All: I just found an economy round trip fare between Washington Dulles (IAD) and London Heathrow (LHR) for $496--departing middle September and returning middle October. I don't know how long it will last, but I purchased right away. We had been holding out for an Economy Plus but they were hovering around $1150--figured the difference in cost savings would more than compensate for the inconvenience of the cattle car section. Please note, however, that there is an additional cost to reserve seats ahead of time. Since we are a couple, I was able to reserve one of only six two-seat aisles on the 747--it was an additional $152 per person, but the overall cost was still almost less than half of the Economy Plus. Good luck!
Posted by
California USA
4061 posts
What month?
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7053 posts
Over $300 just to get (advanced) seat assignments? How far in advance of the flight does British Air allow someone to get assigned seats at no cost? 90 days before flight or as late as 24 hours prior to check-in? I'm wondering if some airlines are not bilking people for fear that they won't get decent seats unless they get them right at booking (for a steep price). I've gotten, say Turkish Airline tickets months in advance and was not able to get seats until a certain date (maybe 90 days out, I think)...I just waited until then.
Posted by
Washington DC
27695 posts
Coach travelers on British Airways must either pay for seat selection or wait until check-in opens (24 hours before flight departure) to choose a seat. It appears (see link) that the fee starts at $20 for international flights, and of course you do pay for each flight leg if you want a reserved seat all the way through.
I'm flying KLM from Washington DC to Nice this spring with a connection in Paris and had to pay about $27 to reserve my seats on both flights. Most of the cost was on the transatlantic leg; the reservation fee on the Paris-Nice flight was very inexpensive. I didn't like having to pay those fees, but the airfare itself was rock-bottom.
Virgin Atlantic's policy is similar, but I believe the fee is higher, at 25 GBP for my London-Washington DC return flight. I'm holding out on that one.
Posted by
OP
Fredericksburg, VA
241 posts
Agnes: I believe British Airways will allow free seat selection 24 hours before departure. I realize $300 is a lot; however, with reduced airfare, and the fact that there are limited numbers of two-person aisles, the overall cost was still very reasonable. As other posters have acknowledged, you have to pay in advance for seat selections--and, those seats cost different prices, depending upon desirability. In this case, the "flash sale" and the reservation costs were still quite low.
Posted by
Minneapolis
1260 posts
Hi all. Just adding some context that not all airlines charge for advance seat assignment. I just booked flights to Europe for a very good fare on United and was able to select seats at time of booking for no fee. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Washington DC
27695 posts
My receipt shows KLM metal for both flights on the way over. I wouldn't care, really; it's all about enduring the trip.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2777 posts
BA and AA had a $516 fare to LHR from ATL 10/6 to 10/16 (I have a fare watch for those dates)
Note that I think on AA you can select some seats without paying so that is worth consideration!