LONDON, United Kingdom — If you thought you had accounted for every nickel-and-dime fee on an ultra-cheap ticket through Europe, think again. Multiple no-frills airlines are now testing or rolling out an extra charge that allows passengers to unlock the recline function on short-haul economy seats, according to a report first surfaced on EIN Presswire from the U.K. tabloid The Sun.
Budget airlines add another à-la-carte fee
For years, stripped-down base fares have relied on ancillary fees for luggage, priority boarding and even printing a boarding pass at the airport. The latest addition—paying to tilt a seat back a few inches—signals that carriers are still searching for fresh revenue streams as fuel prices and airport charges remain volatile. A Sun investigation, cited by EIN, found that at least two European budget carriers have experimented with a “recline unlock” option on select aircraft models. Pricing was reported to start at the equivalent of £2 each way, rising to roughly £8 on peak flights. Exact figures for every airline and route were not published.
How the seat-recline fee works
- During online check-in, passengers are offered the chance to activate seat recline for a small fee.
- The extra is tied to the booking reference, so only the traveler who pays can recline.
- Cabin crew can override the lock in medical situations or for passengers with reduced mobility.
The Sun said the policy is currently limited to select rows on Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 jets used on flights that last less than three hours. Longer overnight routes and bulkhead seats are generally excluded because those chairs do not have a recline mechanism, even when unlocked.
Why airlines say a recline fee makes sense
Low-cost carriers argue that keeping seats in an upright, fixed position allows them to cram more rows into the cabin, improving fuel efficiency per seat. By charging for recline, they recoup some of the revenue lost when the mechanism isn’t deployed for most passengers. Industry analysts note that an aircraft with slimline, non-reclining seats can accommodate one extra row compared with a traditional layout. While the seat-recline surcharge only nets a few pounds per customer, the cumulative effect across hundreds of daily flights could be significant.
Traveler reaction is mixed
Social media posts collected by The Sun reveal a split reaction. Some fliers welcome the chance to avoid the seat-recline “wars” that often break out in tight cabins, while others see the move as a step too far. Without the ability to recline freely, tall travelers say they may experience discomfort on late-night returns.
Tips for Travelers: Avoiding surprise fees
1. Read the ancillary charges page carefully before checkout. 2. If you don’t need to recline on a short flight, skip the option and pocket the savings. 3. For red-eye or longer sectors, compare the cost of paying for recline versus upgrading to extra-legroom rows, which often include the feature automatically. 4. Use a credit card that offers travel statement credits; many will reimburse small onboard purchases. 5. Monitor the airline’s app on the day of departure—some carriers reduce fees during check-in when unsold options remain.
FAQ
Is the recline fee refundable if the mechanism is faulty?
Policies vary. The Sun reported that one carrier issues an automatic refund if cabin crew deem the hardware inoperable. Do children’s seats have to stay upright?
The investigation did not specify any exemption for families. Travelers should consult the individual airline’s terms. Can a traveler recline without paying?
On flights where the seat lock is fitted, the recline button may be disabled unless payment is registered. Attempting manual force could damage the seat and incur penalties.
Bottom line for budget flyers
With airlines continuously unbundling services, the seat-recline fee may become commonplace. Travelers booking the lowest advertised fare should assume that any comfort feature—whether it is selecting a window seat, bringing a roll-aboard bag or tilting the seat back—could carry an extra cost. — as The Sun reported.
