Airlines
Qantas extends neighbour-free seat trial to international routes
Qantas, the Australian flag carrier, extended its Neighbour-Free trial to a limited number of international flights this week, following the success of the programme on domestic flights earlier in the year.
On 19 international routes, the airline is testing Neighbour-Free seating, which gives select Economy Class passengers the choice to keep the seat next to them free. On trans-Tasman flights, neighbor-free seating will cost A$45; between Australia and Singapore, it will cost A$100 (US$63); and between Australia and the US, it would cost A$225.
In order to purchase a Neighbour-Free seat, customers who have reserved a seat on a flight with extra seats will receive an email 48 hours before to departure. The service is only offered on flights that are promoted and run by Qantas; codeshare services are not included in this.
Not eligible are those who have paid for extras like more legroom or who have asked to be upgraded. During the trial, Neighbour-Free will not be available to passengers who have selected extra products (such as extra legroom), requested an upgrade, are flying with an infant, or have an unaccompanied minor on their reservation. Additionally, customers who book as a group will not be eligible.
