easyJet, a UK based airline, has launched its allocated seating initiative on all of its flights from November 27, 2012.
In April of this year the airline completed trials for allocated seating, with around two million passengers opting for allocated seating on flights.
The allocated seating arrangement includes a priority boarding system for a minimum payment of £3 per person, and passengers that purchase Speedy Boarding are permitted to board the airplane first, followed by passengers requiring special assistance and families, after which all other passengers are allowed to board the aircraft.
The allocated seating is available for three price ranges; £12 for extra leg room in front row and exit seats, £8 for seats at the front, and £3 for any other seat.
Paul Simmons, the airline’s UK director, said, ‘Today’s move offering allocated seating on all of our flights is the single, biggest change the airline has undertaken in its history and an example of easyJet trying to do all it can to make travel easy and affordable for our passengers.
Our customers told us allocated seating was important to them and the extensive trial has delivered positive feedback across Europe.
Allocated seating provides a better boarding experience and gives passengers the added choice of selecting a seat for those who want to.
Thanks to a sophisticated algorithm, passengers who do not wish to pay to select their seat will be seated with the other passengers in their booking the majority of the time.
We are confident this move will not only make our current passengers happier when flying with easyJet but will also encourage new customers to choose to fly with us.’