Assigning seats without joining skyward?
 

I am flying with my girlfriend on Emirates from JFK-Dubai-Delhi sector on 12 Nov. I called emirates to request 2 seats together. They said I need to be a skyward member to get seats alloted. I want to put this trip on United mileage program and not on skyward. Can I join skyward, get seats alloted, and then change to united frequent flyer at the JFK counter? Has anyone done this? Also, does the exit row seats are assigned at airport only or can I be done now? Thanks for any help.

You can join Skywards, and then allocate your seats by phoning EK Customer Services. You don't have to put your Skywards number on the booking.

You cannot book exit row seats in advance. They have to check at the airport that you are physically capable.

Cheers,
Rick

Are you certain?
 

Are you certain of this? I clearly asked the CSR on the phone that I can join Skywards but need the miles in UA. She said that it has to be all on Skywards.

You can try to book the bulkhead seats if you want to be more comfortable. I did it for my friend on her JFK-DXB flight :D

Join Skywards. Put that on your res, and when you check in change that to your other program. I did this with my CO account this summer. I did not loose any seat assignments.