24 June 2008

Sit down for more cash-starved airline news

JetBlue, which has steadfastly stuck with an all-coach cabin, may be thinking of adding first class or premium seats, say recent reports.

Meanwhile, Spirit is charging for seat selection.

"Everything is on the table," JetBlue CEO Dave Barger is quoted as saying in response to a question about whether JetBlue might add first-class seating.

But despite Barger's comments, no changes appear imminent, according to JetBlue spokesman Sebastian White.

"In this industry we've learned to never say never, but at this point we have no plans for first class," he said

Spirit Airlines started charging passengers for the option of selecting their seats at the time they make their reservations.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœSpirit's fees are $15 for an exit row seat, $10 for an aisle or a window and $5 for a middle seat. Customers are charged per one-way segment,Ã¢â¬~ according to newspaper reports.

Customers who opt not to pay the extra fee will have their seats assigned upon check-in at no additional cost.

Other airlines have similar fees. Some charge extra only for premium seats (like exit-row seats). At least one, AirTran, charges $6 for an advance seat-assignment.

Report by David Wilkening