It seems British Airways has bowed to some pressure, with the announcement the airline is to allow its elites to select seats on Hand Baggage Only (or Basic) fares.
British Airways A320 at London Heathrow Airport – Executive Club members will be able reserve seats free of charge on Basic fares soon – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
Hand Baggage Only Fares (as the name indicates… or Basic fares) are the entry-level British Airways fares on short to medium haul routes. These offer the seat to get you from A to B without the niceties of hold luggage.
Yes. You won’t have to pay to reserve one of these wonderfully bad seats aboard British Airways short-medium haul – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
In the past, British Airways Elites (Gold Guest List, Gold, Silver and Bronze) were able to select seats free of charge.
Then British Airways went revenue crazy, and imposed fees on anyone selecting these seats.
However, it seems Alex Cruz is backtracking on seat reservation fees for elites stating:
“Our Executive Club Members are highly valued and in response to their feedback we are reinstating the ability for Bronze, Silver and Gold Executive Club Members to reserve their seat for free on a basic fare”
The change in policy goes into effect on the 14th June 2017. Executive Club Members who may have paid to select their seat and are due to travel from that date can also receive a refund on the cost of the seat reservation.
Gold and Silver Members will be able to select seats free of charge at the time of booking. Bronze members will be able to select a seat free 7 days before departure.
It’s a welcome change for Executive Club members and for those whose corporate travel agent will only book the cheapest possible fare.
Dread the thought: Could this be the first change under Alex Cruz that is beneficial for all its elite customers? There’s been too many hard and nasty cuts already…
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