Asiana Airlines has decided to charge more for front-row economy seats because they offer more legroom and travelers get out faster.

Asiana said it will start selling marked-up front-row economy seats on international flights starting on Dec. 16. On flights to Japan, China and Northeast Asia they will cost an extra W20,000, to Southeast Asia W40,000 more, to Southwest Asia W60,000 more and to North America, Europe and Australia W100,000 more (US$1=W1,172).

But the markups will be discounted at 50 percent prices until March 31. The step is aimed at boosting profitability.

Asiana is the first major Korean carrier to do this, but budget carriers and foreign airlines already sell their front-row economy seats at higher prices.

