Those pesky extra costs when booking flights nowadays can be an additional burden when planning a trip.
Just when you think you’ve got it sorted, you might just find yourself with another thing to factor in – the price of selecting your seat on the plane.
Sometimes it might not seem like a lot, perhaps just £5 for a short trip.
But this can add up quickly if you’re booking for several people and a return trip.
And prices can soar to astronomical amounts – for example, BA flights can charge £62 for a long-haul business seat while some Emirates flights charge up to $260 (£200) to select for yourself if you want an extra-legroom seat.
If you don’t want to pay a hefty fee to select your chair on a flight, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways around it.
On most airlines, choosing your seat is an optional add-on, and isn’t compulsory. On the majority of flights, you’ll be allocated a seat anyway and can avoid any extra costs.
But if you’re selective about where you want to be, there are alternative solutions.
If you don’t want to pay a hefty fee to select your chair on a flight, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways around it
You might want to ensure you sit with the personal you’re travelling with, for instance.
Or maybe you want to avoid being seated on the wing, or close to the toilets.
Firstly many airlines will permit passengers with additional needs, including those with infants and disabilities, to select a seat without extra costs.
Plus, if you’re not seated with your travel companions, you can ask a check-in agent if it’s possible to be placed together.
The Times suggests becoming a member of the airline’s frequent flyer scheme.
Joining one of these loyalty programmes could really help you, especially if you travel often.
For instance, according to BA, as a British Airways Club Bronze, Silver or Gold member you can choose seats for free in many instances.
Another option is to check in within 24 hours of departure on a legacy carrier (traditional, full-service airlines that provide a range of services such as BA) and you can pick your seat for free.
On most airlines, choosing your seat is an optional add-on, and isn’t compulsory. On the majority of flights, you’ll be allocated a seat anyway and can avoid any extra costs
However, there’s no guarantee the seat you want will be available.
If all else fails, know that you will still be allocated a seat even if you don’t pay extra for one.
It comes after it was recently revealed that there apparently is a way to change seats for free, according to one check-in agent.
Ashley Bautista used to work at Heathrow Airport, and encourages passengers to go to the check-in desk as soon as it opens to see if you can avoid the extra cost.
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