diff --git a/kitty/session.py b/kitty/session.py
index 118eeb909..ef434bd9f 100644
--- a/kitty/session.py
+++ b/kitty/session.py
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ def create_session(opts, args=None, special_window=None):
     ans.tabs[-1].layout = current_layout
     if special_window is None:
         cmd = args.args if args and args.args else [shell_path]
-        if args.title:
+        if getattr(args, 'title', None):
             from kitty.tabs import SpecialWindow
             ans.add_window(SpecialWindow(cmd, override_title=args.title))
         else: