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

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


Katy Gillett
  • English
  • Arabic

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
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.

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

MATCH INFO

Chelsea 1 (Hudson-Odoi 90 1')

Manchester City 3 (Gundogan 18', Foden 21', De Bruyne 34')

Man of the match: Ilkay Gundogan (Man City)

Brief scores:

Toss: India, opted to field

Australia 158-4 (17 ov)

Maxwell 46, Lynn 37; Kuldeep 2-24

India 169-7 (17 ov)

Dhawan 76, Karthik 30; Zampa 2-22

Result: Australia won by 4 runs by D/L method

UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

The%C2%A0specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-cylinder%202-litre%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E9-speed%20automatic%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E252%20brake%20horsepower%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E352Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efrom%20Dh146%2C700%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Primera Liga fixtures (all times UAE: 4 GMT)

Friday
Real Sociedad v Villarreal (10.15pm)
Real Betis v Celta Vigo (midnight)
Saturday
Alaves v Barcelona (8.15pm)
Levante v Deportivo La Coruna (10.15pm)
Girona v Malaga (10.15pm)
Las Palmas v Atletico Madrid (12.15am)
Sunday
Espanyol v Leganes (8.15pm)
Eibar v Athletic Bilbao (8.15pm)
Getafe v Sevilla (10.15pm)
Real Madrid v Valencia (10.15pm)

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Abu Dhabi GP schedule

Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm

Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm

Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm

Bio:

Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour

Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people 

Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite food: Fish and vegetables

Favourite place to visit: London

The National Archives, Abu Dhabi

Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.

Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en

UAE’s revised Cricket World Cup League Two schedule

August, 2021: Host - United States; Teams - UAE, United States and Scotland

Between September and November, 2021 (dates TBC): Host - Namibia; Teams - Namibia, Oman, UAE

December, 2021: Host - UAE; Teams - UAE, Namibia, Oman

February, 2022: Hosts - Nepal; Teams - UAE, Nepal, PNG

June, 2022: Hosts - Scotland; Teams - UAE, United States, Scotland

September, 2022: Hosts - PNG; Teams - UAE, PNG, Nepal

February, 2023: Hosts - UAE; Teams - UAE, PNG, Nepal

FULL%20FIGHT%20CARD
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Apple%20Mac%20through%20the%20years
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Company%20Profile
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Marvel's%20Spider-Man%202
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Assassin's%20Creed%20Mirage
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Starfield
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While you're here
How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Meydan race card

6.30pm: Maiden Dh 165,000 1,600m
7.05pm: Handicap Dh 185,000 2,000m
7.40pm: Maiden Dh 165,000 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap Dh 190,000 1,400m
8.50pm: Handicap Dh 175,000 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap Dh 175,000 1,200m
10pm: Handicap Dh 165,000 1,600m