UK air travellers waste GBP175m a year on allocated seating, report finds

British airline passengers are wasting up to GBP175m each year on unnecessary allocated seating fees, new research has found. Almost half (45%) of people who pay to sit with their companions would be seated together anyway, according to an investigation by the CAA. The aviation regulator urged airlines to tell customers how likely it is they will be split up unless they pay extra. Analysis of 9 major airlines serving the UK found the proportion of passengers who are not separated from their group despite refusing to pay additional fees ranges from 35% on Ryanair to 12% on Flybe and TUI Airways. Aviation minister Liz Sugg said: “Passengers rightly expect to be charged fairly for services and allocated seating is clearly a concern for those flying.” <br/>