British Airways will start charging passengers up to £60 per one-way flight if they want to secure a specific seat before check-in.

The charge will operate from October 7 on all BA mainline operated flights, in all cabins, except first class.

It will not operate on any franchisee operation, alliance partner, codeshare flight or BA CityFlyer.

The charges will also not apply to passengers with fully flexible fares, BA corporate clients, Executive Club Premier, Gold and Silver members and Oneworld Alliance equivalents, families with small children and passengers travelling as part of a specialized group or with special needs.

All of these categories will continue to be able to choose a seat at the time of booking.

The charges will be £10 per sector on domestic and in Euro Traveller (economy) class, £20 in Club Europe, World Traveller and World Traveller Plus and £60 in Club World.

Passengers can pay for seats from the time of booking up until 24 hours before departure. Seats will still be allocated free of charge at the time of check-in.