In an attempt to generate extra revenue from just about
any source the airlines can find, US Airways joins Northwest Airlines in
charging for "choice" coach seats.
 On US Airways, these are aisle and
window seats in the first few rows of most aircraft (US Airways Shuttle and
flights operated with Saab 340 aircraft will not implement the program).
The Choice Seats Program will affect approximately 8% of
US Airways' seats. Effective May 7, 2008, for $5 you can get one of these
"choice" seats only if you use web check-in, although the program will
be expanded to airport check-in later this year. Elite members of US Airways
frequent flier program (and companions booked in the same reservation record)
can choose these seats free of charge. The $5 fee will apply to each flight, so
if you are on a connecting itinerary you will be charged for each flight segment
(although you can choose this option on only one segment if you prefer).
Northwest Airlines charges $15 and up depending on the
length of the flight, routing, and other factors. On both carriers, these
"choice" seats are not like some other programs that offer additional
legroom, they simply put you closer to the front of the airplane. Is it
worth it? Here is some information to help you decide.
Bulkhead seats may have some extra legroom, but not
always. Unfortunately, depending on aircraft and configuration, you'll be
staring at a wall, curtain, galley or bathroom from these seats. You
must also store all carry on items (even a purse or briefcase) in an overhead
compartment, as there is no under-seat space for these items. Video
entertainment? Better hope they have a mini-screen in the
bulkhead or you might not be able to see a screen. And for
the extra legroom, you'll be giving up a little hip-space. The
armrests in bulkhead rows are fixed and extend all the way down between the
seats (for storage of the tray table). Thus, the extra
"spreading out" space that occurs under a regular armrest is gone.
And, bulkhead row armrests don't fold up. In other
rows you can lift the armrest into a position in the backrest cushions if you
happen to have an empty seat next to you or are traveling with someone you want
to cuddle up to.
Aisles, up front? These might be worth
it if you have a very tight connection or have scheduled an appointment too
close to your arrival time and need to exit the plane as quickly as possible.
Otherwise, an aisle seat a few rows back will probably only delay you by
a few minutes. And if you've checked baggage, you can either wait in the aisle
of the plane or wait at the baggage carousel.
The loophole in the program is that 30 minutes before
departure the gate agents will release any of these "premium" seats that
haven't been reserved. So if you still think these are the
better seats for your needs, here is what we suggest. Use
Seat Guru (www.seatguru.com)
to find the best "no-surcharge seat" on your flight and reserve it.
Then if you still really want one of the "Coach Choice" seats request
it at the 30-minute cut-off time before departure. And
remember, if you don’t get that "Coach Choice" seat, you can use the $5
fee you would have spent to buy an adult beverage. That should make even a
middle seat more tolerable.
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