When flying with Emirates, passengers expect world-class service not only in the air but also on the ground. One crucial aspect of enhancing the travel experience is choosing the right seat. Understanding how Emirates Seat Selection works can help you secure the ideal spot onboard, tailored to your comfort, convenience, and budget.
What is Emirates Seat Selection?
Emirates Seat Selection is a service that allows passengers to choose their preferred seat when booking or after booking their flight. This feature provides options for travelers across all cabin classes, whether you are flying Economy, Premium Economy, Business, or First Class.
Travelers can choose seats based on their preferences—be it a window seat, aisle seat, extra legroom, or a seat closer to the front for a quicker disembarkation.
When Can You Select a Seat on Emirates?
You can select your seat during:
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The initial flight booking process
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After booking through the “Manage Booking” section on the Emirates website or mobile app
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During online check-in, which opens 48 hours before departure
While some seats may be complimentary, others may incur a fee depending on the fare type, route, and travel class.
Types of Seats Available for Selection
Emirates offers a variety of seating options to accommodate different passenger needs:
1. Regular Seats
Available in Economy Class, these are standard seats located throughout the cabin. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
2. Preferred Seats
These are situated at the front of the Economy cabin, allowing quicker exit upon arrival. Preferred by business travelers and those with tight connections.
3. Twin Seats
Located at the back of the Economy cabin, these rows have just two seats instead of the standard three, offering more privacy for couples or solo travelers.
4. Extra Legroom Seats
Positioned near the emergency exits, these seats provide more leg space and are excellent for taller passengers or those who prefer more comfort.
5. Premium Seats (Extra Space and Recline)
Exclusive to Premium Economy and available in select aircraft, these seats come with greater recline, extra legroom, and enhanced overall comfort.
6. Business and First Class Seats
All seats in these cabins are fully lie-flat and come with direct aisle access, but you can still choose your preferred seat configuration during booking or check-in.
How Much Does Emirates Seat Selection Cost?
Fees vary based on travel class, seat type, and fare conditions. Below is a general breakdown:
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Regular seats: Often free for Flex and Flex Plus fare types; basic fares may incur a small fee
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Preferred seats: From $15 to $40 USD
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Twin seats: Range between $35 to $135 USD
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Extra legroom seats: Cost between $55 and $250 USD
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Business and First Class: Free seat selection
It’s important to note that Emirates Airlines Seat Selection charges can change based on demand, route, and aircraft configuration.
How to Choose Your Seat on Emirates
Choosing your seat with Emirates is a seamless process. Here’s how:
1. During Booking
When booking through the Emirates website, after entering your passenger details, you’ll be taken to the seat map where you can choose your seat.
2. Via Manage Booking
Go to the Emirates Manage Booking section. Enter your last name and booking reference to access your flight details. From there, navigate to the seat selection area.
3. Emirates Mobile App
You can select or change your seat using the Emirates app, available for iOS and Android. The app is user-friendly and provides seat map previews.
4. During Online Check-in
If you haven’t selected a seat by then, online check-in opens 48 hours before departure, and you can select your seat for free or for a reduced fee, depending on availability.
Who Gets Free Seat Selection on Emirates?
Not all passengers need to pay for seat selection. Here are the cases where it’s free:
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First and Business Class passengers
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Economy Class Flex and Flex Plus fare holders
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Emirates Skywards Platinum, Gold, and Silver members
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Passengers traveling with infants (eligible for bassinet seat allocation)
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Special assistance passengers
Tips to Maximize Your Emirates Seat Selection
Book Early
Early seat selection gives you access to a broader range of seats, especially on high-demand routes.
Use Seat Maps Wisely
Emirates provides detailed seat maps for each aircraft type. Research the aircraft model you are flying on and look at third-party tools like SeatGuru for in-depth seat reviews.
Consider Upgrades
If budget allows, consider upgrading to Premium Economy or Business Class for a significantly enhanced seat experience.
Join Emirates Skywards
Frequent flyers who are part of the Emirates Skywards loyalty program can unlock complimentary seat selection and priority seating benefits.
Emirates Airlines Seat Selection for Group Bookings
Traveling as a family or group? Emirates makes it easy to sit together:
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Group seat selection can be done at the time of booking
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Some group travelers may receive discounted or free seat selection options
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For larger groups, contacting Emirates or your travel agent directly is recommended
Seat Selection on Codeshare Flights
If your Emirates flight is operated by a partner airline, seat selection policies may differ. In these cases, it’s best to manage your booking through the operating airline’s portal. Codeshare seat availability might be more limited, so act early.
How to Contact Emirates for Seat Help
For personalized help with your seat selection or if you encounter any issues, you can contact Emirates customer service. However, some passengers might prefer third-party travel agencies for assistance. One such agency is Fareasky, which offers 24/7 assistance and can be reached at 860-374-0002.
This third-party support line can help with:
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Seat changes
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Seat upgrades
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Special requests for group seating
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Information on seat fees and policies
While Emirates provides robust online tools, calling 860-374-0002 via Fareasky might be helpful for last-minute changes or complex itineraries.
Conclusion
Mastering the Emirates seat selection process gives you control over your inflight comfort and overall journey experience. Whether you’re looking for extra legroom, a window view, or quicker deplaning, understanding your seat options empowers you to travel better.
With a variety of seating configurations and fare options, Emirates ensures flexibility while offering premium choices for discerning travelers. Don’t leave your seat to chance—choose the one that fits your needs best and enjoy your journey with Emirates.