Originally Posted by
mckvakk
I'm not paying to select seats for such short flights, but it would be good to know in case they are available at checkin. I usually go for the first available A seat.
I think you've worked out the reason in the last sentence, plus the fact that Gold cardholders would also be eyeing up this row. Note that this would be at risk of curtain roulette, so another reason not to pay for it.