Smaller airlines that operate in the shadow of the nation’s four dominant air carriers are increasingly feeling pressure to merge with each other to gain access to more planes and airport gates.
16.11.2023 - 22:11 / afar.com
For many air travelers, sitting in a cramped economy seat for a long-haul flight isn’t exactly their idea of a good time. But a handful of airlines are making it easier to snag some extra space in economy, thanks to what are generally referred to as “neighbor-free seat” offerings.
Most recently, Qantas expanded its “Neighbour Free” seating program in late October to several international flights, including on some of its U.S. routes (many of which have a flying time of upwards of 15 hours). The program enables passengers flying economy to keep the seat next to them empty, with fees starting at around $28 each way for flights between Australia and New Zealand. Neighbor-free seats on longer-haul flights between the United States and Australia start at around $143.
Many airlines implemented seat-blocking programs during the pandemic, in which they blocked the middle seat to allow for more social distancing, typically at no additional cost to passengers. But as demand for air travel has roared back, and public health concerns diminished, carriers have—predictably—been selling middle seats again for a while. Most major U.S. airlines will offer passengers who need or want extra space to simply book an extra seat at full price. For instance, JetBlue provides specific step-by-step instructions on how to book an empty seat on its website, as does United, and Delta.
But some international airlines offer the option at a more nominal fee. Fees to guarantee the coveted empty seat next to you vary according to carrier and length of flight and can range anywhere from around $30 to $100 (or higher).
On certain flights with available capacity, airlines allow passengers in economy to bid or pay a fee to keep the empty seat next to them empty. Depending on the airline, passengers can make the booking themselves through the carrier’s website; some airlines also reach out to select passengers ahead of time with the offer. Reservations are subject to availability (in other words, if the airline can sell the seat for a full fare, you’ll have a neighbor after all, and your fee will be refunded).
However, such offers have mixed reviews from some aviation insiders. Jakob Wert, editor in chief of International Flight Network, a Germany-based aviation trade publication, told AFAR he doesn’t view the programs as “very useful” for travelers. “I guess it depends on the price, but . . . you still don’t really have a guarantee” for an empty seat next to you, Wert says.
Still, for passengers who want to snag some extra space in economy, such offers can be just the ticket for a smoother flight. Alice Ford, a Los Angeles–based adventure filmmaker, spent $120 to keep the seat next to her free on a recent 13-hour flight from Jordan to the
Smaller airlines that operate in the shadow of the nation’s four dominant air carriers are increasingly feeling pressure to merge with each other to gain access to more planes and airport gates.
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