Airline Fees Get Worse

The new airline fee I dislike the most
http://current.newsweek.com/budgettravel/2009/09/the_new_airline_fee_i_hate_the.html

As we noted on Friday, British Airways will soon let you call to reserve the exact seat you want within economy class for a fee of roughly $33.

That sounds fine at first glance. Who doesn't like choice? Instead of waiting until the last minute, you can now lock in your seat choice up to nearly a year in advance. British Airways argues that this is a helpful new service that gives it an edge over other airlines, which make you wait until 24 hours before departure to assign your seat.

But there's a catch: Passengers who prefer to skip the fee will have to wait until 24 hours in advance of departure before they can select their seats online.

If most of the seats are assigned by then, you may not be able to sit next to your travel companion or children on the flight. (Note an exception: If you're traveling with infants, then B.A. lets you choose your seat without paying the fee.)

What do you think?