Can I Choose My Seat in Advance on Emirates? Everything You Need to Know
When you’re flying, your seat can make a huge difference. Whether it’s sitting by the window to enjoy the views, choosing an aisle for quick access, or making sure you’re beside your travel partner, seat selection is something every traveler thinks about.
For me, this question comes up a lot because Emirates is an airline I fly very frequently. Over the years, I’ve taken Emirates on routes between the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and even long-haul trips across continents. Every time I book with them, one of the first things I check is my seat. It might seem like a small detail, but anyone who has done long-haul flights knows how much a good seat can affect your comfort.
Emirates is well known for its service and comfort, but what many people still ask is: can you actually choose your seat in advance, and if so, how much does it cost? The answer is yes but it depends on the class you’re flying and the type of fare you buy. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know so you can book with confidence and get the seat you really want.
Can You Choose Your Seat on Emirates?
Yes, Emirates allows you to choose your seat in advance on most flights. The options depend on the class of travel and sometimes your fare type.
If you are flying First Class or Business Class on Saver, Flex, or Flex Plus tickets, seat selection is completely free. That means the moment you book, you can go in and pick the exact spot you want. For example, when I flew Business Class from Dubai to Singapore, I picked a window seat at the front of the cabin. Having that seat gave me privacy and one of the best views of the sunrise as we approached Southeast Asia.
In Premium Economy, seat selection is also included in your ticket. I had the chance to try Emirates Premium Economy on a recent trip from Dubai to Singapore. I sat in one of the middle rows, and what I liked was that I didn’t have to worry about paying extra for the seat. The layout was spacious and honestly, I felt like I got good value.
If you are in Economy Class with a Flex or Flex Plus ticket, then you can choose your seat for free as well. This is a good option if you want to make sure you sit with family or secure a window or aisle seat early on. For instance, when I traveled from Dubai to Warsaw on an Economy Flex ticket, I chose my aisle seat as soon as I booked. It gave me peace of mind, especially for a long overnight flight.
Now, Economy Saver and Special fares are different. For these tickets, Emirates charges a fee if you want to pick your seat in advance. The price depends on whether you want a regular seat, extra legroom, or one of those twin seats at the back of the aircraft. If you don’t want to pay, you can always wait until online check-in opens 48 hours before departure. At that point, seat selection is free, but your options may be very limited. I remember once on a Dubai to Accra flight, I booked a Special fare and decided to wait until check-in. By the time I logged in, most of the window and aisle seats were gone. I ended up with a middle seat, which was not ideal for a seven-hour flight. That experience taught me that sometimes it is worth paying a little extra just to secure a better seat.
So the short answer is yes, Emirates lets you choose your seat in advance. Whether you pay or not depends on the type of ticket you book. From my experience, it is always better to secure the seat you want early, especially for long-haul flights.
How Much Does It Cost to Choose a Seat?
For Economy Class passengers on lower fare types, Emirates charges for advance seat selection. Prices vary depending on the type of seat. As of the writing of this article, these are how the prices look like:
- Regular seat: From around USD $15 to $40
- Preferred seat (front of the plane, quicker exit): From around USD $25 to $80
- Twin seat (rows of two at the back): From around USD $35 to $135
- Extra legroom seat (exit rows): From around USD $55 to $250
Readers should take note that the prices change depending on your route and aircraft, so it’s best to check during booking.
When Can You Choose Your Seat?
These are the times that you can actually choose your seat:
- At the time of booking: You can select your seat right away if your fare type includes it, or pay if it doesn’t.
- After booking: You can log in to “Manage Your Booking” on the Emirates website or app and choose or change your seat.
- At check-in (48 hours before departure): If you didn’t select a seat earlier, you can still choose one for free, though options may be limited.
Do Skywards Members Get Free Seats?
Yes, if you’re a member of Emirates Skywards, depending on your tier, you may get free or discounted seat selection. Silver, Gold, and Platinum members often enjoy free seat selection, even on lower fare types.
Tips for Choosing the Best Seat
One thing I always recommend is to check the aircraft layout on the Emirates website before booking. Emirates has different aircraft types and the seat maps can help you spot where the best seats are. For example, when I flew from Dubai to Warsaw, I checked the layout and noticed that the front section of the Economy cabin had fewer rows, which meant it was quieter. I picked a seat there and the flight felt much more comfortable.
Exit rows are another option. These seats usually offer the most legroom, which is a blessing on long flights. The only catch is that there are restrictions. Sometimes you cannot store your bag under the seat in front of you during takeoff and landing, and not everyone is allowed to sit there. On one of my flights to Accra, I paid extra for an exit row seat and although I had all the legroom in the world, I had to keep my backpack in the overhead bin, which was a little inconvenient.
Aisle seats are always the best choice if you want easy access to the restroom or like to stretch your legs. I often take aisle seats on overnight flights so I do not disturb other passengers when I need to get up. On the other hand, window seats are perfect if you love looking out at the views or just want to lean against the wall and sleep. I still remember sitting by the window on a Dubai to Singapore flight and watching the sunrise over the ocean. It was one of those small travel moments that stick with you.
If you are traveling with someone, try to grab the twin seats at the back of certain Emirates aircraft. These rows only have two seats instead of three, so you and your travel partner can sit together without a stranger in between. I did this once on a flight from Dubai to Munich and it made the journey so much nicer because we had the row to ourselves.
Finally, if you don’t want to pay for advance seat selection, make sure to check in online exactly 48 hours before departure. That is when check-in opens and you will have the best chance of finding a good seat for free. I have done this a few times and managed to snag aisle seats, but you have to be quick because they get taken fast.
Final Words
All in all, I think flying is about more than just picking a seat. Sometimes it’s about turning the journey into part of the experience. If you’re flying Emirates and thinking of exploring Dubai along the way, here’s my guide on how to make a stopover work for you.
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