easyJet to bring in allocated seating on all flights

easyJet announced (05-Sep-2012) plans to roll out allocated seating across its network from Nov-2012. The move follows a trial of the system since Apr-2012. During the trial period over 800,000 passengers flew on 6000 trial flights. Research among passengers taking part in the trial showed more than 70% thing allocated seating is better than easyJet's current system due to the improved boarding experience. 60% of passengers said they would be more likely to fly with easyJet in the future due to the improved experience. The trial showed passenger satisfaction improved without adding cost or impacting the airline's ability to maintain high levels of punctuality. easyJet CEO Carolyn McCall said, "This is an example of easyJet trying to do all it can to make travel easy and affordable for our passengers. Our customers asked us to trial allocated seating and we are really pleased with the positive passenger feedback during the trial. As importantly, we have shown that we can do so while delivering strong on time performance - the most important driver of passenger satisfaction." Passengers will be able to pre-select their seat for a fee while those who do not will be allocated a seat free of charge. [more - original PR]