When Singapore Airlines introduced its new Business Class seats for the Boeing 737-8 MAX in 2021, what grabbed the most attention were the two “throne seats”, so called because of the lack of a seatmate.
Not only are these seats more private, they’re also wider at 22 inches (compared to 19-20 inches in other rows) and offer additional storage space. Unsurprisingly, they’re very popular with solo travellers — and perhaps even couples who don’t mind some time apart!
While some airlines charge extra for such seats (e.g. SWISS), or block them for elite frequent flyers, Singapore Airlines has declined to do either. Instead, the seats have always been available on a first-come, first-served basis, so even a non-KrisFlyer member has the same shot as anyone else.
But it seems there’s recently been a quiet change in policy…
Throne seats now blocked for PPS Club members
Singapore Airlines now appears to be blocking throne seats on the B737-8 MAX for advance selection by Solitaire PPS and PPS Club members only.
Following a tip-off from a member of The MileLion Community, I did some checks on various routes operated by the Boeing 737-8 MAX, such as Darwin, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Phuket, searching with two different accounts: one with regular KrisFlyer, and another with Solitaire PPS status.
The results were remarkably consistent. There were four seats that the regular KrisFlyer member could not select:
- 11C and 11H (bassinet seats; obviously, you can select this if you’re travelling with an infant)
- 12B and 12J (throne seats)
It basically means that 40% of the Business Class cabin is blocked by default, and there are only two aisle seats available for advance selection by non-PPS members.
I can’t say for certain when this policy started, but it’s not exactly unprecedented. Singapore Airlines has long blocked off the lucrative Row 11 bulkhead seats on its A350-900 and B777-300ER aircraft for Solitaire PPS and PPS Club members. These seats have extra legroom, and allow passengers to sleep parallel to the aisle instead of at an angle.
How can a non-PPS passenger get a throne seat?
If you really want to try the throne seat, but don’t have PPS Club status, here’s a little-known tip that can help.
Business Class seat blocks are lifted 96 hours before departure (known as T-96), at which point they can be selected by any passenger in the cabin regardless of status. If the throne seats are still available, they’re yours!
However, here’s an important quirk to note: the Singapore Airlines website and app do not allow online seat selection between 96 to 48 hours of departure.
You could wait until T-48, when online check-in opens and all seats can be assigned online, but that runs the risk of the throne seats getting snapped up. Instead, it’s safer to switch seats at T-96 by calling the Singapore Airlines hotline or chatting with an agent via the website. Simply quote them your booking reference number, and provide the seat you wish to switch to.
| Time | Status |
| Beyond T-96 | Seats are blocked |
| T-48 to T-96 | Seat blocks are released. Online seat selection unavailable but can be done via phone or chat |
| Within T-48 | Online check-in opens, any available seat can be selected online |
This bug (feature?) does not affect bookings made through partner airlines, so if you booked your ticket through a different frequent flyer programme, you should be able to visit the respective website and select the unblocked seats at T-96.
What’s so great about the throne seat?
For context, Singapore Airlines divides the Business Class cabin on its B737-8 MAX aircraft into a 2-2, 1-1, 2-2 layout.
On the one hand, this means that only 60% of passengers have direct aisle access. On the other, it means that two lucky passengers — in 12B/J — get throne seats with extra privacy.
| 👑 Don’t call it a throne! |
| When I attended a media preview of the new seats back in November 2021, the folks from Singapore Airlines were adamant not to call it a “throne seat”. I believe the preferred moniker was “solo seat”, so perhaps they didn’t want to put it on a pedestal (which, come to think of it, is a great place for a throne). |
It’s obviously no substitute for an enclosed suite, but at least you won’t have the crew reaching across to serve another passenger, or have to cowboy step over your seatmate to access the aisle.
The throne seat also benefits from extra storage space. Not only do you get two side tables, there’s a small storage closet that pops open to reveal a mirror, and a cubby near your feet large enough to store a laptop or a pair of shoes.
When it comes to sleeping, the throne seat converts into a 76-inch (193cm) long bed. It’s definitely on the narrow side, and those with claustrophobia will note the “coffin effect” of sleeping with your head below the level of the armrests on either side.
Also, the throne seat does have a rather restricted footwell (basically the space under the armrests between the seats in front of it). This is a tight squeeze, perhaps even tighter than the notoriously narrow footwell on the A350-900.
If you’re particular about leg space, you might actually want to pick one of the seats in Row 11, which have a much wider footwell.
I’ve written a couple of reviews of the Singapore Airlines B737-8 MAX Business Class experience, once in the throne seat, and another in a regular seat. Be sure to check them out below.
Conclusion
Singapore Airlines now appears to be blocking the “throne seats” on its Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft for advance selection by Solitaire PPS Club and PPS Club members, a reversal of the previous first-come, first-served policy.
However, non-PPS passengers can still get their hands on a throne seat, provided one is still available at the 96-hour mark before departure. At this point, all seat blocks are removed, and if there’s a throne seat available, it’s yours.
The throne seat is still better than the seats on regional JCL. I am generally not too fussy about which seats I am except when on redeye flight where it is a real discomfort to take the Regional JCL. It is so hard to turn when lying down. I slept better on T’way Airline JCL with similar seats to the old spacebed on 747s.
Dear Arron, This article is spot-on. I recently noticed that Singapore Airlines (SIA) has blocked 11C and 11H (bassinet seats) on short routes. This incident occurred “just this year.” Now, they have also blocked throne seats. My family (two adults and two children) flies HKT-SIN four to five times a year. Since we are located in Phuket, we need this connecting segment every time we fly anywhere. Unfortunately, this has created a bit of a headache situation. There is only row 14 left to choose from for our family of four if we want to sit together. Fortunately, short-haul flights… Read more »
Thanks Aaron. I’ve also noticed that ExpertFlyer no longer distinguishes between seats that are already occupied and those blocked for PPS/Solitaire members until T-48. It used to show blocked seats as crossed squares and occupied seats as solid blue squares, at least until June…
Is the only way to check seat availability (like the solo seats or 11A/K on the 359LH/77W) for PPS/Solitaire members by going through a dummy booking all the way to the seat selection page?
oh thanks for sharing that, didn’t know EF also changed the way it displays things. I just did a quick check with seats.aero’s seat map tool and it does show blocked seats in a different colour than occupied seats, fwiw.
Dear Aaron,
SQ has been blocking much more than that recently. On my flights to HKG or PVG, you will be unable to redeem business class flights, not even advantage. Upon boarding (being one of the last few to board), you will notice that it can be almost 50% unoccupied. Perhaps more can share their experiences on this!
Excellent, should’ve been done much sooner!
It doesn’t affect you at all. You struggle to accumulate enough miles for Economy to Penang.
Keep grinding those 5% cashback cards, champ. Solitaire isn’t for everyone.
I flew SIN-PEN two weeks ago. About 2 hrs before the flight I got a notice about some flight change and went in and selected the throne seat! (They weren’t available at checkin which would have been within the T- you mentioned) Then when I boarded someone was in my seat. We both had boarding passes with the throne seat. It took about 20 mins but eventually I was told I had to sit elsewhere. Very disappointing. I wonder if I had boarded first if the other gentleman would have had to take the other seat? Anyway thanks for the… Read more »
very weird that the system allowed two people to select the same seat!