Y. J. Foo 0 Report post Posted November 3, 2008 Never thought SQ would even do that!! :blink: Need leg room?Pay US$100 SIA will start charging fee for a guaranteed 'preferred seat'. EXTRA legroom on Singapore Airlines now comes at a price - US$100 (S$147) for a return flight. In a move that has upset some frequent fliers, the airline is charging a fee for a guaranteed 'preferred seat'. These are essentially exit row seats that passengers can purchase before check-in, SIA said. The new policy applies to all flights, except those within South-east Asia. Flights served by the Boeing B777-200ER has no exit row seats. The airline said in a statement on Monday that that while before, preferred seats were only available on a request basis, 'the new option now offers a guarantee of assignment, subject to terms and conditions, on a first come, first serve basis'. Not all will be eligible though. Under mandatory safety requirements set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, passengers who ask for exit row seats must meet the following requirements: - Be at least 21-years-old. - 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 pregnant, or carrying infants, or using an infant seat belt. - Not 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. As airlines around the world grapple with a global financial crisis that has hit air travel everywhere, experts expect that more and more carriers will turn to sideline revenues to boost the bottomline. These can take various forms, from charging for food and drinks which low-cost carriers today, to making passengers pay for blankets and other amenities which some carriers in the United States now do. Straits Time Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eric C 0 Report post Posted November 3, 2008 Anyone know if this only applies to exit row seats? Or do we have to pay to pre-book any seat within a flight now? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Azri M. 0 Report post Posted November 3, 2008 I am shocked! This is so un-SQ like... Never occur in my mind SQ is trying some LCC-like approach. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Keith T 2 Report post Posted November 3, 2008 (edited) Unlike airlines that have a similar practise (UA comes to mind), SQ isn't exempting elites from this charge either, which represents on some levels a devaluation of the PPS and Krisflyer Elite Gold tier levels. Huge thread on SQTalk atm: http://www.sqtalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5394 ericchai: The charge only applies to emergency exit row seats. Edited November 3, 2008 by Keith T Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Edwin P K 0 Report post Posted November 3, 2008 (edited) This is just ridiculous, I couldn't believe it when I first read it. One of the many reasons why I have decided to forgo my KF status. I'm now back on Enrich/MH! Edited November 3, 2008 by Edwin P K Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
reyneo 0 Report post Posted November 3, 2008 I can't believe SQ has gone so LCC-like! I mean even cost cutting MAS isn't resorting to this! A hundred US dollars isnt cheap... With that amount, I could easily fly a return flight to BKK on AK! I doubt many people would book it and most of it will just be taken by people when checking in... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Robert 0 Report post Posted November 3, 2008 VS have been doing it for years as have US and other EU airlines. Its just another way to screw us for more money :-( Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jani 0 Report post Posted November 3, 2008 I read somewhere it could be because SQ are not doing too well financially. Probably a step into trying to improve that? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Keith T 2 Report post Posted November 3, 2008 Probably a step into trying to improve that? USD500-1000 per flight assuming they get takers. But damage to brand and goodwill = priceless... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Azreen 0 Report post Posted November 4, 2008 Its a demand and supply issue. There are probably quite alot of people who don't mind paying the USD100 for abit of room on a 14 hr flite. Yes its another way for an airline to maximise marginal revenue. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Azuan Zahdi 2 Report post Posted November 4, 2008 If the 'extra expensive' seats are vacant, passengers not allowed to change seats i believe? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pieter C. 5 Report post Posted November 4, 2008 KLM has been doing this for almost a year now, and figuring it's still 'active', they do make money on this; it's mainly for the bulkhead- and emergency-exit row seats Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dsim 0 Report post Posted November 4, 2008 i feel like to bring my own chair... wonder got discount or not Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
singyc 0 Report post Posted November 4, 2008 why SIA wanna act like low cost carrier? too bad to hear this.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Min Chun 0 Report post Posted November 5, 2008 Is that correct that SQ only apply charges to the emergency exit row? I'm flying SQ 195 to SIN tomorrow for interview Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sanjay Thaker 0 Report post Posted November 6, 2008 Going for Cadet Pilot interview, Min Chun?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TK 0 Report post Posted November 6, 2008 wat else...good luck for the interview... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kianhong 0 Report post Posted November 6, 2008 I'm flying SQ 195 to SIN tomorrow for interview Good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Seth K 3 Report post Posted November 6, 2008 Good luck Min Chun! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites