How Much Does It Cost to Choose a Seat with Emirates Airlines Seat Selection

MyTravaly_Logo  Jason Holderson 08 Nov, 2025 15 mins read 109
How Much Does It Cost to Choose a Seat with Emirates Airlines Seat Selection

Introduction

When you book a flight with Emirates, you might assume your seat is set—but in reality, many travellers face an extra cost if they want to pick a specific spot in advance. In this post, we’ll unpack the full picture of Emirates Airlines Seat Selection—including the rules, the typical cost, how to use the seat map, and tips to avoid paying more than you need. Whether you’re flying economy with a window-seat dream or just curious about the extra legroom option, you’ll get clarity here. And if you’d rather leave the seat-selection legwork to someone else, contact Tours N Travel Pro at +1‑866‑679‑5070 for expert help.


👉 Quick Overview: Emirates Airlines Seat Selection

✈ Choose your spot with comfort: With Emirates Airlines Seat Selection you can pick Regular, Preferred, Twin, or Extra Legroom seats so you’re not stuck in the middle.

✔ Free standard options: In many fare types (Economy Flex, Premium Economy, Business/First), standard seat selection is complimentary.

✔ Paid options & upgrades: On cheaper economy fares you’ll pay between USD 7–40 for Regular, USD 15–100 for Preferred, USD 20–135 for Twin seats, and USD 30–260 for Extra Legroom.

✔ Special needs & families: Travellers with infants, special assistance, or Skywards elite status may get free seat selection or favourable conditions.

✔ Check-in & refunds: Seat selection may be free if you wait until online check-in opens (48 hours before departure) on certain fares. Refunds are possible only in limited cases (airline changes, safety/operational reasons).


📲 Don’t wait! For help booking or managing your seats with ease, call Tours N Travel Pro at +1‑866‑679‑5070 today.


Understanding Emirates Airlines Seat Selection

Let’s dive deeper into the policy and how seat selection works with Emirates.


What is Seat Selection on Emirates?

Seat selection is the option to choose where you sit on the aircraft—window, aisle, extra legroom, twin seats, etc.—rather than being automatically assigned. With Emirates Airlines Seat Selection policy, you have the flexibility to select during booking, after booking (via Manage Your Booking), or during online check-in (48 hours before departure) depending on your fare.


Why Does Emirates Charge for Some Seats?

Emirates segments seats into categories (Regular, Preferred, Twin, Extra Legroom) and links pricing to fare types and route lengths. Certain “premium” seats cost more to reserve ahead of time.


For example, if you’re on a Saver or Special economy fare, you may face a fee for selecting early. If you’re on a Flex fare or higher class, it may be included.


Which Fare Types Include Free Seat Selection?

  • First Class, Business Class, and Premium Economy often include seat selection for free.
  • Economy Flex or Flex Plus fares may include free Regular or Preferred seats.
  • Economy Special/Saver fares often carry a fee for most seat types.
  • Loyalty members (Emirates Skywards) with Silver/Gold/Platinum status may also enjoy complimentary selections depending on tier and seat type.


When Can You Choose or Change Seats?

  • During booking: The most options, but fees may apply if your fare doesn’t include free selection.
  • After booking / Manage Your Booking: You can select or change seats up to the time check-in opens.
  • Online check-in (48 hours before departure): For many economy tickets, if you wait until then, a standard seat may be assigned free of charge (though not always the best seats).
  • Airport check-in: If you did not choose a seat, you’ll be assigned one. Choosing at the desk may limit your options and sometimes still incur a fee for better seats.


Seat Map & How to Use It

When you log into your booking on the Emirates website or app, you’ll see the seat map, which illustrates available seats in different categories. Twin seats are often rows of two (ideal for couples) and Extra Legroom seats are usually exit rows or bulkheads.

It helps to consult the seat map early, especially if you prefer a window/aisle or are travelling with a partner or family.


Seat Categories & Typical Fees

Here’s a breakdown of typical seat categories under the Emirates Airlines Seat Selection policy, with cost ranges and what they mean.

Seat TypeDescriptionTypical Fee (Economy)Regular SeatStandard economy seat (window, aisle or middle)USD 7–40 per sectorPreferred SeatSeats at front of cabin or with more convenienceUSD 15–100 per sectorTwin SeatRows of two seats (window + aisle) for extra privacyUSD 20–135 per sectorExtra Legroom SeatExit row or bulkhead seats for taller passengersUSD 30–260 per sector

Example notes & context:

  • On a long-haul route (Dubai to North America, for example), the extra legroom fee can get toward the higher end.
  • Waiting until check-in opens (48 hours before) may allow you to get a standard seat free of charge—but not necessarily the preferred or extra legroom type.


