It’s common knowledge that airplane seats seem to get more and more cramped as the years go by. But, aside from hoping your flight isn’t full and the middle seat might remain unoccupied, there’s really nothing to be done to relieve the squeeze, unless you want to pay for a higher cabin class.
But, now, one airline aims to offer travelers more space and comfort by offering a new “neighbor-free” seating option, which enables passengers to guarantee an open seat next to them on the plane, providing extra room to move their appendages during their journeys.
Following successful trials of a pilot program run on domestic flights in September, Australia’s flag carrier, Qantas, quickly made its Neighbor-Free Seating available on most of its domestic network. Now, it’s expanding that tempting option to 19 international routes, including several going to and from the United States.
Through this new program, passengers who crave a more comfortable in-flight experience, especially helpful during long-haul flights from Australia to the U.S., can secure this extra space for as little as $143. So, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to ensure you have room to shift your arms and legs.
“We’ve had a really positive reaction from customers who’ve opted to travel Neighbor Free on our domestic network and customers have told us they want the option on our international flights too,” Catriona Larritt, Qantas’ Chief Customer and Digital Officer, said in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure . “Whether they’re hopping across the Tasman or taking a longer flight to the United States, we think customers will value being able to secure some extra space.”
However, the expanded program is only available on flights that are not fully booked. Those traveling on eligible flights receive an email notification 48 hours before departure, offering them the option to reserve an extra seat. And, there’s another catch: the free seat is not guaranteed until the flight departs. So, if you’ve paid for the neighbor-free enhancement, but the seat ends up selling in the interim, the airline would issue you a refund.
It's also worth noting that travelers who purchase options like extra legroom or who’ve requested an upgrade, as well as those traveling with an infant or as part of a group booking, will not be eligible to take advantage of the Neighbor-Free Seating program.
In the U.S., the program is being made available on the following routes:
- Between Dallas and Melbourne
- Between Dallas and Sydney
- Between Honolulu and Sydney
- Between Los Angeles and Brisbane
- Between Los Angeles and Melbourne
- Between Los Angeles and Sydney
- Between San Francisco and Sydney
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