In February 2014, Ryanair followed in easyJet's footsteps and introduced allocated seating on all flights therefore allowing passengers to choose their preferred seats in advance. To help customers understand the rules regarding pre-booking seats, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH), the UK's leading airport parking specialist, has compared the allocated seating regulations available across all major European low-cost airlines. The table is available in the Know Before You Go section of the website, at www.aph.com/seats.

The research compares the regulations for selecting seats across 13 low-cost airlines, including the costs to reserve Standard and Extra Legroom seats, the costs for different fare levels, as well as the difference in price when choosing to pay online, via a call centre or at the airport.

All the low-cost airlines surveyed were found to now automatically allocate a seat to passengers, except Ryanair and Wizz Air, who both still operate an open seating policy unless passengers choose to pre-book a seat prior to departure.

With regards to booking Standard and Extra Legroom seats, customers should be careful when choosing allocated seats as the prices vary according to whether booked online, through the call centre or at the airport on the day of travel. For example, booking a Standard seat with Flybe costs from £6.50 online and from £8.00 at the airport or through the call centre, whereas an Extra Legroom seat with Ryanair costs £7.50 when booked at the airport or through the call centre, but will cost £10.00 when booked online. Costs were also found to vary greatly between airlines, with an Extra Legroom seat costing from £8.00 with easyJet when booked online, but can cost from £16.00 and £18.00 when booked online with Jet2.com and German Wings respectively.

Additionally, a more affordable  option for travellers can be to purchase a package which includes allocated seating, for example Flybe offers complimentary Standard seating to 'New Economy' passengers and free Standard and Extra Legroom seats to 'Plus' passengers. German Wings charge £10 to reserve a Standard seat and £18.00 for an Extra Legroom seat for 'Basic' fare customers; however the 'Smart' fare and 'Premium' fare passengers can select Standard or Extra Legroom seats at no additional cost.

For further information on Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) visit,

www.aph.com or call 01342 859515. 

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Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) is the UK's award winning long stay airport parking operator and booking agency, after winning the Best Airport Parking Company for a fourth year running at British Travel Awards 2013. This year APH also celebrates its 33rd year as a retailer and operator of pre-booked airport parking and travel extras. APH offers parking at all major UK airports as well as airport hotels packaged with parking and airport lounges. APH is also a carbon balanced company and has, through support of the World Land Trust, helped purchase more than 1,000 acres of endangered rainforest.

Media Enquiries

Sarah Salord / Jessica Meins / McCluskey International / 020 8747 2170 / aph@mccluskey.co.uk