Cathay Pacific to charge for exit rows

[Mal]

... another airline lines up to charge for exit rows!

Cathay Pacific offers passengers the option to secure seats with additional legroom

From 1 December 2009, Cathay Pacific customers will be able to secure an Extra-legroom Seat on long-haul flights by paying US$100 per sector. They can also pay for the seats by redeeming 20,000 Asia Miles. From 1 January 2010, passengers will be able to secure an Extra-legroom Seat on flights to Mainland China and regional destinations by paying US$25 or 5,000 Asia Miles.

Members of the Cathay Pacific’s Marco Polo Club loyalty programme (Silver tier and above), who are already able to reserve the Extra-legroom Seats, will continue to enjoy the service free of charge. The seats will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

I note that they're still allowing their Elite Marco Polo members the ability to reserve the seats for free, which is different to some other carriers...

 

[samh004]

Good on them for allowing their members to still have the functionality free of charge. USD$100 seemed steep at first, but then I remembered how much Qantas charges, so I guess it's reasonable. The miles aren't really though.

 

[Travel Guru]

I havent got an issue with the airlines charging for exit rows, infact I think it's a good thing, though I do agree that premium FF's should still retain the right to book them FOC.

At least by charging them you give the general public who are willing to pay a premium a fighting chance at securing them.

If you look at SQ, A$55 per sector is very reasonable, though I do think QF are a bit steep.

TG

 

[FL360]

as a Y Pax why bother to choose an airline with narrow seat pitch and/or limited recline ability, and later try to buy or obtain status to get an exit row seat ?

Why don't just choose an airline with good Y seat pitch and recline ability, for example Air NZ, Thai, Singapore, Malaysian or Qatar ??

 

[munitalP]

as a Y Pax why bother to choose an airline with narrow seat pitch and/or limited recline ability, and later try to buy or obtain status to get an exit row seat ?

Why don't just choose an airline with good Y seat pitch and recline ability, for example Air NZ, Thai, Singapore, Malaysian or Qatar ??

Because they are not OW


Mr!

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Because they are not OW


Mr!

Yes and No.


1 We don't have any choice in Australia.
2 I just worked with a guy who is *Alliance GOLD with THAI AND SQ. He refuses to fly QF Int. He lives in BKK and says that Thai is MILES ahead of QF in every aspect. Says Thai cabin crew are pretty good and not arrogant like QF. His words, not mine, so please don't shoot me down.

 

[Nigelinoz]

Cathay to charge for exit rows.

http://www.travelweekly.com.au/dirplus/images/travelweekly/TravelTodayPDF/17_11_2009.pdf

Economy class passengers on Cathay Pacific flights will have the chance to purchase seats with extra legroom from December 1.
The seats will cost a further $US100 per sector on long-haul flights.
Guests will also be able to pay for the seats by redeeming 20,000 Asia Miles.

The extra legroom seats will be available for booking through the airline's
reservations hotline or when checking in at the airport.
It will be expanded to online booking next year.

 

[futaris]

Re: Cathay to charge for exit rows.

CX joins the "charging for exit-row pack" - FlyerTalk Forums

 

[samh004]

Re: Cathay to charge for exit rows.

Search first: http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/open-discussion/cathay-pacific-charge-exit-rows-20267.html

 

[Dave Noble]

Yes and No.


1 We don't have any choice in Australia.

For travel within Australia the choices are limited. For international travel, not tied to using Qantas for that; there are many other ( and better ) carriers out there. Just need to avoid getting fixated solely on FF mile earning ( especially when travelling in business/1st where the frills such as lounges and priority check in etc are provided by virtue of class of service )

Dave

 

[wxxnxs]

Yes and No.


1 We don't have any choice in Australia.
2 I just worked with a guy who is *Alliance GOLD with THAI AND SQ. He refuses to fly QF Int. He lives in BKK and says that Thai is MILES ahead of QF in every aspect. Says Thai cabin crew are pretty good and not arrogant like QF. His words, not mine, so please don't shoot me down.

I absolutely agree with him, he is telling you the truth.

 

[JohnK]

Good on them for allowing their members to still have the functionality free of charge.

Where as Qantas had the same opportunity but failed miserably.

USD$100 seemed steep at first, but then I remembered how much Qantas charges, so I guess it's reasonable. The miles aren't really though.

The USD amount charged for exit rows looks quite high especially if the exchange rate starts to fall.

I can just about see the day the airlines will start to charge extra for the air we breathe in the cabin....