Introduction
When you book a flight with China Airlines (CI), one of the most common questions is: Can I choose my seat? Understanding the China Airlines Seat Selection Policy is crucial to securing your preferred location—whether you're after extra legroom, sitting together with family or simply a window seat. In this blog we’ll walk you through how China Airlines seat selection works, when and how to reserve, what seats cost (if fees apply), and how you can best avoid being stuck with a less‑desirable seat. If you’re booking a flight and want help navigating the process, the team at Tours N Travel Pro is ready: call us at +1‑866‑679‑5070 for personalised support.
👉 Quick Overview: China Airlines Seat Selection
✈ Key Benefit: Choose your seat in advance to maximise comfort and avoid being randomly assigned.
✔ Free / Standard Options: For eligible fare levels (like Flex), you may select seats at no extra charge.
✔ Paid Options & Upgrades: If you purchased a Basic or Discount fare, expect a fee for China Airlines seat selection.
✔ Preferred Seats: Seats with extra legroom, favourable location or exit‑row may cost more.
✔ Important Timing & Conditions: Online seat selection is available from up to 360 days before departure and up to 50 hours before. Codeshare flights may have restrictions.
📲 Don’t wait! Secure your seat today by contacting Tours N Travel Pro at +1‑866‑679‑5070 for expert help.
Understanding the China Airlines Seat Selection Policy
What is China Airlines seat selection?
Seat selection refers to your ability to pick a specific seat on board a China Airlines flight—window, aisle, extra legroom—rather than being randomly assigned. The China Airlines Seat Selection Policy governs when you can pick seats, whether you pay, and what your rights are.
How does China Airlines handle seat selection?
Online seat selection is provided from 360 days to 50 hours prior to the flight schedule departure. Some seats are chargeable, and seats may be reassigned for operational or flight safety reasons.
Why does this matter to you?
When you understand the policy up front, you can make better decisions: Should you pay now? Or wait until check‑in? Will you be stuck in a mid‑seat? For travel agents like Tours N Travel Pro, this means we can flag potential fees and help you choose the best fare with seat flexibility built in.
Step‑by‑Step: How to Select Your Seat with China Airlines
When to select your seat
From 360 days before departure up until about 50 hours beforehand: online seat selection is open.
For flights within about 48 hours of departure, seat selection might shift to online check‑in rather than advanced seat assignment.
During booking: some fare types allow you to select immediately in the booking flow; others may require payment or wait.
How to pick a seat
Book your ticket (online or with an agent).
Visit “Manage Booking” → Seat selection. Have your booking number and last name ready.
View available seats on the seat map.
Select your desired seat: window/aisle, extra legroom, etc.
If required, pay the China Airlines seat selection fee.
Confirm and receive updated booking confirmation. Seat selection fee is generally non-refundable except for involuntary reasons.
At check‑in and last minute changes
If you didn’t pick a seat in advance, you can often select seats during online check‑in (48‑24 hours before). Free seats at this stage may be limited, so early selection is recommended.
China Airlines Seat Selection Fee: What You Need to Know
Which fares incur a cost?
The China Airlines Seat Selection Fee depends on the fare family you purchased:
Basic/Discount economy fares: seat selection likely at a fee.
Standard/Flex economy fares: may include free seat selection in certain zones.
Premium cabins (Business, Premium Economy): often free seat selection as part of the fare.
How much does it cost?
Standard seats (if fee applies): around US $15‑US $40 depending on route/fare.
Preferred seats (better location/legroom): around US $25‑US $60.
Extra comfort/exit row seats: potentially US $55‑US $160 (depending on route).
Is the fee refundable?
Once you pay for a seat (and it’s confirmed), it is usually non-refundable unless exceptional circumstances apply, such as involuntary changes by the airline.
China Airlines Preferred Seats & Seat Reservation Options
What are “preferred seats”?
Preferred seats are typically those with extra legroom (exit row, bulkhead), better views, or location advantages (front of cabin, aisle/window, fewer seats around). These often carry a higher fee.
Seat reservation process
Reservation via China Airlines website or app.
Reservation via customer service or travel agent. Some passengers report being able to change seats during online check‑in even after initial assignment.
Airport counter/reservations: last‑minute seat selection may be available, though choices are fewer and fees may still apply.
Special considerations
Codeshare flights: If your flight is operated by another carrier, advanced seat selection may not apply.
Emergency exit seats: These come with age/health/language requirements and may incur a higher fee.
Passengers with disabilities, mobility issues, or infants requiring bassinets may need to contact customer service directly.
Tips for Travellers: How to Get the Best Seat on China Airlines
Book a fare that includes free seat selection if you want to avoid extra fees.
If you purchase a Basic/Discount fare, budget for seat selection as part of your cost.
Monitor seat availability as soon as online seat selection opens (up to 360 days out).
Around 48 hours before departure, free seats may open up during online check-in.
Use the seat map wisely: check for extra legroom, bulkhead limitations, or restricted recline seats.
Travelling with family? Consider paying for seat selection to ensure you sit together.
At Tours N Travel Pro, we can help you navigate fare families, seat fees, and reservations. Call us at +1‑866‑679‑5070 to lock in your ideal seats.
People Also Ask
Q1: Does China Airlines charge for seat selection?
Yes, depending on your fare family and seat type. Some fares require payment, while others include free seat selection.
Q2: Can I pick my seat for free on China Airlines?
If you booked a fare that includes seat selection (Standard/Flex or premium cabins), you likely won’t pay extra. Basic/Discount fares usually require payment.
Q3: When does China Airlines allow seat reservation?
Seat selection opens as early as 360 days before departure and up until about 50 hours prior. After that, selection is typically available during online check‑in.
Q4: What are China Airlines preferred seats and how much do they cost?
Preferred seats offer extra legroom, better location, or more comfort. Fees vary by route and seat type, generally ranging from US $25‑US $60.
Q5: Can I change my seat after booking?
Yes, through “Manage Booking,” subject to availability and possible fees.
Key Takeaways
The China Airlines Seat Selection Policy allows you to pick your seat in advance, but fees depend on fare class and seat type.
Free selection is usually included in Standard/Flex economy and premium cabins; Basic/Discount fares often require payment.
Seat fees vary widely: US $15‑US $40 for standard, US $25‑US $60 for preferred, higher for extra comfort.
Advanced seat selection opens up to 360 days before departure; online check-in may offer remaining free seats 48 hours prior.
Travelling together or needing extra legroom? Paying for advanced selection is recommended.
For guidance, call Tours N Travel Pro at +1‑866‑679‑5070.
Conclusion
Choosing the right seat on a flight can significantly improve comfort and travel experience. Understanding the China Airlines Seat Selection Policy helps you plan ahead, avoid fees, and secure the seats you want. Don’t leave it to chance—contact Tours N Travel Pro at +1‑866‑679‑5070 today to lock in your ideal seats and make your journey as smooth as possible.
FAQ Section
Q: Is seat selection free for business class?
A: Yes, most business class cabins include complimentary seat selection.
Q: Can I select a seat on a Basic economy fare?
A: Yes, but a seat selection fee usually applies.
Q: Are seats free during online check-in?
A: Sometimes. Remaining free seats may be available when online check-in opens 48 hours before departure.
Q: What if my seat is changed by China Airlines?
A: The airline may reassign seats for safety or operational reasons. Refunds of fees may apply in exceptional cases.
Q: How early can I reserve a preferred seat?
A: Up to 360 days before departure, subject to availability and applicable fees.
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