I keep meaning to ask about this. We returned from Europe in August on British Air using AA frequent flier miles. Since I rarely use BA, I was kind of surprised at their seating policy. we couldn't choose our seats until 24 hours before or return flight from Paris. That meant we had to have computer access on a Sunday in Amsterdam (luckily we were at a friend's house there who had an internet connection so we just made sure to be at her place to do it). But I found this a real hassle! Given a transatlantic flight I want to get the best seat possible-not end up stuck in the middle on a full flight for instance. And I would prefer to get it done before I leave.

Here is their policy:

http://www.britishairways.com/travel...=searchResults

So basically if you pay more you can get your seat first. The worst part is that they sent us an email before our departure (on a different airline) that we could make our seat choice before we started our trip-but not true if you aren't flying BA.

Anyway, I found it a kind of a pain and wondered about what others have thought. Honestly I would probably choose another carrier next time to get my seat earlier-I have been wanted to give Virgin a try so maybe that is a good option.

Do you mean British Airways?

That is BA policy. We couldn't check in before 24 hr. either so we had to go find an internet site while we were sightseeing because we didn't want to sit in the middle either.

Yeah sorry-British Airways

BA is going to offer seat selection at time of booking - for a fee

http://www.businesstraveller.com/new...seat-selection

Why do Americans talk about "British Air" - do they fly with "American Air" perchance?

i have the same issue next month going from boston on A/A transferring to to B/A in London for an onward journey to South Africa...

If you have elite status (sapphire or emerald) with any of the OneWorld partners, you CAN pick your seat on BA ahead of time. Just go to BA's website and under "Manage my Booking", enter your PNR and last name, and you'll be allowed to select your seat.

Of course, that doesn't mean BA won't change your seat assignments behind your back and doesn't tell you about it.
http://www.fodors.com/community/air-...g-my-seats.cfm

This has been one of thhe reasons I have avoided BA. The new policy may change that. I will pay for seat assignments. When I compare the prices I just add in the "extras"

(I expect this will be the future of air travel, pay for good seats. In some ways it already is. As an "elite" flyer on some airlines I have "paid" for the right to pick better seats by spending a LOT of money on them )

yeah it could be worse, take a look at the daily mail today about bench seating and stand up seating

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...face-face.html

KLM have the same policy, as do other European airlines I think. I don't have a problem with it. Even when we have been unable to check in online and have checked in at the airport we have not had a problem with getting seats we like - getting to the airport early helps.
Any airline reserves the right to change your seat, even when you have paid extra for it.

When BA became sticky about advance seat selection in the cheap section, I moved to the competition, flying Northwest/Delta from Detroit to the U.K. in the seats of my choice. BA eventually dropped the route. I felt no sympathy as their executives bemoaned their financial plight.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8274200.stm

If you are prepared to pay in the future you can choose your seat on BA - but still not months in advance it seems.

60 pounds is a bit over the top even for business class. BA fares are already higher than other airlines.

Yes, events have just overtaken you - it was on the news this morning. They said you'll be able to book your seats when you make your reservation - at a price.

Southam...

Just wait. Delta tried a "seat fee" a year or so ago and backed down... but I expect it will be back. Especially on lower priced fares.

Airlines know that folks see $600 and don't look at "extras" so .....

I'm telling you....it's coming....they're going to charge you to use the lavatory soon......what a disgrace.

Hey, Alanrow. I DO fly USAir.

Aer Lingus have a seat fee too. You can choose your seats ahead of time for a price.

<i>Why do Americans talk about "British Air" - do they fly with "American Air" perchance?</i>

You're right, they should use the proper name. London Airways.