How to choose a Singapore Airlines seat has evolved over the years. It’s free today; however, the airline began charging economy-class customers to pick their seats in 2008. Extra legroom seats, favored seating, etc., depending on fare class, such fees shall apply. Business class and first class passengers receive free seat selection, and economy class passengers may have to pay extra. Free seat selection or waivers are among the benefits for KrisFlyer and PPS Club members. This guide reviews Singapore Airlines seat selection options as well as fees for all classes for Singapore Airlines flights.
History of Singapore Airlines Seat Selection Fees
Previously, Singapore Airlines used to allow passenger to choose their seats before a flight at no additional cost. But in November 2008, the carrier charged Economy Class guests a fee to pre-book extra legroom seats. These so-called “Preferred Seats” were introduced for long-haul flights. The extra fee of US$50 per sector applied to passengers flying on routes when extra legroom was also offered but didn’t include short-haul sectors within Southeast Asia or when traveling on Boeing 777-200ER aircraft.
Singapore Airlines started charging for more seat options in December 2017, creating a more “pay-per-seat” model for the airline’s seat selection. This meant pricing fares unbundled Country-specific airlines–such as in Croatia or Budapest–that also honed in on the pricing model of low-cost carriers to offer E-cash Economy Class passengers from only a budget-inclusive seat selection that specifically charged for little space between the rows. Fortunately, the airline does extend some exceptions to this general rule, for those traveling with children or those who hold a higher status with the KrisFlyer or PPS Club program.
How Seat Selection Works for Business and First Class
For those flying in First Class, Suites, or Business Class, there are no seat selection fees. These passengers enjoy complimentary seat selection regardless of whether they have a revenue ticket or an award ticket. This remains one of the benefits of flying in premium cabins on Singapore Airlines.
However, even within Business Class, some of the best seats (such as those at the front of the cabin) are reserved exclusively for PPS Club members. PPS members are encouraged to make seat reservations within 96 hours (4 days) of departure to secure the best seats available.
Singapore Airlines Seat Selection Fees for Economy and Premium Economy
For Economy Class and Premium Economy passengers, seat selection fees apply. Below is a breakdown of the available seating options and their associated costs. Fees are per person, per flight, unless the entire journey is on the same aircraft, such as a direct flight from Singapore to New York.
Economy Class Seat Selection Fees
Seat selection fees vary by region, and they apply to the following seat types:
• Standard Seat: A regular seat without any extra benefits
• Forward Zone: Seats located closer to the front of the cabin
• Extra Legroom: Seats that offer additional space for more comfort
The seat selection fee also depends on your fare class. Here’s an overview of the fees:
• Economy Lite (K, V) – Standard: US$10, Forward Zone: US$20, Extra Legroom: US$30
• Economy Value (N, Q) – Standard: US$10, Forward Zone: US$20, Extra Legroom: US$30
• Economy Standard (H, M, W) – Standard: US$15, Forward Zone: US$25, Extra Legroom: US$60
• Economy Flexi (B, E, Y) – Standard: US$20, Forward Zone: US$35, Extra Legroom: US$80
The fees increase as you fly to longer-haul destinations. For example:
• Southeast Asia: Standard – US$10, Forward Zone – US$20, Extra Legroom – US$30
• Australia/New Zealand: Standard – US$20, Forward Zone – US$35, Extra Legroom – US$80
• Europe/South Africa: Standard – US$30, Forward Zone – US$50, Extra Legroom – US$110
• USA: Standard – US$35, Forward Zone – US$60, Extra Legroom – US$130
Premium Economy Class Seat Selection Fees
In Premium Economy, seat selection also comes with a fee. The options include Extra Legroom seats and Solo Seats on aircraft like the Airbus A350 ULR, known for offering extra privacy and storage space.
The fees are as follows:
1. Extra Legroom: Available for all revenue and award tickets
• N Asia, W Asia, Middle East: US$60
• Australia/New Zealand: US$80
• Europe/South Africa: US$110
• USA: US$130
KrisFlyer and PPS Club Benefits
For KrisFlyer members, the airline offers complimentary seat selection benefits based on their membership tier:
• KrisFlyer Elite Silver members get a free selection of Standard seats.
• KrisFlyer Elite Gold members receive a free selection of Standard and Forward Zone seats, which saves them between US$10 and US$60 depending on the route.
PPS Club and Solitaire PPS Club members enjoy a fee waiver for all seat selections, including Standard, Forward Zone, Extra Legroom, and Solo Seats. These benefits are available for all members traveling in Economy Class and Premium Economy.
How to Select Your Seat
If you’re ready to select your seat, you can do so easily through Singapore Airlines Manage Booking. Simply visit their website, log in with your booking details, and choose your preferred seat. You can also manage seat selection via the mobile app or during online check-in, which opens 48 hours before your flight. If you’re traveling with children or require additional assistance, you can make special requests for seating preferences.
Conclusion
Singapore Airlines seat selection fees depend heavily on your class of service, route, and membership status. Economy and Premium Economy passengers should remain mindful of these fees while booking, although First Class and Business Class passengers are exempt from said fees. Of course, it is always a good idea to choose your seat ahead of time for no extra charge and get the seat you want on your flight.
