Singapore Airlines announced that it will start charging US$50/ way for passenger choosing to sit on emergency exit seats for the extra leg space. I understand that some passengers specifically request for seats there for this extra room, and I even know a number of people who have to have these seats because they are freakishly tall (6′3″ and taller).
But I wonder, is it fair to charge this extra $50? I mean, with the taxes and fuel surcharges that add up to even more than the air ticket price itself, and with the current economic crisis, is it fair, really?
I can swallow extra charges for more air marshals in planes, better foods served during flights, better in-flight entertainment, etc. But extra leg space? It seems to me that SIA is taking advantage of this situation to make more money. I’m just surprised that SIA dared to put a fee for this. I mean, they are one of the best airlines in the world, and they are risking their reputation for providing the best customer service by charging for extra leg space on a row that is required to be wider than others?
I remember when one of the US airlines announced that the whole economic class cabin was to have extra leg space. The rows were made to be wider, giving everyone in economic class, whether sitting on the emergency seats or not, more leg room. I cannot remember if this particular airline increased their airfares- in the spirit of capitalism I’m sure they did- but I don’t mind paying extra because I know everyone is enjoying the same benefit.
I guess you can say that the benefit of this extra leg space in SIA flights would be enjoyed only by those who are willing to pay for it. So I guess in a way, it’s pretty fair. The extra charge would free up these emergency row seats to those who really need them, and the freakishly tall people can battle it out without us normal height people spoiling the market.
I can’t help but wonder however if we normal height people would have to fork up more money for some other ‘privileges’ during a flight. Those sitting on window seats would have to pay an extra $50 for the view of the fluffy clouds. Those sitting on aisle seats would have to pay an extra $50 for easier access to the toilets. The possibility to generate more revenues are endless.
I guess during a financially hard time like this, anything is chargeable.
Is singapore airlines the only one to do this?
like united airlines way of staff looking at your physical size before allocating a seat to you. I’m 6foot5″ and i need to pay extra 50 bucks for that?
Comment by sky — November 4, 2008 @ 4:59 am |
Yes, if you fly Singapore Airlines and opt to sit on the seat next to the emergency exit, you gotta pay the 50bucks.
Comment by boilerbelle — November 4, 2008 @ 5:10 am |
thanks, i’ll stick to korean air or united for my trips in asia then.
Comment by sky — November 4, 2008 @ 6:19 am |