Choosing seats in Business Class--Does it really cost me that much?
Jul 2, 2018, 1:28 pm
#76
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,596
"some people", perhaps, but I am definitely not one of those people. This policy is among the reasons why I will not fly BA. I do not subscribe to "airline loyalty" or chasing status. The degree to which airlines -- note plural, and thus not unique to BA -- have made it more difficult to enjoy a number of benefits from such "loyalty" programs is IMHO disgraceful at best, and I feel I'm being kind. As another example, look at the, again IMHO, absurd surcharges imposed by BA when using a "free"/reward ticket flying (in/out?) LHR unless one attempts to secure, if possible, flying on a partner like AA. No, thank you, my allegiance is unto myself where I fly based on the most convenient schedules and how I calculate value for myself; yes, including in paid biz class (usually), and being "nickeled and dime'd" to death in spite of what I can afford completely turns me off. The one, arguably, sole benefit of such airline loyalty that I perceive is the additional assistance to such loyal pax in the event of IROPS. That's about it.
Jul 2, 2018, 1:49 pm
#77
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges and Environmentally Friendly Travel
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: London, UK
Posts: 22,210
The ability to pay using Avios is a useful alternative and unlike cash payments the Avios levels are fixed amounts although I understand these levels may move to a dynamic pricing system after the facility has bedded in.
I imagine that demand management is terribly complex as the strength of seat preferences will vary substantially depending on the aircraft. For example, when it comes to the 747 and 777 I have a very strong preference - window please, upper deck if available. However on the A380 i'm pretty agnostic on the main deck verses upper deck but do have a marginal preference towards window seats but aisle is fine. I do avoid main deck middle seats though. On the 787, i'll happily accept any CW seat.
On other airlines I use (mainly AA and CX) I am far less concerned about my seat allocation - the cabins are pretty homogenous. I do try to avoid AA's mini cabin on their 773 - just a tad too noisy for my liking.
Jul 2, 2018, 2:00 pm
#78
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
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I would say families and couples who just want to sit together and other than that don't have a strong seating preference are the ones disadvantaged by the policy and they certainly have my sympathy.
THEY NEED 64A/K on the 744, or they go meltdown.
Some people NEED privacy.
We Leisure pax just want 2 adjacent seats, where SWMBO has Aisle access.
And don't even start on bassinets!
It's a complex scenario, and BA does it's best to meet all demands, mainly by charging for the 'special' seating' for those who have neglected to display loyalty to BA/OW.
(OMG, I'm apologising for BA. Sorry!)
Jul 2, 2018, 2:09 pm
#79
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAGGL, A3G, Accor Gold, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond, LHW Sterling
Posts: 1,308
I think some of these issues for the solo travellers on LH business class cabin will go away when the hard product is refreshed. I think a lot of the anxiety is due to the overall outdatedness, relative to other carriers (at least I take , - AA TATL, JL etc) of the product meaning that there just a few bright spots/ bearable seats for people to fight over. I’m mostly thinking direct aisle access window seats here.
Jul 2, 2018, 2:30 pm
#80
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Elgin Moray
Programs: BA Bronze. MLife Gold, Cunard Diamond, Total Rewards Diamond.
Posts: 44
Do you feel you should take precedence over someone who has to travel with an infant? If so, do please elaborate.
Jul 2, 2018, 2:35 pm
#81
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges and Environmentally Friendly Travel
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: London, UK
Posts: 22,210
And there's the rub, not the innumerable solo Business pax we see here on the Forum.
THEY NEED 64A/K on the 744, or they go meltdown.
Some people NEED privacy.
We Leisure pax just want 2 adjacent seats, where SWMBO has Aisle access.
And don't even start on bassinets!
It's a complex scenario, and BA does it's best to meet all demands, mainly by charging for the 'special' seating' for those who have neglected to display loyalty to BA/OW.
(OMG, I'm apologising for BA. Sorry!)
THEY NEED 64A/K on the 744, or they go meltdown.
Some people NEED privacy.
We Leisure pax just want 2 adjacent seats, where SWMBO has Aisle access.
And don't even start on bassinets!
It's a complex scenario, and BA does it's best to meet all demands, mainly by charging for the 'special' seating' for those who have neglected to display loyalty to BA/OW.
(OMG, I'm apologising for BA. Sorry!)
Times have changed as has my travel pattern. Now, I often find self booking flights on a Thursday for travel to HKG on a Sunday. It is quite common to be placed on a waitlist before receiving a confirmed seat but in any event, I appreciate there is some semblance of choice available to me.
So yes, the policy works for me. I do sympathise with families though.
Jul 2, 2018, 2:39 pm
#82
Formerly known as newbie elite
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: YUL
Programs: IHG Diamond Ambassador, Accor Platinum, AC50K
Posts: 2,921
I agree it works for BA and for their FF. I pay for J mostly out of my own pocket and thus almost never fly BA. The value proposition of Club World (even if the seats were free to select) just does not exist for me. But, once again, I get why BA does it and it seems to work for everyone who flies them frequently.
Jul 2, 2018, 3:18 pm
#84
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver Seigneur des Horaires des Mucci.
Posts: 2,047
I guess the policy is one of the main reasons I retain silver
I wouldn't want to fly BA without silver status
if I broke free I would gladly try out other airlines with free selection
You could argue that The cost of maintaing status outweighs any seat cost!
interstingly when flying Austrian last year as non status only one seat was avsilable in their ‘CE’ cabin . I ramg up to enquire and it looked like most of the cabin was reserved for status passenges . The agent did however allocate my request
I wouldn't want to fly BA without silver status
if I broke free I would gladly try out other airlines with free selection
You could argue that The cost of maintaing status outweighs any seat cost!
interstingly when flying Austrian last year as non status only one seat was avsilable in their ‘CE’ cabin . I ramg up to enquire and it looked like most of the cabin was reserved for status passenges . The agent did however allocate my request
Jul 2, 2018, 5:35 pm
#86
Ambassador: Emirates Airlines
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 18,598
Jul 2, 2018, 11:57 pm
#87
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Jul 3, 2018, 1:28 am
#88
Join Date: May 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 5,380
Anyway, this is academic, it is what the OP actually paid that matters, and if they did pay that much, there is a good chance better value fares may be available.
