You can now buy empty adjoining Economy seats on Emirates flights from $55

The airline has also introduced discounts on excess baggage rates

Passengers wanting more privacy and space in Economy can now buy empty adjoining seats on Emirates flights. Courtesy Emirates

Gone will be the days when flying in Economy class is a chore, if Emirates has anything to do with it.

The Dubai airline is offering more personal space and privacy onboard, as it introduces a new service that allows customers to buy up to three empty adjoining seats on their flight.

These seats will be offered to all Economy passengers holding a confirmed booking.

While travellers will not be able to pre-book empty seats, as they are subject to availability, they are able to buy them at the airport check-in counter prior to departure. Costs range from Dh200 ($55) to Dh600 per seat, excluding taxes.

The airline has introduced this new service in response to customer feedback, as more travellers seek extra privacy and space onboard, particularly during the pandemic. This also includes couples who want an entire row to themselves and parents travelling with infants who must sit on their lap.

Other seat options available via Emirates include those with extra legroom; the twin seats at the back of a Boeing 777 or on the upper deck of the two-class Airbus A380; and seats in the first section of the cabin or on the upper deck of the A380.

These are offered for free or at a charge, depending on a passenger's Emirates Skywards membership tier, fare type, time to departure and any other special needs.

Discounts on excess baggage

Along with the new seating options, Emirates has also introduced discounts on excess baggage rates.

These range from 35 per cent up to 60 per cent off normal rates and must be pre-booked and prepaid for up to four hours prior to departure.

Your standard baggage allowance depends on your route, class of travel, fare type and membership tier.

Emirates also recently made its self check-in touchless. Courtesy Emirates

You can also save money by buying extra baggage allowance online or at an Emirates retail or contact centre for less than you would pay at the airport.

To do it online, you need to log in to manage your booking using your reference number. You can check the fees and pay by credit card for up to four hours before your flight in the same currency you used to buy your ticket.

You can buy this added allowance for adults and children, but not infants.