Almost all airlines have now introduced a fee for seat reservations in economy class. This fee model is now also being applied to business class. KLM and Air France have announced that they will in future introduce a fee for long-haul seat reservations.
Flights on short and medium-haul routes and to North America are initially excluded. On all other routes, travellers must expect additional costs of €70 to €90 per direction. This fee does not apply at check-in (24 hours before departure).
Fee Comes into Effect from April 4 – with Exceptions
KLM & Air France announced this change on their travel agency portal. The system will therefore be similar to that of the economy class. Once check-in opens, anyone can select a seat for free – before that, it gets expensive. The change is scheduled to come into effect on April 4 – for travel from April 13, 2023.
But there are still a few exceptions. The seat reservation remains free of charge in the following cases:
- On flights to/from North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)- Source
- On short and medium-haul routes (e.g. within Europe)
- As a Silver, Gold or Platinum frequent flyer at Flying Blue
It remains to be seen what the situation will be with frequent flyers from other programs, i.e. with SkyTeam Elite (Plus) status. But the announcement sounds as if even such SkyTeam frequent flyers would be asked to pay.
Conclusion
The introduction of seat reservation fees in business class is not a new idea. At British Airways, seat selection has been subject to a fee for a long time and such fees have also arrived at e.g. Qatar Airways. There, even access to the lounge is now subject to a charge.
But that doesn’t make it any better. So far, business class has offered a kind of all-inclusive package where you no longer had to worry about additional fees. It is regrettable that this is now being watered down more and more. And Lufthansa is already getting ready to do the same with its new Allegris cabin.
Source: Air France KLM Business Solutions | via YHBU
Cover Picture: © Air France