Cathay Pacific offers more legroom for a fee

Cathay Pacific Airways is the latest major carrier to introduce a charge for seats with greater legroom such as those at the bulkhead and in exit rows.

Now, all Economy-Class travellers (as long as they meet the safety requirements) can reserve the seats by paying a fee of about £60 ($100 US) each way or by redeeming 20,000 Asia Miles.

The charge comes into effect on December 1. From January 1, 2010, customers will be able to bag an extra-legroom seat on flights to China and regional destinations for approximately £15 ($25 US) or 5,000 Asia Miles.

Silver-tier and higher members of the airline's frequent-flier programme - the Marco Polo Club - will still be able to reserve extra-legroom seats free of charge.

The extra-legroom seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and there will be between two and four of the seats available on most flights.

Travellers will be able to book the seats through Cathay's reservations hotline or when checking-in at airports or in-town check-in counters. From 2010, the service will be available through cathaypacific.com.

James Barrington, Director of Sales & Marketing at the airline, said: “Those passengers who particularly value extra legroom will now be able to secure these seats and enjoy a more comfortable journey simply by making an additional payment.

"At the same time, we will continue to reward our most loyal customers by offering them the extra-legroom seat option free of charge.”

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