EK Charging for seat selection from October !!
 

I suppose it had to happen sooner or later


Emirates introduces seat selection fees from October 3 - Emirates 24|7

Only in economy as I understand it. That's not so uncommon these days. The problem for me is when airlines do this in the premium cabins as British Airways do.

Well it's a bit sad as EK seemed to be holding it's position above the lowest common denominator that seemed to rule just about everybody else. Seat selection was one of the nice differentiators from the likes of BA or KLM.

And a 'small' charge of what £20 to £30 per *sector*? That means somebody travelling from Europe to SE Asia or Australia potentially gets hit for the charge 4 times - which means £80 to £120. That isn't quite so small.

EK have assiduously built their market share with low prices for many years. They have got pax used to travelling with them and using their FFM scheme, they are not part of a main stream group (One World etc.) so they have controlled their own partners and deals. They have spent millions on advertising and sponsorship to make them selves a world known name.

Now it's time recoup some cash. This is business SOP.

Unless ETD and QTR capitalise on it as part of their sales pitch?

True HT but I think that in terms or market share and name, they have some catching up to do.

If you are a Flying Blue Member with KLM you don't have to pay for seat selection(I must admit I am Silver at the moment..).