Hey pattis, actually
it is a sleazy practice even if all of the airlines are doing it!!
If the airlines really feel they need to increase their prices they should just do it. This hidden and extra charges business is going to kill them and passengers will revolt. As times get tougher (and they will) airlines will realize that charging more and more to fewer and fewer customers is NOT a good business strategy!! At best the practice is deceptive.
Case in point: I booked a package to go to Vegas and was booked leaving on U.S. Air and returning with Northwest. I am a frequent flier with NWA but have never flown with U.S. Air. Although I booked the trip several weeks ago, I was not able to get an assigned seat on NWA because
30% of the seats on NWA flights now are "premium". What the heck is that? I call a premium seat first class, other than that I will get squeezed in to one of the uncomfortable seats in coach just like everyone else! Below is a thread from a complaint I just registered with NWA. I will at least give them credit for responding quickly...
By the way, I was able to book my seats with U.S. Air and although they did set aside the exit aisles and a few other rows as "premium" (which is still crap) it wasn't 1/3 of the plane!! I got good seats with U.S. Air and am considering them for more flights in the future.
-----Original Message-----
From: Northwest Airlines [mailto:Northwest.Airlines@nwa.com]
Sent: Sunday, October 12, 2008 1:04 PM
To: ***** *********
Subject: Re: ET-Seats
Dear ******,
Thank you for contacting nwa.com Customer Service.
While most seats are available to be pre-assigned, Northwest does
reserve some seats on all flights for assignment only at the time of
check-in. There are currently no seats left to be pre-assigned on your
flight. You do have a secured space on our plane, but we cannot tell
you which specific seat will be accommodating you.
While we do our best to seat passengers according to their preferences,
it is not always possible on a full aircraft. We recommend checking in
early in order to ensure flexibility in seating. With an E-ticket, you
may check in and choose from available seats online. Access the
"Check-In" tab on our homepage at
www.nwa.com within 24 hours of
departure.
I hope this answers your question regarding seat assignments.
Thank you for choosing Northwest Airlines. We value your patronage and
consider it a privilege to serve your travel needs.
Sincerely,
Pratik
nwa.com Customer Service
My reply:
Sorry Patrik but that's just crap! A premium seat is first class not coach!! People are getting fed up all of these extra charges and underhanded practices which will only mean they will move to the smaller airlines that do less of this. If you need more revenue, charge more for your tickets, don't keep adding hidden fees that will only infuriate your loyal customers!!!