How Much Is the Seat Selection Fee on Emirates?
When planning a journey with Emirates, one of the most common questions passengers have is regarding the Emirates Seat Selection process and how much it costs. Emirates, as one of the leading global airlines, offers various options for travelers looking to personalize their flight experience. Whether you’re flying Economy, Premium Economy, Business, or First Class, understanding the Emirates Seat Selection Fee is essential for effective travel budgeting and comfort planning.
Understanding Emirates Seat Selection: An Overview
Emirates Seat Selection allows passengers to choose their preferred seat ahead of their flight, offering flexibility and comfort. Depending on your ticket class, fare type, and route, you may either receive complimentary seat selection or be charged a fee. The cost structure varies, and knowing the specifics can help you make an informed decision when booking.
Free Seat Selection Options on Emirates
Not all Emirates passengers are required to pay for seat selection. Here’s when seat selection is free:
- First Class: Complimentary seat selection for all passengers.
- Business Class (Saver, Flex, Flex Plus): Complimentary seat selection.
- Economy Class (Flex and Flex Plus): Free standard seat selection.
- Skywards Platinum, Gold, and Silver members: Depending on status and ticket type, seat selection may be free across cabins.
- Passengers traveling with infants: Often get priority or complimentary seat assignments.
This means if you’re flying with a higher fare class or have elite Skywards status, you may avoid the Emirates Seat Selection Fee entirely.
Seat Selection Fees in Emirates Economy Class
If you’re traveling on an Economy Special or Economy Saver ticket, you’ll likely need to pay a seat selection fee. The cost depends on several variables, such as route, seat type, and time of booking.
Standard Seats
- Short-haul routes: $10 – $30
- Long-haul routes: $30 – $50
Preferred Seats
These seats are located at the front of the Economy cabin, allowing quicker exit upon arrival.
- Short-haul routes: $20 – $50
- Long-haul routes: $50 – $100
Twin Seats
Available on some Boeing 777s, twin seats offer more privacy as they are pairs of seats by themselves.
- Typical cost: $35 – $135
Extra Legroom Seats
Perfect for tall passengers or those who value space, these seats are near emergency exits.
- Typical cost: $75 – $250
These fees are dynamic and fluctuate based on demand, flight duration, and aircraft type.
When Can You Select a Seat on Emirates?
Emirates allows seat selection at various stages of booking:
- During booking – Add a seat at the time of purchasing your ticket.
- After booking – Use the “Manage Booking” section on the Emirates website.
- At check-in – Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure, and limited seat selection is still available.
Early selection helps secure preferred seating, especially if you’re eyeing window or aisle positions.
How to Avoid the Emirates Seat Selection Fee
For travelers looking to avoid paying the Emirates Seat Selection Fee, consider the following strategies:
- Book a higher fare class: Flex and Flex Plus in Economy usually include free standard seat selection.
- Join Emirates Skywards: Loyalty members often get free seat choices.
- Travel in groups: Emirates attempts to seat families and groups together.
- Wait until check-in: Limited seat selection may become free or cheaper during online check-in.
- Travel with infants: Often allocated free bulkhead seats to accommodate bassinets.
Seat Selection on Emirates Premium Economy, Business, and First Class
While Emirates Premium Economy is still being rolled out on select routes, passengers in this class can usually select seats free of charge. This cabin class includes larger, more spacious seating with more legroom and recline.
In Business and First Class, passengers enjoy complimentary seat selection with access to lie-flat beds, direct aisle access, and luxurious amenities. Passengers flying Business Saver fares may also choose their seats without incurring any extra fee.
How to Pay for Emirates Seat Selection
If you decide to proceed with selecting a paid seat, Emirates provides simple ways to complete the process:
- Online during booking
- Post-booking via Manage Booking
- Mobile app
- Travel agent or Emirates call center
Payments can be made through credit/debit cards, and in some cases, with Skywards Miles.
What Is the Refund Policy for Emirates Seat Selection Fees?
In most cases, Emirates Seat Selection Fees are non-refundable unless:
- Emirates reassigns you to another seat due to operational, safety, or security reasons.
- You upgrade to a higher class where seat selection is free.
- Your flight is canceled or rescheduled by the airline.
Always review Emirates’ seat selection terms before purchase.
Contact Emirates for Personalized Assistance
If you’re unsure about your ticket eligibility or need help with seat selection, you can contact Emirates directly or speak to trusted third-party services like Fareasky. Their dedicated team can provide clarity regarding the Emirates Seat Selection Fee and the best approach to booking.
Fareasky Contact Number: 860-374-0002
Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, seat comfort plays a major role in your journey. Make informed decisions early to enjoy the Emirates experience to the fullest.
Conclusion
The Emirates Seat Selection process is straightforward but can involve additional fees depending on your fare class, seating preferences, and travel routes. Understanding the Emirates Seat Selection Fee structure helps ensure a smoother booking experience and better comfort on board. Whether you’re flying Economy or upgrading to Premium Economy or higher, Emirates offers flexible seat options to enhance your travel journey.
If you’re looking to maximize your comfort while keeping your budget in check, plan early, understand your ticket conditions, and explore all the seat options available.
