Those jokes about how it's getting to the point where airlines will charge for oxygen and restroom usage are now a little closer to reality: British Airways announced today that starting October 7, it'll charge passengers to choose their seats prior to 24 hours before departure (seats chosen within 24 hours of departure will still be free, but, you know, probably all in the middle of the rows and in the back of the plane). There's a sliding scale depending on length of trip and fare class, with the cheapest being 10 pounds and the most expensive, 60. Those who fly coach will have a whole new set of fellow passengers to hate, so we should expect a sharp increase in air rage in Europe beginning October 7. [BBC]