Free no more: Emirates to charge for advance seat selection

Published September 20, 2016

FILE- In this May 8, 2014 file photo, Emirates passenger planes are in use at Dubai airport in United Arab Emirates. The Mideast's biggest airline that touts onboard luxuries like showers and an extensive movie selection is adding something a bit more down-to-earth for those in the back of the plane: charges to pick your own seat ahead of time. The change brings Emirates in line with what many other international carriers have done for years, generating a new revenue stream for the government-owned airline. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File) (The Associated Press)

The Mideast's biggest airline, which touts luxuries like onboard showers and an extensive movie selection, is adding something a bit more down-to-earth for those in the back of the plane: charges to pick your own seat ahead of time.

Dubai-based Emirates said on Tuesday that the new fees will apply to its two lowest fare categories of economy-class seats on tickets issued after October 3.

The change brings Emirates in line with what many other international carriers have done for years, generating a new revenue stream for the government-owned airline.

The new fees range from $15 for short-haul flights from Dubai to $40 for long-haul destinations such as the U.S., Canada and Australia.

Picking seats will still be free for passengers checking in online two days before departure.

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