amanoffewwords
We already get these "sitting together" issues.
Currently some groups can choose seats (large groups, Premium, families with kids) at about 3 days before departure. Then we get more people choosing at departure -24hrs and finally people checking in at the airport.
We already have to sort out the isssues when a family or group of 6 checks in at 45min prior to departure.
This new system stretches that seat choosing period from 3 days to 10.
We have all heard stories from people who simple must have that exit row seat for whatever reason. These seats are popular. BA has recognised this and is attempting to draw some revenue from it (like some other airlines)
You don't
have to pay to choose your seat. Don't forget that you can, as now, still choose your seat for free on-line 24 hours in advance or at the airport. The current figures indicate that on longhaul less than 50% of passengers check in on-line. So you are still likely to be able to get a group of seats, especially if checking in on-line at departure -24 hours
The worst part of this change is that once again BA's woeful demonstration of their
PR skills
