When booking a flight with Emirates Airlines, one of the additional costs you may encounter is the Emirates Airlines Seat Selection fee. While selecting a seat ahead of time can ensure a comfortable flight experience, it’s not always necessary to pay for that privilege. In this guide, we’ll share some strategies on how to avoid seat selection fees while still securing a seat that meets your needs.
What is Emirates Airlines Seat Selection?
Emirates Airlines Seat Selection allows passengers to choose a specific seat on their flight. This feature is typically available during booking or afterward via the airline’s website or mobile app. While standard seat selection is often free, certain premium seats, such as those with extra legroom, window or aisle preferences, or seats in the front of the cabin, come with an additional fee.
How to Avoid Emirates Airlines Seat Selection Fees
If you want to avoid paying for seat selection, consider the following strategies:
Book Early for Free Seat Selection
Many passengers don’t realise that when you book your flight in advance, you’re often given a chance to choose your seat for free, even if it’s a standard option. Emirates allows free seat selection for certain fare types, especially if you book early and don’t require any premium seating.
Choose a Standard Seat During Check-in
If you’re looking to avoid seat selection fees, another option is to wait until you check in. When you check in for your Emirates flight (typically 48 hours before departure), you can choose from the available seats. While some popular seats may already be taken, you’ll still have a selection of standard options that won’t incur any extra charges.
When Does Emirates Charge a Seat Selection Fee?
Emirates Airlines Seat Selection fees are typically charged for more desirable seats, such as:
- Seats with Extra Legroom: These seats offer additional space and comfort, but they come at an extra cost.
- Preferred Seats: These could include aisle or window seats or those located in specific areas of the plane (e.g., front row, exit row).
- Business or First-Class Seats: For those booking premium classes, the seat selection fee is often included in the ticket price, but if you’re upgrading or making changes, additional fees may apply.
Consider Upgrading Your Fare
If you are willing to upgrade your ticket class, Emirates provides higher-tier options that include complimentary seat selection. For example, passengers traveling in Business or First Class often enjoy the benefit of free seat selection as part of their premium experience. While upgrading may come with a higher ticket price, it can be an effective way to secure a more comfortable seat without paying a separate seat selection fee.
Join Emirates Frequent Flyer Program
Frequent flyer programs, such as Emirates Skywards, offer members exclusive benefits, including complimentary seat selection on certain fare types. If you travel frequently with Emirates, joining the program could help you avoid seat selection fees on future flights. Skywards members often have the advantage of accessing preferred seating options at no additional cost, depending on their tier.
Use Emirates Customer Support for Assistance
If you encounter issues with Emirates Airlines Seat Selection or if you have specific seat preferences, contacting customer support can help. While most seat selection options are available online, speaking to a representative might give you the opportunity to secure a seat without paying the additional fees, especially if you have special needs or preferences.
You can reach Emirates customer service at 1-860-516-6375 for help with seat selection. Their team can assist with finding a seat that suits your preferences, potentially without incurring extra charges.
Is Seat Selection Worth Paying for?
If you’re traveling with specific needs, such as a preference for a window or aisle seat, or you need extra space, paying for Emirates Airlines Seat Selection can be worthwhile. However, if you’re flexible and can work with whatever seat is available at check-in, you may be able to avoid paying the seat selection fee and still have a comfortable flight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emirates Airlines Seat Selection fees can be avoided if you’re willing to wait until check-in or book early enough to choose a free standard seat. By understanding how seat selection works and using the tips outlined above, you can reduce or eliminate any additional costs related to seating. If you’re unsure or need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to Emirates customer service at 1-860-516-6375, where they can assist you with your seat selection process.
FAQs
- Can I select a seat for free on Emirates?
Yes, you can select a standard seat for free during booking or at check-in if you’re not choosing a premium seat with extra legroom or in a preferred location. - What is the cost of premium seat selection on Emirates?
Premium seats, such as those with extra legroom or located in the front of the plane, typically come with an additional fee. - How can I avoid paying for seat selection on Emirates?
You can avoid paying the fee by selecting a standard seat at check-in or booking early when free seat selection is available. - Do frequent flyers get free seat selection on Emirates?
Yes, members of Emirates Skywards frequent flyer program often enjoy complimentary seat selection depending on their tier and the fare class booked. - What should I do if I have a special seating request?
You can contact Emirates customer support at 1-860-516-6375 to discuss any special seating requests, including medical or accessibility needs.