For many travelers, seat assignments are one of the most important parts of a trip. This varies from the very frequent travelers who have “their” seats (I actually once had someone on a plane ask if I would switch since I was in his favorite), to more relaxed fliers who nonetheless cannot imagine flying without being in a window or aisle seat.
How you approach this crazy season not only might help keep your stress level down, it may also increase your chances of getting what you want.
Much is made this time of year of the dangers of procrastinating in booking holiday travel. Admittedly, it’s definitely easier and almost always cheaper to start early. But that doesn’t mean early bookers avoid all reservation issues.
In a perfect world, there would be comfortable aisle or window seats for everyone. But realistically in economy class that’s not going to happen.
United passengers on international 777s have been dealing with the old-style business seats, which are a big step down, for example, from British Airways’ flat-bed seats, or even Lufthansa’s lie-flat angled seats. That is changing.
In the ever escalating airline fee wars, Qantas has now taken things to a whole new level. Starting next month, the airline plans to charge AU$160 (approximately $125) for exit-row seats on their long-haul flights.
Are we becoming a nation of travel whiners? Granted, generally speaking, airline service has gone to a warm place in a handbasket. And yes, airline fees and prices often have no rhyme or reason. On the other hand, we’re doing a lot more complaining.