A Throne Seat is a solo window seat with consoles on both sides, offering maximum privacy and surface area in alternating staggered configurations.
A throne seat is often considered the most desirable solo seat in the sky. Found primarily in Thompson Vantage or similar alternating staggered layouts, these seats exist because the row behind them requires two footwells to accommodate a pair of middle seats. To fit those footwells, the solo seat in front is flanked by massive armrest consoles on both the left and the right. Sitting in one feels like commanding your own private office; you have space for a laptop on one side and your dinner on the other, with nobody sitting next to you. Airlines like Swiss, Austrian, and Aer Lingus feature these seats prominently. Because they are so popular, many airlines charge a hefty advance-selection fee for them, though they often become free to select 24 hours before departure if they remain unbooked.
While they offer immense privacy, the footwells can sometimes feel slightly tighter than standard seats because the space is squeezed between the two seats ahead.
Look for airlines flying the Thompson Vantage seat, such as Swiss, TAP Air Portugal, Aer Lingus, and Malaysia Airlines.
A staggered configuration is a cabin layout where seats are offset from the row in front of them, allowing the footwell of one seat to tuck under the console of the seat ahead.
A buddy seat is the ottoman or footrest at the end of a business or first class suite that is robust enough and equipped with a seatbelt to allow a travel companion to sit across from you for a meal.
Direct aisle access means a passenger can leave their seat and walk into the aisle without having to step over another passenger.
Our travel experts have access to unpublished fares not available online.
Save up to 40% on business class flights.