Originally Posted by
kyle1350
I just called EI to book seats on a EI Avios ticket. I was most definitely charged a fee to select my seats. The agent informed me my only other option was to have a seat assigned at check-in. Is this not the policy?
A sizable proportion of seats in economy are charged for on EI (basically ones closer to the front so you can disembark quicker). You were probably charged for selecting these seats. If the flight is busy its possible all the 'free' seats have been taken leaving you with no option but to pay or wait till check in. Or on the phone the agent offered you the paid for seats automatically without informing of you the free ones and you went for it.