A new poll says that one of the extras that passengers pay for – but hate paying for -  is seat selection. An online poll of nearly 2,000 people by website Airfarwatchdog.com, asked respondents which airline fees they despised the most. Easily the most, (52%), said being charged for the ‘privilege’ of picking their seat was the thing that annoyed them the most.  Next, about a third said they did not like to pay for changing flights; 14%, said they didn't like paying extra for snacks and 3% said they were happy to pay for any extra services.

George Hobica, president of Airfarewatchdog.com, emailed a statement to Reuters saying,

"There are certain airline services that really do involve added expense.

"These include meals (for obvious reasons), transporting and checking bags (fuel and labour), and even to a certain degree changing your date of travel."

"But assigning a seat, which can be done online for virtually no transaction cost to the airline?

It's simply a way to generate revenue and not to cover a tangible expense. I think passengers realize this and that's why they're so annoyed by it."

Airlines staggering under a global financial crisis, especially in the US, found a revenue source in charging passengers for services they previously provided at no cost. Seat selection, baggage check-in, drinks and snacks have all been added to the ‘pay as you go’ list.

Southwest Airlines and United Airlines have also instituted a charge for overweight passengers who require an extra seat.  In this instance, if the plane is not full – the charge can be refunded.  

The question is why are these fees so terrible?  They are simply user fees, and if you want a good seat in advance, a drink, an extra bag, or you need an extra seat – why shouldn’t you pay for it?

If you don’t, somewhere along the line everyone else will.

The days of white gloved stewardesses and genteel travellers are long gone. The brash, cheapo you-want-it-you-pay-for-it naughties are here.  

Get used to it.