British Airways seat selection fees
British Airways charges passengers to select seats in advance across most cabins, including premium economy and business class, with fees varying by route
British Airways charges customers to select seats in advance on most of its flights. Seat selection is only free for passengers in First Class or for all passengers within 24 hours of departure.
The airline introduced paid seat selection in 2009. Passengers on hand baggage-only fares without elite status are allocated a random seat at check-in and can pay to change it. What is unusual is that British Airways applies these fees to its Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus) and Business Class (Club World) cabins, a practice few other carriers follow.
The cost depends on the cabin, destination, and specific seat features like extra legroom. British Airways has removed its official price list, but Head for Points published guideline 'available from' prices, which can be substantially higher. The prices are per one-way flight.
| Cabin (Route Type) | Standard Seat Fee | Special Seat Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Euro Traveller (short haul economy) | £7 | - |
| World Traveller (long haul economy) | £20 | Twin seats: £30, Exit row: £50 |
| World Traveller Plus (long haul premium economy) | £18 | Exit row: £50 |
| Club Europe (short haul business) | £14 | - |
| Club World (long haul business) | £62 | - |
| First | Free | - |
In reality, fees can climb much higher. The source notes that seat selection in economy can reach over £70 on a route like London to Los Angeles.
How to avoid the fees
Passengers with elite status in The British Airways Club (Bronze, Silver, or Gold) can select seats for free. Elite members of other oneworld alliance airlines, such as American Airlines or Qatar Airways, also qualify for free seat selection.
For those without status, the website advises against paying for seats on flights featuring the new Club Suite business class. These enclosed suites are virtually identical, all offer direct aisle access, and there is no benefit to sitting next to a travel companion.
Other key policies
British Airways will try to seat everyone on the same booking together when online check-in opens, unlike some low-cost carriers that deliberately split groups. Civil Aviation Authority rules restrict how far children can be seated from accompanying adults, though there is no legal requirement for adjacent seating.
Passengers can use Avios points to pay for seat selection, but the redemption value is poor at around 0.5p to 0.6p per point. Fees for seat selection do earn additional tier points in The British Airways Club loyalty program.
Securing a seat in Row 1 is unlikely even for a fee, according to the source. The airline's official seating rules are detailed on its website.
