Once a perk, now you have to pay extra to many airlines if you wish to reserve your seats in advance. For airlines, it is another revenue stream. But for passengers seeking best deals, it is a downer.
Now, Dubai-based Emirates has confirmed that a fee will be applicable for select seats.
An Emirates spokesperson said in a statement:
"Emirates can confirm the introduction of a minimal charge for those looking to select their Economy Class seats in advance, for tickets issued on or after October 3, 2016. The charge is only applicable on Special and Saver fares in Economy Class and will vary depending on the duration of the flight. Children below the age of 2 and accompanying passengers on the same booking will be exempted from the fee."
However, if the seats are selected after online check-ins open, there won't be any extra charge.
The spokesman explained, "This charge is not applicable once online check-ins open, which is 48 hours before flight departures. At this stage, seat selection is free."
Here's a list of other airlines that charge for advance seat reservations.
| Airline | Charges for seat selection |
| British Airways | Economy prices Euro Traveller from £7, World Traveller from £20 Business class prices Club Europe from £20, Club World from £55 |
| Monarch Airlines | Seats on Monarch's scheduled flights can be pre-reserved in advance from £3.99 per seat. |
| Ryanair | - Priority with extra legroom seats from £15.00 - Rows 1, 2 (D,E,F) & 16-17 (incl. Priority Boarding) per flight. - Priority Seats from £13.00 - Rows 2 (A,B,C)-5 (Incl. Priority Boarding) per flight. - Standard Seats from £8.00 - Rows 6-15 and 18-33 per flight. |
| Southwest Airlines | Southwest doesn't assign seats on our flights, so sit in any available seat once you board the plane. |
| Qantas | Seat selection is complimentary for international Economy Saver and Flex fares. The charge for International Economy Sale Fares has changed from $25 to $15 on Trans-Tasman flights. For all other International flights it has changed from $25 to $30. |
| Air India | Air India has introduced paid seat selection on all flights. Detailed information can be found here. |
