Swiss International Air Lines will begin charging for seat selection in its business class cabins. The airline notified its highest-tier frequent flyers about the upcoming change.
On SWISS’s Airbus A330 and A340 long‑haul aircraft, the so‑called “throne seats” or “privacy seats” — single seats with an extra table and work surface on each side — are among the most coveted features of the business class layout. Until now, these seats were often held back from general availability so that top-tier frequent flyers could choose them without competition.
In a message to elite customers, SWISS explained the change: “With the remodeling of SWISS Business on long‑haul routes, we have introduced exclusive single seats that are marked by more space and discretion. Due to the overwhelming demand concerning these ‘Privacy Seats,’ we will be giving our guests the opportunity to reserve these seats for a fee starting at the end of March. As a token of our appreciation, we are delighted to continue offering these seats to you at no charge, as long as they are still available at the time of booking.”
Under the new policy, passengers can pay a fee — reported to range from roughly $100 to $200 — to reserve these privacy seats before regular online check‑in and open seat selection. Once standard online check‑in begins, any remaining seats become available to all customers. Top‑tier elite members may still select privacy seats without charge, but only if those seats have not already been purchased by non‑elite passengers through the paid reservation option.
This update represents a shift in how SWISS balances perks for high‑status flyers with paid options for other passengers. By monetizing the most private single seats on certain long‑haul aircraft, the airline creates a new revenue stream while preserving limited complimentary access for elite customers at the time of booking — provided the seats remain unsold.