Important Conditions & Variation Factors

  • Fees vary by route, distance, fare class, seat type and availability.
  • Charges are per passenger per sector—if you have multiple flight legs, you’ll pay for each leg.
  • Families with infants or passengers requiring special assistance often get free seat selection or priority assistance.


Refunds & Changes

  • Seat selection charges are generally non-refundable except in certain cases (airline changes, aircraft changes, operational reasons).
  • Upgrading your cabin or changing seat type to a lower category usually does not result in a refund.


How to Select Your Seat on Emirates (Step by Step)

1. During Booking

  • After selecting flights and entering passenger details, choose a seat using the interactive seat map.
  • Pay the fee if required and confirm your selection.


2. After Booking (Manage Your Booking)

  • Enter your booking reference and surname on the Emirates website.
  • Click “Select or Change Seat” and pay any applicable fee.


3. Online Check-In (48 Hours Before Flight)

  • If you skipped seat selection earlier, you may be assigned a standard seat for free depending on fare.
  • Premium seats still require payment.


4. At the Airport / Check-In Desk

  • Emirates will assign a seat if you didn’t choose one.
  • Requesting a specific seat may incur fees depending on availability.


Tips for Seat Map Usage:

  • Check the aircraft type (A380 or 777) as layout differs.
  • Twin seats are ideal for couples, Extra Legroom for taller passengers.
  • Families should book early to sit together.


Key Benefits of Choosing Your Seat

  • Comfort & peace of mind: Know where you’ll sit in advance.
  • Better location: Preferred or extra legroom seats mean faster exit and more comfort.
  • Group/family seating: Keep your travel party together.
  • Avoid surprises: Don’t end up in a middle seat on a long flight.
  • Maximize loyalty perks: Skywards members may enjoy free or discounted seat selection.


For help choosing the right seat, contact Tours N Travel Pro at +1‑866‑679‑5070.


People Also Ask

How much is Emirates seat selection in economy?

For economy on Emirates, Regular seats typically cost USD 7–40, Preferred seats USD 15–100, Twin seats USD 20–135, and Extra Legroom seats USD 30–260 per sector.


Is seat selection free with Emirates on some fares?

Yes — Economy Flex or Flex Plus, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class often include complimentary seat selection. Skywards elite members may also get free seats depending on tier.


Can I select my Emirates seat 48 hours before departure for free?

If your fare allows standard assignment without fee, yes. Premium seats still require payment.


What happens if I miss selecting a seat?

Emirates will assign you a seat during online check-in or at the airport. Premium or extra legroom seats may require payment.


Important Things to Remember / Key Takeaways

  • Seat selection fees vary by fare type, route, aircraft, and seat category.
  • Waiting until online check-in may allow free standard assignment, but premium seats are paid.
  • Multiple flight legs = multiple seat-selection fees.
  • Families and passengers with special needs should book early.
  • Paying ahead ensures preferred seating for long-haul or group travel.
  • For expert help, call Tours N Travel Pro at +1‑866‑679‑5070.


Conclusion

Navigating the Emirates Airlines Seat Selection policy doesn’t have to be confusing. Understanding what you’re paying for and when you can avoid fees gives you control. Waiting until online check-in may save money, but paying ahead guarantees your preferred seat. For hassle-free booking and seat-selection support, contact Tours N Travel Pro at +1‑866‑679‑5070. Travel confidently and enjoy the seat you want with Emirates.


FAQ Section

Q: Does Emirates automatically assign seats if I don’t choose one?

A: Yes, Emirates will assign a seat during online check-in or at the airport.


Q: Are seat selection fees refundable?

A: Generally no, except in case of aircraft or operational changes.


Q: Can I view the seat map before selecting?

A: Yes, Emirates provides an interactive seat map during booking or in Manage Your Booking.


Q: Are fees charged per passenger per leg?

A: Yes — each flight leg may carry a separate seat selection fee.


Q: Are Twin seats available in Economy?

A: Yes — these are rows of two seats ideal for couples, with fees depending on fare type.


Written By:

Jason Holderson
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