EasyJet has recently announced “that it is to trial allocated seating on selected routes [starting] from Spring 2012″. Stated in the Gulliver blog of The Economist, EasyJet is stepping away from the usual low-cost model. Passengers paying extra can choose from one of the more desirable seats in the front or near the emergency exits. EasyJet’s bosses are only planning to pursue this plan in the long IF it will increase revenue and customer satisfaction.
Frequent flyers, especially business travellers, would appreciate reserved seating as plane rides serves as their time to rest comfortably! Some passengers do like the extra leg room when seating on these seats. Introduction of this seating plan will have travellers boarding more leisurely.
However, a few setbacks might occur in the long run. It’s hard to predict whether EasyJet will make money directly from the plan and it can have an effect on the carrier’s operating strategy of short turnaround times. Costs will rise because ticketing technology will be needed to facilitate allocated seating and the revenue generated from this can decrease the revenue earned from Speedy Boarding.
EasyJet should carefully analyze this to ensure that the company’s reputation will be preserved.
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