In news that none of us would like at all, Virgin Atlantic will be joining the party of grabbing all the revenue it can by charging for advanced seats selection.
This will affect economy class passengers who want a particular seat after 1st April 2014, with a bit of over-complication by Virgin Atlantic below:
– From 1st April, Exit Rows and Extra Legroom seats will be available for choosing and buying 336 days before flying
– From 1st April, London Gatwick to Las Vegas will be payable for economy seat assignment for up to 336 days in advance
– From 1st April, London Heathrow to Tokyo Narita, seats will be assignable free for up to 336 days in advanced
– From 1st May, routes to Africa, Asia, Caribbean and Australia, as well as Gatwick to Orlando will be payable for economy seat assignment for up to 336 days in advance
– From 1st June, all routes will have the new advance seat assignment charge in place, with seats bookable 336 days in advanced.
Yes. Over-complicated to say the least.
The price to assign starts from £25 a segment. Of course, free selection is available when check-in opens
The exceptions to these charges will be:
– Upper Class Customers (the Business Class product)
– Premium Economy
– Full Economy (Booking Class Y)
– Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold Passengers
– Little Red UK Domestic Services
You’ll note that Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Silver members are NOT exempt from these charges… making these charges a tough sell to the semi-frequent Virgin Atlantic traveler (or a motivation to get to Gold).
There’s a glossy version at https://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/manage-your-flights/seat-assignment.html, whilst the full fat of what is changing is at http://virginatlantic.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/86/related/1.
Is this just a dash for cash? Of course it is – simply monetising what Virgin Atlantic give away free at the moment, but this makes Virgin no better than BA or Lufthansa who have implemented the programme of charging for seats.
Still – another unwelcome charge…
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