Ireland’s national carrier Aer Lingus has introduced new charges for seat selection on its budget ‘Saver’ fares, ending the previous policy of free seat selection during digital check-in. The change affects passengers booking the airline’s most economical ticket option.
Under the new policy, passengers traveling on Saver fares must pay a minimum of €4.99 to select standard or standard plus seats. Previously, seat selection could be completed free of charge during the online check-in process, making this a significant change for budget-conscious travelers.
The reform affects only the lowest fare category. Passengers booking higher fare classes including Plus and Advantage for short-haul flights, as well as Smart and Flex fares for long-haul routes, will continue to enjoy complimentary seat selection as part of their ticket benefits.
An airline spokesperson confirmed that families and groups traveling together will be given priority to be seated together, even without paying for advance seat selection. However, this is not guaranteed, and those wanting to ensure they sit together may need to pay the selection fee.
The policy change came into effect last month, shortly after Aer Lingus reported a 22% increase in profits. The timing has led to criticism from consumer advocates who question whether the additional charges are necessary given the airline’s strong financial performance.
Irish media reports note that this approach mirrors a similar strategy previously implemented by budget carrier Ryanair, which has charged for seat selection for several years. The move suggests Aer Lingus is adopting more low-cost carrier practices while maintaining its full-service positioning for premium fares.
Under the new system, passengers who do not pay for advance seat selection will have seats automatically allocated by the airline’s system. This could result in travel companions or family members being separated across different parts of the aircraft, particularly on busy flights where adjacent seats may not be available.
The change represents a broader trend in the aviation industry toward unbundling services and creating additional revenue streams from ancillary fees. While base fares may remain competitive, the total cost of travel increases when passengers add services like seat selection, checked baggage, and onboard meals.
For frequent travelers and families, the cumulative cost of seat selection fees across multiple journeys throughout the year could add significantly to travel expenses. A family of four taking several trips annually could easily spend over €100 on seat selection charges alone.
Consumer groups have expressed concern about the proliferation of add-on fees in air travel, arguing they make it difficult for passengers to compare prices between airlines and understand the true cost of their journey until late in the booking process.