Want best seat on flight? Shell out more

BANGALORE: If X-L’s your size and you dread the cramped long hauls on domestic flights — especially on low-cost airlines — then worry no more. Just pay Rs 300 more, and get an ‘emergency’ row seat or a place in the first row of the aircraft. The additional legroom of up to four inches — some airlines give nine inches — would make a significant difference to your comfort.

Since most Indian carriers have a fleet of either Airbus A-320s or Boeing 737-800s/900s, there will be two emergency exits in the middle on either side of the aircraft. Thus there will be two rows, or 12 seats, with more legroom. However, those in the emergency row will have to bear in mind that these seats don’t recline. Also, in these rows, one can’t keep anything under the seats or near one’s legs as in other rows.

IndiGo Airlines began this practice. According to travel agents, there’s a huge demand for these extra legroom seats from frequent flyers, especially from passengers who are tall and heavier.

Spicejet and Go Air charge passengers Rs 50 for booking a seat online. So, if you are worried about getting stuck in a middle seat, or if you prefer window or aisle, this is an option for you.

Air Asia, which connects nine Indian cities to Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries, charges Rs 1,520 for what it calls ‘‘hot seats’’ — in front and emergency rows. ‘‘The concept of charging for specific seats is a global practice, primarily by low-cost airlines, and is part of the airlines’ ancillary revenue model.