Singapore Airlines Restricts Business Class Seats on Boeing 737 MAX for PPS Members

Singapore Airlines Blocks Throne Seats

SINGAPORE- Singapore Airlines (SQ), recognized as one of the world’s leading airlines, has made a noteworthy policy change regarding its exclusive “throne seats.” These seats, located on the Boeing 737-8 MAX, are now reserved for Solitaire PPS and PPS Club members, marking a shift in the airline’s seating strategy.

The Business Class setup on the 737-8 MAX features just two of these highly coveted throne seats, making them exceedingly popular among frequent flyers. Previously, these premium seats were available on a first-come, first-served basis to all passengers, regardless of KrisFlyer status.

Significant Change in Seating Policy

When Singapore Airlines debuted the Business Class cabin on its Boeing 737-8 MAX in 2021, the unique configuration, particularly the 1-1 seating in Row 12, garnered significant attention.

Known as “throne seats,” these accommodations offer enhanced privacy, a spacious 22-inch width, and additional storage. This design is especially favored by solo travelers as it eliminates the need to share armrests or maneuver around a seatmate.

While other airlines, such as SWISS, have charged fees for similar seats, Singapore Airlines initially opted for an open-access policy, allowing all passengers to book these premium spots. However, this policy has recently changed.

Restricted Access for Non-PPS Members

Recent checks indicate that throne seats 12B and 12J are no longer accessible for advance selection by standard KrisFlyer members. In addition to these seats, bassinet spots 11C and 11H are also exclusively reserved for Solitaire PPS and PPS Club members.

This means that 40% of the 737-8 MAX’s Business Class cabin is now under restriction, leaving only two aisle seats available for selection by non-PPS passengers. This strategy aligns with the airline’s historical practice of reserving premium seats for elite members, ensuring that high-value customers receive priority.

How Non-PPS Members Can Access Throne Seats

Despite the new restrictions, non-PPS travelers can still secure throne seats. Singapore Airlines removes seat blocks 96 hours before departure (T-96), allowing available throne seats to be booked by all passengers.

However, there’s a catch: during the window between T-96 and T-48, online selection is disabled. Passengers wanting a throne seat during this period must contact the airline’s service center for assistance, providing their booking reference and seat preference. Waiting until T-48 increases the risk of seats being taken.

Interestingly, if booked through partner airlines, the restriction may not apply, allowing for direct access to unblocked seats once T-96 is reached.

The Unique Features of Throne Seats

The Business Class layout of the Boeing 737-8 MAX utilizes a 2-2, 1-1 configuration, allowing just two passengers access to the aisle without a seatmate—those seated in the throne seats.

These seats offer not only additional privacy and a wider design but also twin side tables, a storage area with a mirror, and a compartment that can fit shoes or a laptop. Moreover, these seats convert into a fully flat 76-inch bed, although the narrow footwell beneath the armrests may feel restrictive compared to the bulkhead seats in Row 11, which offer superior legroom.

Final Thoughts

Singapore Airlines has transitioned from a first-come, first-served policy to a status-based seating arrangement for its throne seats on the Boeing 737-8 MAX, now reserving them only for Solitaire PPS and PPS Club members.

While this approach rewards elite passengers, non-PPS flyers still have an opportunity to secure these desirable seats by acting swiftly once the seat blocks are lifted.