Special business class seat selection question
 

New forum member here with some basic questions. I did read through the last 10 or so pages but didn't find any answers.

I'm thinking of booking a round trip flight next February for my wife and I from New York or Houston to MLE, with a stop over in DXB. We would typically fly Premium Economy, however I was considering business class for the long leg to and from DXB on one of the 380's just for the added comfort. I see that Emirates offers 4 types of business class for this flight (Special, Saver, Flex, and Flex plus). The lower cost of the Special business ticket doesn't include chauffer service or lounge access, which is fine with us, so it looks like a good choice. One concern we have though is that it seems the Special business tickets also do not include the opportunity to select seats until check in, so you are stuck with what ever is left over at that time. The seats are in a 1-2-1 configuration and naturally we would prefer to sit in the side by side seats in the center, rather than individual window seats. I know we could book Saver business tickets and choose our seats, however I can't justify the additional $6K expense just for the privilege of seat selection. Is there any better options??

Also, I was considering booking a Premium economy ticket for this leg and then upgrading to business class with points. If I were to do that would we still just be getting a Special business class ticket with no seat selection until check in time?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Lenny970, welcome to FlyerTalk and the Emirates forum!

I think you have the ‘problem’ with the ‘special’ Business class fare bucket pretty well described and as far as I am aware there is no way around that, you simply cannot select your seats or even pay for seat selection.

When you buy PE and upgrade with points (miles), you will get a ‘D” fare bucket, which will give you free seat selection. Be aware though that this is subject to award availability, which is not guaranteed!

OTOH - and maybe this is not true on that route - I find that the 1 seats usually get snapped up first so if you do actually want the 2 center seats you might not be out of luck.

and always a possibility to try and ask for a swap on board - a solo traveller will usually always want to get out of center. Especially for an A/K seat.

It's actually 2-3-2 configuration. 1-2-1 is only in First (Unless it is the game changer which is 1-1-1). Moreover, if you upgrade in points you would be able to select seats immediately. Just make sure that the business miles tickets are available.

On the A380, J is 1-2-1. And if we are talking PE it must be an A380 the OP is referring to. Unless I’m missing something.

Ah yes. Totally forgot about that.

Thanks for the clarification thijsseh. Sounds like the PE>bus path might be the better way for us to go. I think I've seen discussion about how to gauge upgrade availability on a flight, so I'll look into that before booking.


Yes, good point. I was also thinking that might be the case.

Thanks for the replies.