I’ve flown Emirates quite a few time but now noticed that they charge to select economy seats. Quite a hefty fee too when you have 3 legs each way to Oz. Does the fee still apply if you select a seat when you check in online? Also, I have some skywards miles that expire whilst I’m away, but I’ll build up quite a few more on my outward journey. How do I work out how many and if they would put me in silver ( then I could select my seat free on the return journey?