Last Updated: June 2026

Quick Answer: Can You Choose Your Seat on Ethiopian Airlines?

Yes. Ethiopian Airlines lets you choose your seat during booking, through Manage Booking, on the mobile app, or during online check-in. Standard Economy and Cloud Nine Business seats are generally free, while preferred and extra-legroom seats may require an additional fee.

Ethiopian Airlines Seat Selection at a Glance (2026)

Feature	Details
Standard Economy seat	Free
Cloud Nine Business seat	Free
Preferred seat	Paid
Extra legroom / Exit row	Paid
Seat selection available	During booking, Manage Booking & online check-in
Automatic seat assignment	Yes, if no seat is selected

Is Ethiopian Airlines Seat Selection Free?

Yes, for standard seats. Economy passengers can usually select a standard seat at no extra cost, while Cloud Nine Business Class passengers also receive complimentary seat selection.

Preferred seats, front-row seats, bulkhead seats, and emergency exit seats with extra legroom are available for an additional charge.

In simple terms:

• Standard seats → Free
• Preferred and extra-legroom seats → Paid

What Seat Types Does Ethiopian Airlines Offer?

Ethiopian Airlines offers several seating options depending on the aircraft and route.

Seat Type	Cost	Best For
Standard Economy	Free	Most travelers
Cloud Nine Business	Free	Business Class passengers
Preferred Seat	Paid	Faster exit after landing
Bulkhead Seat	Paid	More space at the front
Exit Row Seat	Paid	Extra legroom

Preferred seats are usually located near the front of the Economy cabin, while exit-row seats provide additional legroom for eligible passengers.

How Much Does Ethiopian Airlines Charge for Seat Selection?

There isn’t one fixed price. Seat selection fees vary depending on your route, aircraft, seat location, and travel demand.

You can view the exact price when you:

• Book your ticket
• Open Manage Booking
• Check in online

If your flight is operated by a partner airline, that airline’s own seating policy will apply.

How Do You Select a Seat After Booking?

You can choose or change your seat in several ways before departure.

• During the original booking
• Through Manage Booking on the Ethiopian Airlines website
• Using the Ethiopian Airlines mobile app
• During online check-in (subject to availability)

If you prefer, you can also contact Ethiopian Airlines or visit one of its ticket offices for assistance.

Can You Choose a Window or Aisle Seat?

Yes. If seats are available, you can choose a window, aisle, or middle seat when selecting your seat online.

Window and aisle seats are usually the first to be reserved, especially on long-haul international flights. Booking early gives you the best choice.

Can You Change Your Seat Later?

Yes, in some cases. Free seat selections can usually be changed before check-in if another seat is available.

Paid seat selections generally cannot be changed after confirmation unless Ethiopian Airlines changes your flight or aircraft.

If the airline changes your assigned seat for operational reasons, it will normally try to provide a similar seat. If that isn’t possible, you may be eligible for a refund of the seat selection fee.

Can You Upgrade Your Seat on Ethiopian Airlines?

Yes. Eligible passengers may be able to upgrade to Cloud Nine Business Class, subject to availability.

Cabin upgrades are separate from seat selection and may involve additional charges or the use of eligible loyalty benefits. Check the available upgrade options during booking or through Manage Booking before departure.

Which Seats Offer Extra Legroom?

Exit-row and bulkhead seats provide the most legroom.

These seats are available for an additional fee and are subject to safety requirements.

Passengers who generally cannot occupy emergency exit seats include:

• Children
• Passengers travelling with infants
• Travelers requiring special assistance
• Pregnant passengers
• Anyone unable to assist during an emergency

If extra legroom is important, reserve these seats as early as possible because availability is limited.

Does Ethiopian Airlines Seat Families Together?

Ethiopian Airlines tries to seat families together whenever possible, but adjacent seats cannot be guaranteed unless you reserve them in advance.

Families travelling with children should select seats during booking rather than waiting for automatic seat assignment.

What Happens If You Don’t Choose a Seat?

If you skip seat selection, Ethiopian Airlines will assign you a seat automatically during check-in at no extra cost. While this saves money, you may not get your preferred window or aisle seat, and groups or families may not be seated together.

If sitting with your travel companions is important, it is best to reserve your seats in advance.

Do ShebaMiles Members Get Seat Selection Benefits?

Yes. ShebaMiles members may receive additional seat selection benefits depending on their membership tier.

Higher-tier members may be eligible for complimentary preferred seats or may use their miles to reserve eligible seats on selected routes. Benefits vary by membership level and route, so check your account before purchasing a seat.

Are Seat Selection Fees Refundable?

Generally, no. Paid seat selection fees are usually non-refundable unless Ethiopian Airlines changes your flight, aircraft, or seat for operational or safety reasons and cannot provide a similar alternative.

If your plans change voluntarily, seat selection charges are normally not refunded.

Common Seat Selection Scenarios

Example 1: Traveling solo
If you’re traveling alone and prefer a window seat, you can choose a free standard seat during booking. This lets you pick your preferred spot without paying anything extra.

Example 2: Traveling with family
If you’re flying with children, it’s a good idea to reserve your seats when booking. This gives you the best chance of sitting together instead of relying on automatic seat assignment.

Example 3: Need extra legroom
If you’re tall or simply want more space on a long flight, you can reserve an exit-row seat in advance. While it usually costs extra, many travelers find the added comfort worth it.

Example 4: Flying in Cloud Nine Business Class
If you’re traveling in Cloud Nine Business Class, you can choose your seat during booking at no additional cost. This allows you to pick the seat you prefer before your journey begins.

Tips for Choosing the Best Seat

• Book early for the widest choice of seats.
• Reserve exit-row or preferred seats early since they sell out quickly.
• If you’re travelling with family, choose seats together during booking.
• Check your ShebaMiles benefits before paying for a preferred seat.
• Use Manage Booking to review available seats before check-in.

For baggage information, see our Ethiopian Airlines baggage fees guide.

Travelling with cabin baggage only? Read our Ethiopian Airlines carry-on rules guide.

You can also compare seating policies in our Airline Seat Selection Guide and Best Airline Seat Selection Comparison.

What to Remember Before You Choose Your Seat

• Standard Economy and Cloud Nine Business seats are generally free.
• Preferred, bulkhead, and exit-row seats usually require an additional fee.
• Seat selection is available during booking, through Manage Booking, and during online check-in.
• Window and aisle seats are available while supplies last.
• Families should reserve seats early if they want to sit together.
• ShebaMiles members may receive additional seating benefits.
• If you skip seat selection, Ethiopian Airlines will assign a seat automatically.
• Always confirm seat availability and fees before departure, as they may vary by route and aircraft.

FAQ: Ethiopian Airlines Seat Selection

Flytripinfo.com provides independent travel guidance and is not affiliated with Ethiopian Airlines.

Disclaimer: All information on Flytripinfo.com is provided for general travel guidance only. Airline baggage policies, excess baggage charges, and allowance rules may change without prior notice. Always verify your baggage allowance, carry-on limits, and applicable fees directly with Ethiopian Airlines before your departure.