Is Turkish Airlines Changing the Game on Seat Selection?
Is Turkish Airlines Changing the Game on Seat Selection? - The Impact of Turkish Airlines' Seat Selection on Passenger Experience
Turkish Airlines' recent changes to their seat selection process have had a noticeable impact on the passenger experience. Whereas before passengers could reserve seat assignments for free at the time of booking, Turkish now charges a fee for advance seat reservations on most economy class tickets. This shift reflects a growing trend amongst carriers to generate ancillary revenue, but it has significant implications for customers.
For many travelers, the ability to select seats ahead of time provides a sense of comfort and control. Knowing where you will sit allows you to coordinate with travel companions and avoid undesirable locations like the lavatory or galley. Budget-conscious customers took advantage of Turkish's former policy to lock in seats like the emergency exit row with extra legroom at no additional cost. Now fliers must weigh the pros and cons of paying upfront for a preferred seat versus taking their chances with a random free assignment.
Of course, the carrier hoped to incentivize customers to open their wallets by limiting free seat selection to 24 hours before departure. This creates anxiety for those who don't want to chance a middle seat in the back. Travelers report frustration with the lack of visibility into the seat map further out. And families trying to ensure they sit together face logistical challenges coordinating separately booked tickets.
Many frequent flyers used to seek out Turkish for its generous seating policy compared to other Star Alliance members. MileagePlus elites could select Economy Plus seats or bulkhead at no charge. Now they too must pay, even to choose the same Main Cabin seats available before. On the plus side, elite members and top-tier credit cardholders get a discount on advance seat fees. But some feel nickel-and-dimed by fees on a per passenger basis.
What else is in this post?
- Is Turkish Airlines Changing the Game on Seat Selection? - The Impact of Turkish Airlines' Seat Selection on Passenger Experience
- Is Turkish Airlines Changing the Game on Seat Selection? - Comparing Turkish Airlines' Seating Options to Competitors
- Is Turkish Airlines Changing the Game on Seat Selection? - How Frequent Flyers Can Benefit from Turkish Airlines' Seat Changes
- Is Turkish Airlines Changing the Game on Seat Selection? - Turkish Airlines and the Future of In-Flight Comfort
- Is Turkish Airlines Changing the Game on Seat Selection? - Seat Selection Strategies for Turkish Airlines Travelers
- Is Turkish Airlines Changing the Game on Seat Selection? - Analyzing the Cost-Effectiveness of Turkish Airlines' Seat Options
Is Turkish Airlines Changing the Game on Seat Selection? - Comparing Turkish Airlines' Seating Options to Competitors
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Is Turkish Airlines Changing the Game on Seat Selection? - How Frequent Flyers Can Benefit from Turkish Airlines' Seat Changes
For frequent flyers, Turkish Airlines' changes to its advance seat selection process presents a mixed bag. MileagePlus elites and credit cardholders do get some preferential treatment, but the playing field has shifted. Fliers need to understand the new rules of the game to maximize their chances of getting the seats they want.
In the past, Turkish's generous free seat selection policy allowed many MileagePlus Silver, Gold, and Platinum elites to reserve extra legroom seats like exit rows or Economy Plus bulkheads at no extra cost. As a Star Alliance member, Turkish honored United's elite tiers and offered expanded seating privileges. Now with fees for all advance seat reservations, even elite flyers must pay to select Main Cabin seats they used to get for free.
The one saving grace is that MileagePlus elites and United credit cardholders such as the Explorer and Club cardmembers receive discounted advance seat fees. For example, a Standard seat costs $15 for general members but only $10 for Silver elites. Exit row seating runs $60 rather than $100. This softens the blow, though some feel nickel-and-dimed having to pay per passenger. Premier elites used to get spoiled on Turkish.
Of course, the 24-hour free seat selection window still applies to elites. The key is checking in exactly 24 hours prior to departure. Turkish only displays the seat map to elites at that point. Snagging a preferred seat then requires eagle-eyed vigilance and quick fingers. You'll have the pick of the litter before the masses swarm in.
Partner elite benefits on Turkish are now more aligned with other Star Alliance airlines like Lufthansa. Most carriers charge for advance seat selection in economy including elite extras. So Turkish isn't an outlier anymore. MileagePlus members must adjust expectations and budget accordingly.
Is Turkish Airlines Changing the Game on Seat Selection? - Turkish Airlines and the Future of In-Flight Comfort
Turkish Airlines finds itself at an inflection point when it comes to in-flight comfort and the overall passenger experience. By charging for advance seat selection in economy class, the airline has fallen in line with many of its competitors. But this revenue-driving policy risks alienating customers who have come to expect a certain level of service. Turkish now must strike a delicate balance, aiming to generate ancillary fees without deteriorating the amenities and hospitality that set them apart. How the flag carrier responds and adapts will offer clues into the future of comfort standards in the skies.
