, appears to be nothing more than a greedy business tactic.
The practice seems particularly egregious when compared to the American system, where seat selection may be part of the ticket price. However, the contrast in service levels often brings into question the value and quality of the airline when they copy the system but fail to provide the same standards of service.
Seat Selection: A Fair Trade-off?
It's important to understand why airlines charge for seat selection. For many families and groups, the inconvenience of being separated by multiple rows can be significant. Others might have a preference for window seats, middle seats, or front rows, believing these positions offer a more comfortable or enjoyable experience.
Airlines, recognizing these preferences, have introduced seat selection as an option, albeit at an extra cost. The logic behind this is often that by providing the choice to pay for specific seating, they improve the overall customer experience—thus potentially reducing the likelihood of customer complaints and improving overall satisfaction.
The Impact of Unbundling Services
Interestingly, this practice fits into the broader trend of airline unbundling. The gradual disentanglement of ancillary services from the core ticket price has led to the rise of premium seats, baggage allowances, and other perks. This might make it seem like the overall airfare has decreased, when in fact, it's simply that the cost is now more transparent and additional fees are baked into the ticket price. This adjustment can lead to confusion and frustration among consumers who might feel they are paying more with less control over their travel experience.
For example, if an airline stops bundling seat selection and charges extra for this service, one might think the initial ticket price should reflect a discount, yet that doesn't often happen. The extra charge is seen as a way to offset the cost of providing the additional service, which is often perceived as a form of premium service beyond the basic expectations of the flight.
Conclusion: A Complex Mix of Economics and Customer Experience
The practice of charging extra for seat selection reflects a complex interplay between economics and customer experience. While it might not be the fairest system, it is often justified as providing a better travel experience for those who value specific seating options. The key for airlines is to ensure that the additional cost is justified by the quality of the service—otherwise, it risks alienating customers who feel they are overcharged for what should be an integral part of their travel experience.
Keywords: airline seat selection, extra seat charge, travel seat assignment