You are possibly getting confused with Air China's policy to seat (or at least allow) *A Gold passengers at the front of economy (on some aircrafts even a separate section), this area is often virtually empty when the rest of the plane is packed. Shenzhen Airlines have the same policy. These seats are blocked off to non status passengers even at airport check-in. Virtually every time I've flown with either of these carriers, I have had a row to myself as a result of this policy. Great on Europe to Austrasia journeys!