this is taken from Sky News today...
British Airways passengers will have to pay to choose their seats before they travel, the struggling airline has announced.
Ravaged by the downturn, BA is looking at a number of ways of raising revenues
The new charges will affect people who want to ensure they sit together on a flight and anyone with a preference for window, aisle or emergency exit seats.
At present, BA allows passengers to reserve seats in the 24 hours prior to departure, but from next month those willing to pay will be able to secure their preferred spot in the cabin when they make a booking.
BA said the move would "give customers more control over their seating options".
For an economy class trip within Europe, passengers will pay an extra £10 per person to choose a seat.
On long-haul economy or short flights in business class the charge will be £20, and £60 in business class on long-haul voyages.
Has British Airways finally given up on trying to make the flying experience enjoyable?
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A seat in an emergency exit row will cost £50 and can be booked between 10 and four days before take-off.
A BA spokeswoman said: "From October 7 2009, British Airways is launching a new service to give customers more control over their seating options.
"Customers will now be able to select their seats when booking and secure exit row seats for a fee.
"We know people want to secure (specific seats) in advance and have real control over their flying experience."
BA boss Willie Walsh
The introduction of the levy comes as BA attempts to bolster its balance sheet after a £401m loss in the last financial year - the worst result since privatisation in 1987.
Various recovery strategies have been tried, including chief executive Willie Walsh offering to work for free last July.
Frances Tuke, spokeswoman for travel association ABTA, believes BA's market share will not be adversely hit by the new levy.
"Technically this is an added service and I don't think it will affect numbers," she told Sky News Online.
"I'm afraid this is the way the airline industry is going, it is very competitive and it's one way of trying to keep fare prices down," she said.
The levy follows the airline's decision to cut luggage allowances and abolish free meals on short flights.
The airline industry has been beset by crises in recent years, in part by soaring fuel prices and plunging passenger numbers.
Another hike in prices [
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