Pay more, get US Airways' 'Choice Seats'

Worried about booking a last-minute flight and getting stuck in a center seat? Tempe-based US Airways plans to start saving a number of aisle and window seats and will fill them at check-in time for a fee.

The hometown airline plans to launch its "Choice Seats" program May 7.

US Airways said it will save several window and aisle seats at the front of the coach cabin and let passengers pay $5 to $30 for the privilege of snagging them during online check-in.The number of choice seats on a flight will vary by type of aircraft, but about 8 percent of a plane's seats will be so designated, said Valerie Wunder, US Airways spokeswoman.

The price will vary depending on length of flight and popularity of the route, Wunder said. Seats to Europe will command the top tab.

To get a choice seat on the plane a passenger will have to check in online 24 hours to 90 minutes before flight time and pay the seat surcharge with a credit card. Choice plane seats are not available by phone nor at the airport, Wunder said. Airport agents will dole out the saved seats for free if nobody pays for them as flight time approaches.

US Airways already sells meals on domestic flights and collects $25 for any passenger toting more than one bag.Other airlines charge for premium boarding, pillows, blankets, even extra leg room.

It's all a move toward more "a la carte pricing" by the airlines. Some carriers have decided to let passengers choose to pay for formerly free amenities rather than raise ticket prices overall as jet fuel expenses rise and profit margins shrink or disappear. "The reality is oil is $113 a barrel. We have to do something to mitigate our fuel costs," Wunder said.