As the years go by, airlines seem to cram more passengers on their planes, but Qantas has a solution for onboard overcrowding. For those who are fed up with being more and more cramped every time they fly, Qantas is offering more neighbor-free options on US flights. Read on to find out more about getting more personal space without having to pay for a higher cabin class.

Qantas extends neighbor-free seating on US flights

If you are one of those passengers who hopes your flight isn’t full and that the middle seat might be empty, there is good news. At least one airline is offering passengers more space and comfort with their new “neighbor-free” seating option. Qantas offers a way to allow passengers a guaranteed open seat next to them on the plane, giving them more space for their elbows to relax.

Australia’s flag carrier, Qantas has run successful trials of a new, pilot program on domestic flights during September 2023. In the trials, the airline made its neighbor-free seating option available over most of its domestic network. As it was so successful, they are extending the comfortable option to 19 international routes, including a number traveling to and from the US.

How does the option work?

Under the new neighbor-free program, passengers wishing a more comfortable in-flight experience can secure an empty seat for as little as $143. This option is especially helpful during long-haul flights from Australia to the United States and doesn’t cost you an arm or leg to have room for your arms and legs.

Speaking in a statement to Travel + Leisure, Catriona Larritt, Qantas’ Chief Customer and Digital Officer said:

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.

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.

When will the neighbor-free option not be available?

While this expanded program is great, it is, however, only available on flights that are not fully booked. Those wishing to have the option on eligible flights will receive an email notification 48 hours prior to departure offering them the option to reserve the extra seat.

However, there is another catch in that the free seat isn’t guaranteed until the flight takes off. Meanwhile, passengers that have paid for the neighbor-free option, but the seat ends up getting sold in the meantime, will receive a refund from Qantas.

Moreover, please note that passengers who purchase options like extra legroom, who have requested an upgrade, or are traveling with an infant or as part of a group, will not be eligible for the neighbor-free seating option.

The following US routes offer the Qantas neighbor-free option:

• 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