Dubai’s Emirates introduces new seat selection fees

Dubai carrier Emirates has introduced new fees for advanced seat selection that could see additional charges of up to $135 per passenger.

The additional fees follow the introduction of charges for advanced seat selection on some economy fares in October last year as part of measures to boost revenues.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates to begin charging for seat selection

They are valid for tickets bought after August 20 and apply to ‘extra value’ seats. Fares for ‘regular seats’ are between $15 and $35 depending on the flight length.

The new fees and how they will apply

For a ‘preferred seat’ closer to the front of the plane allowing the passenger to disembark more quickly the price is $25-$80.

A ‘twin seat’, which is a row of two rather than three seats seen at the back of the Boeing 777 and at the front on the upper deck of the A380, is available for $35-$110 extra.

‘Extra legroom’ seats will also be for sale up to six hours before departure and cost $55-$135.

Economy passengers flying on ‘special’ or ‘saver’ fares must pay for all advanced seat selection options.

Those on ‘flex’ or ‘flex plus’ fares are required to pay for ‘extra value’ seat options if they want them.

Business and first class bookings and group bookings of 10 or more passengers all receive free advance seat selection.

In addition, frequent flyer members in the silver tier will receive free regular seat selection and gold members will receive free regular and ‘preferred seat’ selection alongside any of their accompanying passengers.

Platinum members and their accompanying passengers will be able to select all but ‘extra legroom’ seats for free.

Similar perks will apply to Qantas frequent flyer members.

Passengers flying to a destination with a connection that requires them to leave the airport will need to pay for advanced seat selection for each leg of the journey.

The new charges come as Emirates faces tough economic conditions that have seen its profits tumble over the last year.

Read: Emirates airline posts 82% drop in annual profit

The carrier has recently introduced paid access to its international lounges and has partnered with low cost sister airline flydubai to boost earnings.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates offers paid access to 27 global airport lounges