Digicola

Not exactly just a silver and gold change but seems like J seat selection will stop being complimentary for non status holders.

https://www.afkl.biz/main/s/news-det..._US&country=NL

Half of the combined fleet is in a 1-2-1 which means most seats are similar (except missing windows) but on the A350 or 2-2-2 configured A330 and KL 777 its another story� As an elite, I won�t complain.

Tim_94

Very disappointing to see them follow in the same footsteps as BA. If you're paying so much for a Business ticket, the least they can do is allow free seat selection.

What about STE/E+ members from other airline programmes? Will they also be forced to pay or will their status be recognised by AF/KL?

HadesNL

Didn't see this anywhere mentioned, so here goes:

Source:
OMAAT: https://onemileatatime.com/news/air-...usiness-class/

quote:Here are some of the details:

• This applies as of April 4, 2023, for travel as of April 13, 2023
• This will apply on long haul routes, though not initially to & from North America (presumably due to the joint venture with Delta, which would complicate matters)
• The fee varies between €70 and €90 per flight
• Flying Blue Silver, Gold, and Platinum members, as well as corporate customers (excluding bluebiz) will be exempt from these fees
• Business class passengers will continue to be able to select seats of their choice at no fee at the check-in window

This means on their direct competition level:
- BA has seat selection fees for both Business and Economy Class (� pricing can really add up if a family of four)
- LH/LX will have many different types of Business Class seats with the new Allegris product so they are for sure to go the mantra of seat selection at a price for your comfort

This means on their direct competion level long haul:
- QR has business light fares without seat selection, KL could go the same way with fare buckets (Letters/Codes) being reassigned
- KL has built a network on transfer passengers whom will be hit 4x to pay for seat selections
- Currently exotic pricing for business class tickets due a strong demand because of travel rebound so it seems Business Class seat selection at a cost is again a beancounter attempt to milk more



* this could be the future trend forwards to implemt this eventually with all Skyteam airlines / JV airlines after synchonizing policies/IT
* when will all Oneworld & Star Alliance airlines follow suit?

HadesNL

Whoops: i see someone had posted this
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/35120482-post25.html

Mods: feel free if you wish to merge !

Stil

Don't let AF/KL become a new LH with a race to the bottom in non conformity in alliance wide recognition!

BA850

Think this is probably worthy of its own thread.

On the one hand, it�s pretty bad form to whack premium passengers with another �70-�90 charge per leg to select a seat (particularly as the inflight service on KLM has been so degraded anyway - although that�s a topic for another thread).

On the other, as a status holder with BA, I value the wider seat availability at the time of booking which these policies provide - especially when booking relatively late.

Slightly off topic, but the less said about Lufthansa�s ridiculous Allegris concept, the better. They seem to have about as many variations of one seat as they do airline brands. Thank goodness AF/KL have opted for the tried and tested 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout instead of trying something which is too clever by half.

CyBeR

While I don't applaud this idea, FB Silver if you're flying long haul business is a low bar to clear at least.

I also wonder how Premium Economy is affected; at this time that cabin also does not have seat selection fees.

ofj

• "This will apply on long haul routes, though not initially to & from North America (presumably due to the joint venture with Delta, which would complicate matters)"

OMAAT claims this, but ironically it's not mentioned in the link he provided. Is there another source?

ofj

My guess is that ST elites from other FFPs will not be granted an exception, since the announcement specifically mentioned Flying Blue and not ST.

ofj

Hi Ben, could you confirm this? https://www.afkl.biz/main/s/news-det..._US&country=NL

Specifically, some sources online (https://onemileatatime.com/news/air-...comment-290250) are stating that it won't apply to North American routes, but the announcement does not mention that at all. I'm wondering if you have any info/details to share on the matter. Thanks!

HadesNL

Seems not yet updated on their policies website:
https://www.afkl.biz/main/s/policies..._US&country=NL


But i think OMAAT correlated this clause (in above link) for Premium Economy also to be valid for Business Class

Air France Premium Economy and KLM Premium Comfort

Customers traveling on long-haul flights in Air France Premium Economy and in KLM’s Premium Comfort class can also select their seat in advance as a paid option, excluding flights to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. During check-in, customers can select their Premium Economy or Premium Comfort seat, free of charge.

Ben Lipsey

For the moment this change is launching on intercontinental routes ("ICA") only, excluding the North Atlantic (US/Canada/Mexico). No change to short- and medium-haul routes.

ofj

Thank you for the clarification; much appreciated!

smartytravel

That's all insanity.

mlbcard

Agreed. Just more nickel and diming passangers. You pay $3-4k for the tickets then they pop another $80 to 100 so you could select your seats - it's just plain insulting. I know all airlines are going this way, but for now, I will actively avoid paying for premium fares if they don't include seat selection (just bailed out on purchasing a PE flight on BA because it didn't include seat selection).