AIRLINE FEES – Part 1, Seat Selection

So you thought you found and/or bought the best deal, the cheapest airfare available…. not so fast….

Here are some of the major airlines menu on ala carte fees, bundled/unbundled fees to add (or not) to your discounted airfare. Be aware these are per segment/per flight, and depends on the length of flight (more for cross-country).

American just recently started charging anywhere from $9 – $39 for their ‘Your Choice Program’ that may include one/more/all of the following: 1) priority boarding & exit; 2) 1st few rows with supposedly more legroom and includes priority boarding/exit; 3) change fee discount; 4) free standby.

Delta Airlines ‘Coach Choice’ program discontinued. Offers advanced/preferred seating only to SkyMiles Elite members, and full/premium fare coach (economy) passengers.

United Airlines Economy Plus offers 5” more legroom and starts at $9/flight or $425/year. Subject to availability.

Jet Blue offers extra legroom for $10.

Southwest is open seating only. Families are given opportunity to sit together if they ask nicely.

Virgin America offers ‘Main Cabin Select’ from $35 – $55 – $110 (depending on length of flight). This is a bundled package that may include 1/more/all of meals, additional In flight entertainment, and extra legroom.

Coming soon… Part 2, Baggage Fees

Pleasant journeys,
Jim & Emily