WITH recent increases in oil prices, airlines are devising ways to up their revenues against surging costs.

This is particularly apparent among low-cost carriers (LCCs). Measures include charging for use of blankets and pillows, extra baggage and unusual-shaped cargo. I can understand this, as they are all related to costs.

However, I am quite perturbed that airlines such as Tiger Airways and Jetstar charge passengers who ask for seats in exit rows.

My problem is that exit rows are there for specific reasons, particularly related to safety, and if seats are available, they should be treated as regular seats. These seats are not comfort seats - in fact, one row does not even recline like regular seats. They have more space in front because it's a regulation, not so LCCs can regard them as luxury seats. Let's call a spade a spade. Besides, passengers in these seats have to assist in the event of emergency landing.

Perhaps LCCs would like to charge for use of oxygen masks and safety belts? After all, it can be argued it's a privilege to be alive. Yes, I'm bordering on ridicule, and so are these airlines.

Most times, I believe taller passengers would ask for such seats, so charging is discriminatory.

LCCs are caught between a rock and a hard place. With all the surcharges, they aren't really that low cost, yet they have to maintain this 'budget' tagline. Make no mistake, budget is the key word for your passengers.

Please rethink this exit-row seat surcharge. You only make yourselves look silly, by calling a necessity a luxury, and a regulation a comfort.

Liu Tact Yew

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