You don’t have to fly Business or First class in Emirates if you want access to its premium lounges. The Dubai-based airline is now offering its exclusive lounges to even its economy flyers at an additional cost.

In an email sent out by Emirates to the members of its frequent flyer programme Skywards, the airline announced, “You can now pay to access Emirates lounges at Dubai International Airport, and bring guests who are also travelling on the same flight, for an additional charge.

So whether you wish to indulge in a delicious meal, catch up on a bit of business, or unwind with a spa treatment – you can now relax in the tranquillity of our luxury lounges.”

If you’re an Emirates Skywards Blue member, you can now pay $100 to access Emirates lounges at Dubai International airport regardless of your class of travel, and so can your family and friends who are travelling on the same Emirates flight, for an additional charge.

If you’re a Silver or Gold member who already enjoys complimentary access, you can invite guests who are travelling on the same flight to join you for an additional charge – even if they’re travelling in Economy Class. You can also purchase an upgrade to the First Class Lounge in Dubai.

If you’re a Platinum member, you can now pay to invite even more guests to join you in any of Emirates’ eligible lounges in Dubai.

Last year, the airline had introduced a minimal charge of Dh50 for those looking to select their Economy Class seat in advance, for tickets issued on or after October 3, 2016.

There would no charge on seat selection once online check-in opens 48 hours before the flight’s departure. Flydubai already charges for seat selection. Emirates airline’s Skyward members will be excluded from the charges if they are on silver or gold membership and higher, according to the airline.

Responding to a question regarding total tickets allocated for economy saver tickets in a month or year, an Emirates airline spokesperson said: “[This] information is commercially sensitive.”

Emirates offers three options for an economy class ticket — economy saver, economy flex and economy flex plus. Economy saver is the lowest fare on every Emirates flight. All three options have different policy for refund, skyward miles and change in the date and time of the ticket after booking.