This Airline Is Offering a ‘Neighbor-Free’ Seat Option that Keeps the Spot Next to You Empty — for a Fee

Will passengers pay more to have the seat next to them empty on a long flight? The answer is yes, according to Qantas.

The Australian-based airline now offers a “no neighbor” option on its flights to the US.

Passengers can pay a fee, starting at $143, to ensure the seat next to them remains empty during the flight, according to Travel + Leisure. For now, the program is offered on flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne to these American cities: Dallas, Honolulu, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Qantas initially launched the program in September for flights within Australia before expanding it to select international destinations. Their official site states that the new seat option is aimed at passengers who want to “enjoy the extra space and comfort” in economy class.

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Qantas aircraft at Los Angeles International Airport.

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How does it work?

If the flight is eligible for the program, passengers will receive an email 48 hours before departure to reserve an additional seat. Both standard and adjacent complimentary seats can then be selected and paid for up to two hours before departure for international flights. After confirmation, both seats will appear on the passenger’s boarding pass.

Prices for seats without neighbors will vary depending on the flight, and passengers are only allowed to reserve one additional seat, the website said.

It is likely that the option will be offered for flights that are far from full.

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Qantas plane taking off at Melbourne International Airport.

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How can you use a place without neighbors?

Qantas further clarifies that the bonus seat should remain empty throughout the flight and cannot be used to store hand luggage. It also does not include meal supplements.

In the event that the flight is cancelled, passengers will receive a refund for their non-neighbor seat and will have to rebook their rescheduled flight if eligible.

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The airline also states that an empty neighbor seat is not 100% guaranteed until departure as “seats may need to be used for operational, safety or security reasons, even after boarding the aircraft.” Passengers will be refunded again in case their reserved seat needs to be filled.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education