Is That REALLY a Great Airfare? - Seat Assignments

What constitutes a great airfare?  That's simply a matter of opinion, so here are some points to consider and investigate before you pull the trigger on that "great" fare.

It's no surprise that airlines charge for all sorts of things that used to be free, but we don't want anyone to be snagged by what some require which may send your "great" fare into outer orbit.

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TOPIC:  Advanced Standard Seat Assignment Fees

Domestic flyers in the USA are spoiled by getting to select our standard seat(s) in advance for free, oftentimes  during the booking process.  Know that this complimentary benefit is only common with most major US carriers.  

• Who and What - Most European and other foreign-based airlines will only allow you to choose your standard economy seat in advance in exchange for a fee.  Some US airlines now have the same requirement.  Check with your respective airline in advance to find out.
• Charged Per Flight - The fee is required per flight leg and the amount may vary by leg and how much in advance you make your selection (with the price possibly increasing the closer you get to your departure date)
  • If your route has 3 legs, then you would have to pay 3 different fees if you wanted to pick your standard economy seats in advance for all 3 legs.
  • You may elect to pay and select your standard seat in advance for only specific legs and allow the airline to assign your seat for the other leg(s) at no charge.

•  Code-Share Flights - Charges for advanced standard seat assignments are based on the airline who is operating each flight leg.  For example, when I book a trip to Europe through American Airlines and one of the 4 flights is on British Airways, I will be required to pay British Airways a fee if I want to select my trans-Atlantic standard seat(s) in advance even though American Airlines is the booking agent and does not charge for the legs they operate.

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Summary
Some of the most amazing and lowest-cost airfares involve code-share flights via foreign carriers which may ultimately cost more than a single-carrier trip after you add in the advanced standard seat assignment fees.