How to Avoid Paying for Seat Selection – Etihad Airways & Lufthansa

Airlines today often charge extra for seat selection, even in economy class, which can add up quickly—especially for long-haul flights. The good news? If you plan smartly, you can still secure a good seat without paying those extra fees. Here’s how you can do it with Etihad Airways and Lufthansa while enjoying a comfortable journey and keeping your travel budget intact.

1. Skip Seat Selection During Booking

When booking your flight with Etihad Airways or Lufthansa, you’ll usually be prompted to pick your seat for an extra fee. If you’re not picky about where you sit, simply skip this step. Both airlines will automatically assign you a seat for free during check-in.

2. Check-In Online as Early as Possible

For both airlines, seat selection becomes free at check-in, which usually opens 24 hours before departure for Lufthansa Airlines and 30 hours before departure for Etihad Airways. The earlier you check in, the more seat choices you’ll have—sometimes even aisle or window seats.

3. Join the Airline’s Loyalty Program

Etihad Guest (Etihad Airways) and Miles & More (Lufthansa) members often get free seat selection as part of their perks, depending on their tier status.

Even basic membership can sometimes give you access to preferred seats when checking in online.

4. Travel with Light Expectations

If you’re traveling solo and don’t mind where you sit, you can let the airline assign a random seat for free. On less crowded flights, you may even end up with extra space around you.

5. Politely Request at the Airport

Check with the airline staff at the check-in counter or boarding gate. Sometimes, if there are unsold preferred seats, they might assign them to you free of charge—especially for families, elderly passengers, or those on longer flights.

Bonus Tip – Book with a Trusted Travel Agency

When you book through Affluence Travels, our travel experts can guide you on the best way to get a good seat without paying extra fees. We know the tricks, timings, and airline policies to make your journey smoother—and cheaper.

Affluence Travels offers premium travel experience with exclusive fares on the top airlines, best accommodation options, and personalized itineraries for your exceptional journeys.