Singapore Airlines economy passengers can now pay extra to guarantee themselves seats with extra legroom.
The Preferred Seat Selection option allows economy customers, including those on redemption bookings, to “upgrade” to an exit-row seat for US$50 per sector. This can be done at singaporeair.com anytime before online check-in begins (48 hours before departure).
The service is currently only available on seats in exit rows, although SIA says it may extend it to “other categories of Preferred Seats, that similarly offer customers more legroom” in the future.
Note that this service is not available on SIA’s 777-200LR aircraft, as they do not feature economy seats in exit rows. SIA also points out that due to safety requirements, passengers looking to occupy exit-row seats must:
- Be at least 21 years of age at the commencement of the journey.
- Be fully able-bodied, and capable of opening the exit doors and moving quickly, or reaching and passing through the adjacent emergency exit.
- Be able to understand and follow the safety instructions in English.
- Be in good health at the time of check-in, boarding, and during the flight.
- Not be pregnant, or carrying infants, or using an infant seat belt.
- Not be under the influence of any intoxicating substance at check-in, boarding, and during the flight, as determined by ground and cabin crew.
- Not require an extension seat belt because of large body size.
Early indications suggest that this paid-for service is not being well-received by SIA customers. When the story was reported on the online version of The Straits Times (Singapore’s largest selling newspaper) earlier today, it prompted a raft of comments from readers, almost all of which were against the move.
What do you think of SIA’s decision to charge for exit row seats? You can comment on this story below, or visit our forum to have your say.
For more information visit singaporeair.com.
Report by Mark Caswell
