EVA Air introduces economy seat selection fee

March 22nd 2019

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EVA Air is joining a growing number of airlines in the region that charge for advance seat selection on lower economy fares.

Starting this month, EVA is charging US$10 for advance short-haul seat reservations and US$30 for long-haul flights. Preferred seats and extra legroom seats cost more. The charge is applicable on four of EVA’s nine economy fare classes and one of its four premium economy fare classes. Business class seat selection is included for all three business fare classes.

The seat assignment fee is brought about by EVA over-hauling its fare families. The main difference in the new fare family matrix is the seat assignment fee. Previous fare families had different policies on mileage, refund and change of booking.

EVA has introduced a “Discount” fare family in economy that earns no mileage and comes with reduced check-in baggage (one piece/20kg instead of two pieces/30kg). But spot checks could not find this fare family on short-haul or long-haul flights.

EVA joins regional peers including Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines in charging for advance seat assignments on some economy fares.

Perhaps most notable is that a simple comparison matrix can be made. Other airlines, especially LCCs in Europe and North America, are turning to dynamic pricing for ancillary revenue.

Sample seat selection fees in East Asia

Source: Orient Aviation and companies