By Lauren Haughey
Copyright dailyrecord
Ever wanted to book the plane seat next to you for extra room? Now, that might just be possible. Virgin Australia announced last week that eligible guests can participate in its new ‘Neighbour-Free Seating’ scheme , giving them the chance to bid money on an extra seat. Launched on September 24, the innovative service is presently restricted to Economy travellers on specific domestic or short-haul international flights run by the carrier. After securing a booking, passengers can submit bids starting from just AU$30 (approximately £14.65) to secure another seat within their row. Virgin Australia clarified that winning bids will be confirmed ‘no later than two hours prior’ to the flight’s planned departure. Travellers, including Velocity Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus, and Forever Gold members, who have previously chosen their seats, will remain unaffected when Neighbour-Free Seating applications are processed. Following the announcement, Virgin Australia Executive Libby Minogue said: “Our priority is to give Virgin Australia guests even more value and choice when they choose to fly with us. Neighbour-Free Seating is a clever add-on for Economy travellers who want the certainty of extra space without the price tag. “We actively listen to guest feedback, and this initiative is a direct response to what our customers have told us they want. It is a step forward in enhancing the onboard experience and a game changer for those who want more comfort and space during their flight.” Virgin Australia’s scheme follows a 2023 consumer survey, which revealed that 42% of its passengers would contemplate paying to keep a middle seat vacant on international flights exceeding three hours. A further third (35%) would also consider this for a domestic flight lasting over three hours. The Neighbour-Free Seating programme allows passengers to reserve a maximum of one seat per booking, with only bookings containing one or two travellers being eligible. Whilst the service provides additional space next to the allocated seat, it doesn’t come with any extra baggage allowance. The airline has confirmed that travellers in Economy X or Business class cannot bid for or purchase Neighbour-Free Seating. Its terms and conditions have additionally outlined: “Neighbour-Free Seating availability may change, due to the purchase of Economy Class fares within the Bidding Window. “This may impact the availability of Neighbour-Free Seats on the flight. In the event a Neighbour-Free Seating is unable to be provided on the service, a refund will be provided.” For further details, visit Virgin Australia’s website . Here, you can also find an eligibility assessment for the Neighbour-Free Seating programme. Currently, Virgin Australia has announced that eight flights will provide the scheme ahead of a much broader launch. These include: Get all the hottest shopping deals, cash saving tips and money news straight to your phone by joining our new WhatsApp Community – The Money Saving Club. Just click this link to join https://crnch.it/eutplxS1 We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice here https://crnch.it/jeQqC872
