Pre-Flight

To make the pre-flight arrangements as smooth as possible have a look at our info gathered.

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Free-of-charge seat reservation in the Premium Economy and Economy Flex fare

(Update: November 2024)

As of 22 October 2024 (date of ticket issue or seat reservation), customers who book the Premium Economy (Fare Family: PREFLEX) or Economy Flex fare (Fare Family: ECOFLEX) on long-haul flights can choose their preferred seat free-of-charge – a Classic Seat is already included in the fare.

This applies to all long-haul flights operated by Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS and Discover Airlines.

Please note that ASR EMDs already issued are non-refundable.

Adjustment of fees for advance seat reservations starting 1 October 2024 

(Update: October 2024)

Starting 1 October 2024, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, Air Dolomiti and Eurowings Discover will adjust the fees for advance seat reservations in selected seat categories (e.g. Economy Class Classic Seat and Premium Economy Class) and price zones.

SWISS Economy

Economy Legroom Seat – now available on SWISS long-haul flights

(Update: April 2024)

Would your customers like to enjoy more legroom on long-haul flights? At Austrian Airlines, they can reserve an Economy Legroom Seat with additional legroom (plus 7.5 cm / 3 inches) in advance, starting 15 April 2024. The fee (from €50) will depend on the route length and the booking channel.

The Economy Legroom Seat can be booked on all SWISS long-haul flights operated with a Boeing 777 or an Airbus A340-300. Depending on the configuration, up to 28 seats are available in this seating category.

Good to know: As the Economy Legroom Seats – unlike some Extra Legroom Seats (with at least 7.5 cm / 3 inches more legroom) – are not located in the emergency exit rows, you can also book these seats for families with children.

HON Circle Members, Senators and travel companions booked in the same PNR will be able to book an Economy Legroom Seat free of charge.

Economy Legroom Seat – now available on Austrian Airlines long-haul flights

(Update: February 2024)

Would your customers like to enjoy more legroom on long-haul flights? At Austrian Airlines, they can now reserve an Economy Legroom Seat with additional legroom (7.5 cm / 3 inches) in advance – for flights starting 14 February 2024. The fee (from €50) will depend on the route length and the booking channel.

Download the new ASR fee overview

The Economy Legroom Seat can be booked on all Austrian Airlines long-haul flights operated with a Boeing 777. Depending on the configuration, up to 72 seats are available in this seating category.

Good to know: As the Economy Legroom Seats – unlike some Extra Legroom Seats (with at least 7.5 cm / 3 inches more legroom) – are not located in the emergency exit rows, you can also book these seats for families with children.

HON Circle Members, Senators and travel companions booked in the same PNR will be able to book an Economy Legroom Seat free of charge

Advance seat reservation: Harmonized travel companion rules

(Update: August 2023)

HON Circle Members and Senators can book seats in all travel classes and nearly all fares free of charge – on all Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and SWISS flights. The same now applies to up to eight travel companions booked in the same PNR.

Please note: Travel companions booked in a different PNR are not entitled to free advance seat reservations. 

To the „Advance seat reservation” factsheet

Advance seat reservation: Switch to mono-coupon EMDs

(Update: May 2023)

Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and SWISS are changing from multi-coupon EMDs to mono-coupon EMDs for advance seat reservations (ASR). This means:

  • When booking chargeable seats on Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and SWISS flights (including wetlease flights), a separate EMD (mono coupon) will be issued for each segment
  • The switch affects all distribution channels, i.e. GDS and NDC as well as the Lufthansa Group airlines' own distribution channels
  • The transition in NDC (Lufthansa Group airlines Direct NDC API and SPRK) will be completed by the end of July 2023
  • For the GDS Amadeus and own distribution channels, the switch has started in April 2023. From the end of September 2023, only mono-coupon EMDs will be accepted by the Lufthansa Group airlines
  • All multi-coupon EMDs already issued will remain valid
  • If a GDS does not offer mono-coupon EMDs, advance seat reservations can no longer be booked via this GDS from the end of September 2023. As an alternative, your customers can book a chargeable advance seat reservation on the respective airline website

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