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Free no more: Emirates to charge for advance seat selection
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In this May 8, 2014 file photo, Emirates passenger planes are in use at Dubai airport in United Arab Emirates. (AP/Kamran Jebreili)
T
he 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.
(Read also: List of world's best airlines for 2016 revealed)
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.
