easyJet to trial allocated seating

easyJet today announced that it is to trial allocated seating on selected routes from Spring 2012.

Currently, easyJet operates an unreserved system whereby passengers simply choose which seats to occupy when they board the aircraft with those having purchased speedy boarding or travelling with young children boarding first and thus having the first choice.

On trial flights, all passengers will be allocated a specific seat. easyJet expects demand for certain seats such as the front row seats and seats with extra leg room like those on the over wing exit rows. Those passengers who wish to guarantee one of these seats – or any other they prefer – will be able to purchase them in advance.

Prices will stay true to easyJet’s commitment to low fares. Passengers on the same booking who have not preselected a seat will be allocated seats next to each other where possible.

Carolyn McCall, easyJet CEO, said today: “This is another example of easyJet trying to do all it can to make travel easy and affordable for our passengers. We look forward to seeing how our passengers respond and how the trial works.

We will roll it out further only if it works operationally, from a revenue perspective and increases passenger satisfaction. If it doesn’t, we won’t.”

Source: easyJet