I have SQ flights coming up, for the first time in many years, and have just checked in online for SYD-SIN-CMB. I was not able to pre-allocate seats, due to being on the Virgin Australia codeshare, and had resigned myself to not being able to check in online either, so it was a happy surprise that I could (which required SQ's own record locator, not Virgin Australia's).

When I checked in, I entered my Asiana *G number (although I don't ultimately want to credit the flights to that account - nor could I, most probably, given the codeshare), on the offchance that it would unlock better seating, as these are very full flights. Lo and behold, seats in the first 5 rows were available to be allocated using online check-in. Was this because of my *G? Or the fact we're on a full-Y fare? Or do they always open up when the OLCI window opens (we were passengers 002 and 003 to check in, so I was fairly quick on the draw).

I plan to change back to my Virgin Australia frequent flyer number at the airport, but would be very curious to hear whether my tactics might have made a difference?