Are you a person who likes everything personalized and up to your taste? If that’s so, you won’t even be satisfied with the seats the airlines choose for you when traveling by plane. If the question pops up in your mind, “Can I select my seats on Qatar Airways?” the answer is yes. You can take a sigh of relief after reading this complete guide, as there is more to this feature. This guide will reveal all the essential things you need to know and how to benefit from them. Let’s start exploring airplane seats!
Qatar Airways Seating Options
Are you wondering, from the various seats on a Qatar Airways flight, how to know which flight you should opt for? Don’t worry. Here is a breakdown of the seating options you will get from Qatar Airways. Go through them and choose what suits your travel needs.

- Standard Seating Option
You can select a standard seat, including window, aisle, and middle seats, for free with any fare class. If you are traveling with an “Economy Classic,” you may have to pay for it. Those who are traveling in groups, family members, or children can request seat assignments at no extra cost.
- Preferred Seating Options
If you are traveling with a Business Comfort or Business Elite fare, you are eligible to choose a Preferred seat for free. This seat is also available to Business Classic and Business Lite passengers, but extra charges apply. You will find them at the front row in an Economy flight and on the upper deck of select Airbus A380 aircraft, but their location may vary with different aircraft types. You can also choose Extra Legroom and Comfort+ seats when looking for a preferred seat.
- Extra Legroom Seating Option
The seats with greater legroom space are located in the exit rows and bulk seats at all aircraft. Some Airbus A380 aircraft have them on the upper deck. You can choose them through the Manage Your Booking option at the airline’s official website. If you are traveling with children, especially infants, make sure to request a bassinet seat by contacting the Qatar Airways office.
- Reserved Seating Option
Qatar Airways offers this incredible feature that allows you to reserve your adjacent seat in case you need some extra comfort on your flight journey. This seat is available for purchase through the airport check-in desk or via the Hamad International Airport Transit Information desk. However, you can’t have it so easily. There are certain rules that you should keep in mind when applying for this seat. You will soon learn them in the sections that follow.
Qatar Airways Seat Selection Rules
When selecting a seat on your Qatar Airways flight, there are some rules and regulations that you should keep in mind.
- You cannot claim a refund or transfer the seat to another passenger after purchasing it.
- You can only switch your seat to another seat with a similar seat. For example, you will get Qatar Airways economy seats with an economy seat and not a business class one.
- You can only change your seat on the same flight or route.
- You will get a refund for your selected seat only if it is involuntarily changed by the airline for security or operational reasons.
- You may still not get a refund if
- The airlines change your seat by upgrading you to a higher cabin.
- If you select a lower-valued seat from a higher-valued one.
- When adding Qatar Airways Privilege Club or Oneworld membership information during Qatar Airways seat booking.
- If you voluntarily change your flight, choose a different route or change your airline.
- The new seat has almost the same features as your previous one.
- Passengers traveling with infant/s are eligible to choose their desired flight for free.
- You can only get an emergency exit seat if
- You are 18 years and above.
- You can read the cabin safety card and follow the cabin crew’s instructions during an emergency evacuation.
- You are physically healthy and don’t have any medical condition, pregnancy situation, or any other impairment or mental health issues.
- You are not accompanying any infants or pets.
- Keep in mind that you may be reassigned a normal seat before or during your flight journey in case you are found unfit for this seat.
- You are eligible for the Economy reserved seat in the following cases
- You don’t hold a standby or unconfirmed flight ticket.
- You are not allowed to use these reserved seats to put your cabin luggage.
- These seats are not provided to be used by your pets.
- You cannot access these seats if they are located in Emergency rows, extra legroom seats, or bulkhead seats.
- There are specific refund conditions for the Economy reserve seats. Please read the complete terms and conditions related to these seats on the airline’s official website.
How to Select Seats on Qatar Airways

Once you have chosen the type of seat you desire on your Qatar Airways flight, you can proceed with any of the following methods based on where you are on your flight journey for your seat selection process.
- While Booking Your Flight
When you book your flight through the Qatar Airways website or mobile application, you will find the option to select a seat before completing your flight purchase. Proceed with that option. The website will display you with a seat map and the options available. You can select your desired seat. You may find some free options, while others may require you to pay an additional fee. Pay any charges if applicable and confirm your selection.
- After Booking Your Flight
Have you already booked your flight? No worries!
- You can still select your seats by visiting the Qatar Airways official website and clicking on their Manage Booking page. You have to enter your booking reference number (PNR) and last name to access your reservation to make changes.
- They also have a mobile application that lets you manage your bookings.
- Alternatively, you can contact the airline’s customer service. You can access their contact information through the “Help” section on their website.
- During Online Check-In
Still, chasing over your preferred flight while your departure is a few days to go? You still have time to select your seat via online check-in. The portal for online check-in is open 48 hours before international flight departure and 24 hours before domestic flight departure. When checking in through the airline’s website or mobile app, you will find the option to select your flight. At this stage, you can find some free seats and premium options if available.
- At The Airport Check-In Counter
If you just realized after reaching the airport that you didn’t make your Qatar seat selection, you can still make it! It is rare to find any available seats of your choice because, by now, all the seats might be booked. However, you can still try and request the airline’s representatives for a different seat assignment. In special situations, like mobility issues, carrying an infant, or traveling with a family, the airlines may consider your request.
If you don’t make any seat selection, even at this point, you have to proceed with the seat allotted to you by the airline.
Qatar Airways Seat Selection Fee
Do you know there is a cost to make your seat selection on your flight? Here’s a breakdown of the amount you have to pay to select certain seats on your Qatar Airways flight.
Cabin Class Type | Type of Seat | Price Range per seat |
Economy(Convenience/Classic/Lite) | Comfort Plus | $83-$250 |
Extra Legroom | $39-170 | |
Preferred Seat | $17-143 | |
Economy Lite | Standard Seat | $9-$48 |
Economy | Economy Reserve (adjacent seat) | $55-$165 |
Business Classic | Preferred Business Seat | $28-$143 |
Business Lite | $33-143 |
Conclusion
You have learned almost everything about the Qatar Airways seat selection feature. You are well aware of the different flight seats available, the various methods to select your desired plane seat, their prices, and the rules when making a selection. All you are left to do is to make your choice. Make sure to choose a seat that suits your travel preferences well. If there is something you are unsure of and want to learn more about, you can get more details by contacting Qatar Airways customer support.
Common Questions
Preferred seats located in the exit rows, bulkhead seats, and those at the front offer the greatest comfort when traveling in the Economy cabin with Qatar Airways.
If you are traveling on a Business Comfort or Business Elite fare, the airlines offer you a preferred seat for free. Other Business class passengers have to pay a certain charge to choose these seats.
You can select your preferred seat on Qatar Airways online during the flight booking process or through the Manage Bookings option. You can also select your flight seat during airport check-in, too.
The preferred seats in Qatar Airways are located at the front section of Economy class in all aircraft and on the upper deck of some select aircraft of Airbus A380 aircraft.