Frequent Turkish flyers wax nostalgic about the “good old days” when economy passengers could reserve exit rows, bulkheads and other preferred seats for free. This generous policy enabled budget-conscious travelers to secure extra legroom without paying premium fares. Families could ensure they sat together without incurring fees. MileagePlus elites relished the privilege of complimentary Economy Plus and bulkhead seating — perks typically only available by status on United. For many, Turkish represented a golden age of freebies, epitomized by hospitality and comfort.
Naturally the airline wished to capitalize on this generous seating policy by instituting fees. But seasoned Turkish travelers balk at now having to pay for seats they used to get gratis. Some feel nickeled-and-dimed when even elites must shell out cash. Others book flights on competing carriers with more generous allotments of free advance seat selection.
To its credit, Turkish still provides certain comforts not guaranteed on other airlines. Examples include amenity kits and slippers in economy on long hauls, plus hot towel service after boarding. Premium economy debuting on new Boeing 787-9s offers enhanced recline and legroom. Turkish aims to maintain its competitive edge through hospitality and service.
But the seat selection policy shift reflects a broader industry trend. Carriersbalances investing in comfort with finding new revenue streams. Some worry Turkish's approach risks diluting the brand and alienating loyal flyers. However the airline feels empowering some customers to “pay to upgrade” their economy experience will increase satisfaction and reduce complaints over lack of control.
Is Turkish Airlines Changing the Game on Seat Selection? - Seat Selection Strategies for Turkish Airlines Travelers
With Turkish Airlines now charging for advance seat reservations in economy, flyers need strategies to secure their preferred seats without overspending. Before, Turkish’s generous free seat selection enabled budget-conscious travelers to grab desirable locations like exit rows at no extra cost. Families could ensure they sat together, while MileagePlus elites enjoyed complimentary Economy Plus. Now playing the seating game requires planning and tactical decisions. Here are some tips to maximize your chances of getting the seats you want for a reasonable price.
Aim to check in right at 24 hours pre-departure if you want your choice of free seats. This is when Turkish opens up their seat map to all passengers. Set a calendar reminder so you remember to check-in on the dot. Have your confirmation number handy to access your reservation quickly. Only a limited number of preferred seats get released, so you’ll want to snap these up before everyone else selects theirs and they disappear. Being among the first to select gives you an advantage.
If you need multiple seats together, try checking in from different devices simultaneously. This hack increases your chances of grabbing pairs or sets before others grab them. Some report success asking Turkish on Twitter to link reservations for seat assignments. You can also pay in advance for group seating though it's pricey.
Scope out your aircraft type and cabin layout on Seatguru when selecting seats. This allows you to identify seats with extra legroom or those closer to lavatories you may want to avoid. Recline and width can also vary, so choose what suits your needs.
Consider exit rows but know criteria are strict. You must be age 16+, able-bodied, and willing to assist with evacuation procedures. Attendants do check for compliance at the boarding door. Be prepared to move if you don't meet requirements. Other roomy options are bulkheads though keep in mind these rows have no underseat storage during takeoff/landing.
When it comes to paying for advance seats, United elites and credit cardholders get discounted fees. For instance, a Standard seat is $15 rather than $20. Exit rows are $60 instead of $100. So elites can still save substantially, though some dislike now paying for perks they used to get gratis. Also consider how much you value your preferred seat for such a long flight. For some, securing an aisle or added legroom is worth the cost.
Is Turkish Airlines Changing the Game on Seat Selection? - Analyzing the Cost-Effectiveness of Turkish Airlines' Seat Options
With advance seat selection in economy now fee-based, Turkish Airlines passengers face tricky cost-benefit analyses when deciding whether to pay up. Budget-minded travelers accustomed to grabbing preferred seats gratis feel nickel-and-dimed. Families stress about guaranteeing contiguous seats. Even MileagePlus elites chafe at paying for perks they used to enjoy compliantly. Yet some view securing the perfect seat worth the price. Assessing the value proposition of paid seating requires examining your priorities.
For many, preferred seats deliver tangible benefits that justify reasonable fees. Aisle positions provide easy restroom access without disturbing others. Exit rows offer generous legroom, appealing on lengthy flights. For taller travelers, stretching out can make or break comfort. Those unable to secure aisle or exit seats may opt to purchase Upgraded Space seats in the front economy section, which feature generous pitch. Peace of mind has value too - knowing your family will sit together or securing your favorite aisle seat reduces travel anxiety.
Yet Turkish's price points give some pause, especially having to pay per passenger. $20 per person for an advance Standard seat adds up for families. Exit rows soar over $100 when traveling with kids. And even elite flyers feel nickeled-and-dimed by fees they escaped previously. Those on a budget might take their chances snagging a free seat at check-in to avoid the cost.
It's worth crunching numbers to determine if the convenience merits the price. For example, a family of four would spend $80 to guarantee Standard seats together in advance or could roll the dice on snagging free seats. For some, the peace of mind justifies the premium. Others may rather risk getting separated to pocket $80.
Similarly, is $100 worth paying upfront to secure an exit row on your 11-hour flight to Istanbul? For taller travelers, the legroom and recline options could make a big difference in arriving well-rested. But for shorter passengers, a free standard seat may suffice.