Can I Select My Seat On A Qatar Airways Flight? +1-855-742-0149

Can I Select My Seat On A Qatar Airways Flight?

Mitchell Starc

Aug 29, 2025 - 11:17

Flying with Qatar Airways offers a luxurious experience, but many passengers wonder: Can I select my seat on a Qatar Airways flight? The short answer is yes, but the process and fees may vary depending on your ticket class, frequent flyer status, and the type of seat you want to choose.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about selecting your seat on Qatar Airways—from when and how you can choose your seat, to the fees involved, and tips to get the best spot on the plane.

Can I Select My Seat On A Qatar Airways Flight Before Departure?

Yes, Qatar Airways allows passengers to select their seats in advance. You can choose your seat during the booking process, after booking through “Manage Booking” on the Qatar Airways website or app, or during online check-in (which opens 48 hours before departure for most flights).

However, the seat selection policy depends on your fare type and cabin class:

1. Economy Class

Qatar Airways offers different fare categories within Economy Class—Lite, Classic, Convenience, and Comfort. Here’s what to expect for each:

Lite Fare: No free seat selection. You can choose a seat during check-in (48 hours before departure) or pay extra for advance seat selection.
Classic Fare: Seat selection is usually chargeable before check-in.
Convenience & Comfort Fares: Free standard seat selection is generally included.

2. Business and First Class

Passengers traveling in Business or First Class generally enjoy complimentary seat selection, including access to premium seats like aisle or window options.

How to Select Your Seat on Qatar Airways

Wondering how to go about the process? Here are the steps to select your seat on a Qatar Airways flight:

Option 1: During Booking

When booking your ticket on the Qatar Airways website or app, you’ll be given the option to choose your seat as part of the process.
Seat maps will be displayed, showing available and occupied seats.

Option 2: After Booking (Manage Booking)

Visit the Qatar Airways website.
Go to “Manage Booking” and enter your booking reference and last name.
From there, you can select or change your seat (if eligible under your fare type or by paying a fee).

Option 3: Online Check-in

Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure.
If you haven’t chosen a seat already, you can select a seat during this time for free (depending on availability and fare rules).

Are There Fees for Seat Selection?

Whether you pay for seat selection on Qatar Airways depends on your fare class and desired seat type:

Economy Class Fees (Estimated)

Standard Seat: May cost between $10–$30 USD per flight segment if not included in your fare.
Preferred Seat (closer to front): Typically ranges from $20–$50 USD.
Extra Legroom Seat (e.g., exit rows): Can cost up to $100 USD or more depending on route and availability.

Note: Prices vary based on your route, time of booking, and seat type. Always check the most up-to-date information on Qatar Airways’ website.

Free Seat Selection Eligibility:

Elite members of Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club or Oneworld alliance frequent flyer programs may be eligible for free seat selection.
Some promotional fares or offers may also include free seats.

Can I Change My Seat After Selection?

Yes, you can change your seat after selection—subject to availability. If you originally selected a free seat, you can usually change to another free seat. However, switching to a paid seat or upgrading to a preferred or extra legroom seat will incur a fee.

You can change your seat by:

Logging into the Manage Booking section.
Using the Qatar Airways mobile app.
During online check-in or at the airport (availability limited).

Tips to Choose the Best Seat on Qatar Airways

If you’re particular about where you sit (and let’s face it—most travelers are), here are some insider tips to help you pick the best seat:

Use SeatGuru or SeatMaestro: These websites provide detailed seating charts for Qatar Airways aircraft and include passenger reviews of specific seats.
Book Early: The earlier you book, the better your chance of snagging a desirable seat.
Check for Seat Upgrades: Sometimes Qatar Airways offers upgraded seats (like extra legroom) at a discount during online check-in.
Avoid Back Rows: These are often close to bathrooms and may have limited recline.
Traveling as a Couple or Group? Select your seats early to sit together, especially if you booked different tickets.

What Happens If I Don’t Select a Seat?

If you don’t choose a seat in advance, Qatar Airways will automatically assign you a seat during check-in—usually a standard economy seat.

While this is fine for many travelers, it may not be ideal if you:

Want to sit with family or friends.
Prefer an aisle/window seat.
Want to avoid middle seats.

So, if seat preference matters to you, it’s worth selecting in advance—either by paying a fee or choosing during check-in if your fare allows.

Can I Select My Seat on a Qatar Airways Codeshare or Partner Flight?

If your flight is operated by a partner airline (e.g., British Airways, American Airlines, etc.), seat selection policies may differ. It’s best to:

Check your booking confirmation to see which airline operates the flight.
Visit the operating airline’s website to manage seat selection.

Qatar Airways typically can’t guarantee specific seat choices on flights operated by partners.

Summary: Can I Select My Seat On A Qatar Airways Flight?

To wrap it up, the answer to “Can I select my seat on a Qatar Airways flight?” is yes—but there are some conditions depending on your cabin class, fare type, and route.

Here’s a quick summary:

Yes, you can choose your seat at booking, after booking, or during check-in.
Economy Lite and Classic fares often require an additional fee for early seat selection.
Convenience, Comfort, Business, and First Class usually include free seat selection.
Frequent flyer members may be eligible for complimentary seats.
Extra legroom and preferred seats come with added costs, but can enhance comfort on long-haul flights.

Final Thoughts

If you value comfort, convenience, or just like having control over your travel experience, selecting your seat on a Qatar Airways flight is a smart move. While fees may apply depending on your fare, the peace of mind of knowing where you’ll sit is often worth the cost.