Making it to the destination on a seat of choice is a luxury not everybody can afford. Because free Etihad seat selection is either not allowed or comes under conditions. Complimentary seats are given to frequent flyers. GuestSeats are award seats limited to those who may have achieved Gold or Platinum tiers. The option left for most of the passengers is to buy a seat or wait for the airline to allocate one. Here are some of the ways free seats may be selected.
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Wait for the check-in to open - Within 4 hours of the departure you may be able to select seats still available.
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A flight booking with Comfort and Deluxe fare types get free seats. - Business & Economy passengers with these fare types may select seats.
Seats may be chosen or changed when the check-in opens 24 hours before departure. In this HolidayGlobes blog, we will offer further details on how seats are offered.
How much does Seat Selection Cost on Etihad?
Prices of a seat may not be the same on every route. It generally ranges from $10 to over $180 per person, per flight. On itineraries with more than one leg, you will pay Etihad seat selection fee for each leg separately. The exact fee will be disclosed only at the time of choosing. The seat map will show the price tag to each seat. Preferred seats on Etihad flight will cost you higher. A few changes were brought into effect in 2023. Here are a few things to know.
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Zonal distribution of standard seats - Standard seats have been demarcated in rear, forward and middle zones.
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Rebranding of preferred seats - Economy Space, Economy Exit Row and Economy Space Bulkhead are now designated Extra Legroom, Exit Row and Bulkhead seats.
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Seats in the forward zone may cost you more - Forward zones are located close to the passenger door and are quieter.
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Book empty seats next to you - A neighbor-free seat may be booked. Up to 3 seats can be kept empty.
Within 4 hours of departure, you may be able to select the remaining seats without paying any charge. For details or assistance, you can visit or contact Etihad.
What if I do not Select a Seat on Etihad?
Seat selection in Etihad Airways may be within your control in most situations. The choice should, ideally, be made at least up to 4 hours before departure. You will get a seat of your choice if you have paid for it. Or, if you are eligible for it. In case, you do not select a seat, Etihad’s system may automatically assign you a seat. But seats assigned to you by Etihad’s system will be standard seats. Unfortunately, you may get a seat in the rear zone. Here are a few scenarios when you may not get a seat of your choice.
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Getting a seat beside a total stranger - Random seat assignment usually doesn’t ensure you are seated with companions.
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Preferred seats slip away - You will not get Extra legroom, Bulkhead and Exit Row.
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If the aircraft operated has changed - In rare circumstances, the same aircraft may not be operated.
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When you have changed the ticket - Rescheduling or rebooking doesn’t guarantee you the seat you chose.
What are the Charges of Seat Selection or Upgrade on Etihad?
You will have to find out the charges for Etihad seat upgrade at the airport. Or, else you may bid for an upgrade. Upgrades are possible from Business to First and from Economy to Business. Upgrades are not allowed for a few passengers. Passengers with a free ticket or multi-flyer ticket will not qualify. To know whether you are eligible for an upgrade, you may find the booking summary on Manage Booking. Here are some things to know about how Etihad upgrade to business class will cost.
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Upgrade cost may not be same on every flight - The cost depends on the amount passengers are ready to bid.
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Complimentary upgrades - You will get them on Etihad flights to or from Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Qassim, Dammam, Cairo, Tel Aviv, Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha, Muscat, Amman, Beirut.
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Upgrade with your miles - Reward upgrades may be possible.
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Number of complimentary upgrades you can get - Passengers in Platinum tier are eligible for 2 complimentary upgrades. Passengers in Silver, Bronze and Gold are not eligible for complimentary upgrades.
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Return flights will require 2 complimentary upgrades - On routes you are eligible for complimentary upgrade, you will need 2 complimentary upgrades on round-trips.
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Upgrades at the airport - You will have to pay with a credit card of Etihad Guest miles.
Seats may be booked in Economy or Business by frequent flyers up to 48 hours before departure even if the flight is sold out. The options may depend on the tier. For details or assistance, you may visit or contact HolidayGlobes.