Extra charge levied for exit row seats …baggage check-in fees next?
Northwest Airlines announced it will an charge extra for emergency exit row and some select aisle seats in a test program some airline analysts believe is the beginning of a trend towards charging for perks previously provided free.
Beginning Tuesday, Northwest stared a test program to charge $15 for confirmed emergency exit row and some select aisle seats. Passengers can confirm these preferred seat assignments, which the airline calls “Choice Seats,” up to 24 hours in advance for routes within the United States. Elite program members can reserve 36 hours prior to departure.
Bankrupt Northwest Airlines had already eliminated free snacks and meals on all of its domestic flights.
Some airline analyst sees the move as the beginning of a trend for struggling U.S. airlines to charge for services previously provide free, including soft drinks and checked baggage. It is reported that the preferred seat assignment fees could generate $20 million for Northwest.
Europe’s largest discount airline, Ryan Air began this week charging passengers $4.50 for each checked bag.
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