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KLM and Air France are set to implement significant changes to their seat selection policy for Economy Light fare passengers. Starting February 2025, passengers travelling on Light fare tickets will no longer have the option to select their seats for free during check-in.

Key Changes and Dates

• Air France: Policy changes effective from 11th February 2025
• KLM: New rules begin 20th February 2025

Under the new policy, the airlines will automatically assign seats to Light fare passengers. While passengers can still reserve a standard seat during check-in, this will now come with an additional fee. The airlines have confirmed that passengers travelling together on the same booking will be seated together where possible.

Who’s Exempt from These Changes?

The following passengers will continue to enjoy free seat selection at check-in:

• Flying Blue members (Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Ultimate)
• Passengers with disabilities
• Group bookings
• Most corporate customers

Important Note for Bluebiz Members: These changes do affect Bluebiz members, who will need to pay for standard seat selection. Additionally, Bluebiz members can no longer earn blue credits on Economy Light tickets, though other programme benefits remain unchanged.

Bottom line

From February 2025, KLM and Air France Light fare passengers will need to pay for seat selection at check-in or accept an automatically assigned seat. Flying Blue members with status and most corporate customers remain exempt from these changes.

Images: ©KLM/IF-Marco