Anyone travelling business class with British Airways has been issued a reminder to make sure of one thing
Passengers booking business class with British Airways this summer are being urged to check for one important detail before buying their ticket. One often overlooked difference between fare types could determine whether choosing a seat costs nothing or more than £300.
It comes after one customer questioned why they were being asked to pay a hefty fee to choose their seats despite spending almost £5,000 on business class flights. This prompted the airline to give an official response on the matter, clarifying exactly which passengers qualify for complimentary seat selection.
Posting on X, Paul de Rita wrote: “What is going on with UK airlines? @British_Airways want to charge me over £300 to choose seats in Business Class after I’ve already paid just short of £5k for the flights?”
He added: “Time to hand back my Club account after 25 years and head elsewhere!” This would go on to generate considerable interest, with the post exceeding 700,000 views, 2,000 likes and over a hundred comments.
British Airways explained that not every business class fare includes free seat selection from the time of booking. The airline said complimentary seat selection is only available immediately after booking on fully flexible tickets or for customers with certain British Airways Club membership statuses.
“Hi Paul! Seats are free of charge to book when check-in opens as always,” a BA spokesperson replied. “They’re also free with certain frequent flyer statuses and ticket types
“Fully flexible tickets would give free seating from the time of purchase.” That means passengers who want to choose their seats as soon as they book may need to pay for a fully flexible fare if they do not hold eligible frequent flyer status.
According to British Airways, business class is sold in several fare types, with lower-priced Club World tickets offering fewer benefits than fully flexible fares. Customers travelling on most fares can still reserve seats free of charge once online check-in opens, typically 24 hours before departure.
The airline also says customers with eligible British Airways Club status, including Silver and Gold members, can select seats free of charge from the time of booking on most flights. Those who do not pay to reserve a seat in advance will still be allocated one free of charge when check-in opens or at the airport if they have not already selected one.
Seat selection fees vary depending on the route, cabin and seat chosen, according to British Airways. The airline advises passengers to check exactly what is included with their fare before completing a booking if selecting a seat in advance is important to them.
The clarification serves as a reminder that paying more for business class does not automatically include every travel perk. Anyone wanting to choose their seat as soon as they book should check whether they are purchasing a fully flexible ticket before completing their reservation.
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