Airplane Exit-Row Seats, Once a Perk, Now for Sale | NYTimes.com

This NYTimes writer makes a good point, at the end of the article, if airlines start selling exit-row seats at a premium price could individuals end up sitting in those seats who may not be able to meet the required safety requirements. TB

Consider the exit-row seat, that prize catch of the frequent-flying business traveler because it offers extra legroom.

Getting first dibs on exit-row seats in coach cabins has long been one of the top perks for passengers in elite-status programs, which typically allow members to reserve those seats, if available, when they make online reservations. Without extra charge.

Lately, though, those three words — without extra charge — seem to rankle the airlines, as they take services that used to be part of the basic fare and slap extra fees on them. In the third quarter of 2009, the top 10 domestic airlines raised an extra $1.95 billion from fees for things like checking bags and allowing passengers to change reservations, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics has reported.

via www.nytimes.com