CrazyJ82

The loss of seat selection on HBO fares passed me by since in the event my company defaults to non-HBO. And last year's devaluation didn't clobber me since I hadn't been in the program long enough to get used to the old system. But if they're tinkering with seat selection for SCH/GCH on normal economy fares, I really do have to wonder how long I'd continue to book them for shorthaul.

For kicks, I just priced up an upcoming trip LON-ATH. On BA, they're charging GBP178 (Q and O classes, so it's not a matter that the flights already are filling up) for a non-HBO that now may or may not include exit row seats whenever they announce whatever change is brewing. On EasyJet, I would spend GBP136 -- for similar flight timings, including a checked bag on each leg and exit-row seats.

In the event I've already booked this trip with BA as part of a holiday package, and so far my pre-reserved exit-row seats are sticking. But the comparison has me thinking about whether that'll really make sense the next time. BA are making a lot of changes (super-J 744s, BAEC devaluation, removal of seat reservation on HBO, now maybe this) on the back of improving demand in an improving economy. My read as an economist is that they shouldn't assume that will continue for very much longer, and I would think smarter management might be worried about not doing things now that will alienate the loyal customers they'll need if and when there's another downturn.

Mr 1A

Can't see much benefit of flying BA in Y now compared to EZY

Innocent Abroad

Yes, can confirm that on future LH sectors exit row seats are available.

EJetter

They're now charging £14 to select an exit row seat at online check in. Twitter team oblivious to this and website not updated to reflect.

sts603

Any option to prebook (even at cost)?

And no issue if they are charging non-elites/lower level elites. But if this is really going to be a fee for Golds/GGL...

Joely

Stealth enhancement is hardly new, it just makes me worry about what else they are about to enhance without telling anyone.

EJetter

The seats were blocked a day or two ago, until check in opened.

sts603

What's your status?

lorcancoyle

No CE exit row seat bookable on my E190 and E170 flights next week. Will have to set a reminder to see if I can snaffle my beloved 2D at 72 hours out...

Irons80

I think it's been an IT Issue - I had previously been unable to select an exit row seat on a ET redemption booking I'd made on Friday... I have just tried now and it worked fine and I have been able to select an exit row seat

Aus_Mal

Can also report I now have access to select exit row seats again as well.... Well sort of. Can in some bookings, but not others, and doesn't appear to be all exit rows.

GaxxyFlyer

I just checked and I still cannot access the rear exit seats on the a321 service I'm on in ET. I wonder if it's a new status thing and us Silvers are getting shafted again...

FrancisA

Sound to me as if BA have implemented a change (perhaps just in price of exit rows, not status eligibility to select) and to do this have locked all SH exit rows to everyone including agents until T-24.

Having made whatever change it is, BA's IT are releasing the block on exit row selection, probably flight-by-flight.

Pure speculation on my part, but it does fit with the evidence so far. (BTW I was able to select an exit row at greater than T-24 yesterday evening so that fits too).

pjh981

Just managed to select an exit row seat at T-72 for a domestic to LHR on Thu. No charge. Not sure if this adds anything to the debate, but if the change is simply that you can't select an exit row until T-72 then, whilst inconvenient, I can probably live with it. However, I suspect that there may be a move to allowing you to buy a seat prior to T-72 which, if it applies to Gold and or Silver status holders, would be an unwelcome and regressive step.

BlackBerryAddict

One one of the flights I booked last night and couldn't choose exit row seats, these have now appeared bookable. Previous bookings seem also to be protected for now, but on other flights I can't choose the exit row seats, even if row 9 is available.