Qatar economy seat selection

[Fifeflyer]

Quick question about Qatar Airways economy seat selection. I’ve booked a family trip to Singapore in July using Avios (4 passengers). I can see that I have the option to pay now for preferred seat selection, but I’m wondering — once online check-in opens (24 hours before departure), can I change our allocated seats for free at that point? Has anyone done this before?

[redlilly]

Yes you can change seats for free when check in opens. Assuming you’re flying on a classic rather than comfort ticket?

You don’t say where you’re flying from – but experience suggests that the front economy cabin gets very full up with status passangers or those paying for the seats on all flights from LHR to Doha. So I wouldn’t bank on those becoming free closer to the check in time, but you might get lucky.

[Fifeflyer]

Thanks for the quick reply. As this was an Avios booking direct with Qatar, how do I find out my economy status? e.g is it comfort or classic

I’m starting my journey from Edinburgh.

[redlilly]

You’ll have to look at the email confirmations or log in to the app to check the ticket code.

The experience I have had of booking flights with avios suggests you can book seats for free before check in (but not the preferential seats i.e. the exit rows and the majority of those in the front cabin). Perhaps give it a try and see.

[Fifeflyer]

I seem to be booked in economy (x) class, which is an award ticket category, but I have no idea if that equates to classic or comfort etc. Does anyone know?

I have tried to pre book seats, but they all require a fee, so I guess (x) tickets don’t allow free seat selection, so I will just take my chances when check-in opens.

[NorthernLass]

Do you have One World status? If sapphire or emerald (or equivalent), you can select seats free from the time of booking, but sometimes you need to contact QR to get the correct FF number added.

[Fifeflyer]

Thanks for the suggestion, but sadly i no longer have any status.

[aseftel]

Be aware that online check in doesn’t open at t-24. On paper it’s t-48, but in my experience it’s a few hours earlier than that. Some seats will still be chargeable (e.g. upstairs on A380) but these can be allocated free of charge at airport check-in (I don’t know whether this is policy or asking nicely).

[NorthernLass]

Also, even in economy you can choose your meal from around T-7. Keep an eye on MMB for it becoming available.