LOW cost airline easyJet is introducing a new facility that will give passengers greater choice over their seating aarrangements onboard the aircraft.

'Speedy Boarding' allows up to 20 passengers per flight the opportunity to be amongst the first to board and have the greatest choice of seats.

easyJet operates a free seating policy, whereby the first 30 people to check in (followed by the next 31-60, 61-90 etc) are the first to board the aircraft and have the widest choice of seats.

As it is quicker to board and unload an aircraft with unallocated seating, this enables fast turnaround times, which are at the heart of the low-cost airline business model; increasing the usage of the aircraft; making the operation more efficient; reducing costs and keeping fares low, says the airline.

Over the years free seating has given people the ability to sit where they want and next to whoever they want, enabling passengers to develop new friendships and relationships - many even ending in marriage!

As a result of its popularity and operational benefits free seating will continue, says easyJet. However following feedback from some customers that they would be prepared to pay a little more to have a wider choice of seats, either to get that extra legroom or be in a position to get off the aircraft first, the airline has developed speedy boarding.

Speedy Boarding can be booked online as part of the normal flight booking process, this is noted on the confirmation email and passengers are assigned to the special pre-boarding group when the boarding card is issued.

The passengers must then present themselves at the gate 30 minutes prior to departure, and will be boarded before all of the other passengers (with exception of those with wheelchairs). Combined with online check in this means passengers automatically go straight to security and be amongst the first to board.

Speedy boarding is sold on a first come, first served basis to the first 20 customers to make the online booking and the fee is based on the length of the flight and departure airport, prices vary from (£2.50 to £7.50).

Andy Harrison, easyJet Chief Executive said: "Many customers love our free-seating policy, which gives them the ability to sit where they want and next to whom they want, but there are also some who are prepared to pay a bit more to have a greater choice of seats and Speedy Boarding gives these passengers this opportunity.

"Speedy Boarding does exactly what it says on the tin - the first 20 people to book can pre-board, before families with small children, and they have the widest choice of seats."