Report: KLM to charge economy passengers for seat selection

From December 1st KLM will be charging economy class passengers on intercontinental flights 20 euros to choose their seat in advance. This measure is to make a larger selection of seats available to choose from for late bookers, groups and families with children, Luchtvaartnieuws reports.

This change applies to flights from January 26th next year made to Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Those who do not want to pay the extra 20 euros, will have to wait until check-in opens 30 hours before the flight to choose their seat for free.

KLM passengers with Platinum-, Gold- or Silver Status within the Flying Blue loyalty program can still choose a seat for free when booking.

Harm Kreulen, director of KLM Nederland, emphasizes that this changes is not aimed at generating additional income. "That is not our approach." he said to the aviation news site. "We are doing this to offer more choice to customers who book a ticket at a later time. They often pay more than the early bookers, but in the current situation have less to choose from because most seats are already taken."