United will soon join American and Delta in imposing yet another add-on fee. Unlike fees for checked bags or bigger seats, this one essentially buys you nothing except being closer to the folks who paid more for their seats.
For the fee, not yet specified, United passengers will be able to reserve seats in the first rows of regular seating, behind the first-class, behind the business-class, behind the premium-economy, and just ahead of the rest of us in the Great Unwashed. But, you will be closer to the door at exit time.
But that’s all, because the seats are just regular rows with the regular amount of foot room and the regular amenities. Some travelers will not have to pay the extra: companies that sign on for United’s new corporate perks program will be able to get them free for employees not high enough up the chain for better seats, and so will certain elitel-level frequent fliers.
Is there a fee in the future for leaving the plane? Using the overhead lights?
A fee for using overhead lights? Don’t give them ideas!