Korean Air to charge for emergency exit seats

Korean Air plans to charge passengers for seats in the emergency exit row to help overcome the snowballing deficit from fierce competition and a slowing economy. The company is the only local airline that offers seats in the emergency exit row and front row economy class without a fee. "The airline looked into measures to charge for roomier economy seats just like other local airlines and could implement the new policy as early as February," an industry source said. The move comes as the airline suffers a growing deficit from numerous external factors such as the sluggish economy, "Boycott Japan" movement, increased competition and rises in oil and currency exchange, which took a toll on the airline's profitability this year. <br/>