The best airline in the world just added a new fee its customers will hate
REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach
The world's largest international airline announced that it will "institute a minimal charge" for certain economy class passengers who wish to select their seats in advance of their flight.
Passengers should expect to pay $15 per person for short flights and $40 per person for long-haul flights, AP reported.
The new policy, which will come into effect on October 3, applies only for customers traveling in economy on discounted Special or Saver fares.
In a statement to Business Insider, an Emirates spokesperson wrote:
"Emirates can confirm the introduction of a minimal charge for those looking to select their Economy Class seat 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. This charge is also not applicable once online check-in opens, which is 48hrs before flight departure. At this stage, seat selection is free."
Seat selection fees are nothing new in commercial aviation. However, these fees are usually associated with more value-oriented airlines. As a result, this announcement is a departure from Emirates' traditional place as a high-end carrier.
Emirates, who was named the best airline in the world by aviation consumer website Skytrax in July, reported $1.93 billion in profits for the last fiscal year. The airline currently operates the world's largest long-haul international fleet with roughly 250 aircraft - consisting mostly of Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 jets.
- I'm an interior designer. Here are 10 things in your living room you should get rid of.
- A software engineer shares the résumé he's used since college that got him a $500,000 job at Meta — plus offers at TikTok and LinkedIn
- Higher-paid employees looking for work are having a tough time, and it could be a sign of a shift in the workplace
- 500 times faster than 5g! Japanese companies unveil 6g internet that can stream 5 HD movies at once
- Top tourist places to visit in Ooty in 2024
- Renewable energy accounted for 71 per cent of India's new power generation in FY 24
- ICC issues annual team rankings: India lead both white-ball formats while Aussies take top spot in Tests
- Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z launched at ₹1.85 lakh, becomes cheapest 400cc bike in the country
- Nothing Phone (2a) blue edition launched
- JNK India IPO allotment date
- JioCinema New Plans
- Realme Narzo 70 Launched
- Apple Let Loose event
- Elon Musk Apology
- RIL cash flows
- Charlie Munger
- Feedbank IPO allotment
- Tata IPO allotment
- Most generous retirement plans
- Broadcom lays off
- Cibil Score vs Cibil Report
- Birla and Bajaj in top Richest
- Nestle Sept 2023 report
- India Equity Market