Qantas Enhances Economy Experience with Neighbour Free Seating Expansion

The ‘Neighbour Free’ seating option for economy customers on Qantas has expanded. This comes after the initial trial of six routes, which started last year, received favourable passenger feedback. At this time, all domestic routes qualify for neighbour-free seats.

The airline aims to keep introducing new eligible routes to the programme in the foreseeable future, according to correspondence with a Qantas public affairs representative.

“The expansion, which started last Thursday, brings the total number of routes in the program to 14, with plans to further expand the initiative to other domestic routes in the months ahead.”

On these itineraries, Neighbour Free gives economy passengers the option of keeping an open, nearby seat during their journey. Customers on eligible flights with available seats won’t be able to reserve a neighbouring seat during the booking process itself, but they will receive an email invitation to take advantage of the promotion between 48 hours and one hour before departure.

Depending on the itinerary, it will cost between $20 and $43 and between AU$30 and AU$65 to use the programme to keep an adjacent seat available. Customers who agree to use Neighbour-Free will be given the option to reselect their seat and open a nearby seat using an online seat map. Once a passenger has paid for and submitted their Neighbour Free request, their seat choice and Neighbor-Free reservation will show up on their boarding card.

However, travellers should be aware that Qantas retains the right, up to takeoff, including during boarding, to fill adjacent seats for capacity, operational, safety, or security reasons. However, if the adjacent seat is sold, Qantas will reimburse the holder of the neighbour-free ticket. Also excluded from Neighbour Free are additional baggage allowances and the usage of the neighbouring seat for infants or carry-ons.

Emirates, Fiji Airways, Philippine carriers, Sri Lankan Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines are just a few of the numerous carriers that have comparable seating options. After completing the booking procedure, each of these airlines allows travellers to reserve adjacent seats within a specific time frame before departure.

Air New Zealand’s “Works Deluxe” seating package, which can be ordered during the original reservation process and guarantees a “Neighbour Free Guarantee,” is another item of a similar nature. During the booking process, Etihad also gives customers the option to submit bids for upgrades, including those travelling in the economy who wish to bid for an available adjacent seat.