Easyjet, a UK-based budget airline, is ready to launch its allocated seating on all routes of its network from November 2012, having completed a successful trial of the seating arrangement on chosen routes.
The allocated seating includes a priority boarding system against a payment of a minimum of £3 per person, enabling passengers that purchase Speedy Boarding to board the aircraft first, followed by passengers requiring special assistance and families. All other passengers will board the aircraft after these groups.
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 of the aircraft, and £3 for any other seat.
70 percent of the 800,000 passengers that have flown since the launch of the seating allocation in April 2012 have reported being in favour of the new arrangement.
Carolyn McCall, the airline chief executive officer, said, ‘This is an example of easyJet trying to do all it can to make travel easy and affordable for our passengers. Our customers asked us to trial allocated seating and we are really pleased with the positive passenger feedback during the trial. As importantly, we have shown that we can do so while delivering strong on time performance – the most important driver of passenger satisfaction.
Allocated seating gives all our passengers a better boarding experience and offers the choice of selecting a seat to those who want to. On trial flights the majority of passengers were simply allocated seats when they checked in. Some passengers chose particular seats with best-selling seats usually those near the front, for those who wish to get off the aircraft quickly at their destinations, and exit row seats with their extra legroom.
We are confident this move will make our current passengers happier when flying with easyJet and will attract new passengers to fly with us in future.’
