Qantas is expanding its “neighbor-free” seating option to more U.S. flights, starting with select routes from Los Angeles to New York and San Francisco. The option allows passengers to pay extra to reserve an entire row of seats to themselves.

Qantas first introduced “neighbor-free” seating on select domestic flights in early 2023, and the option has been popular with passengers. The airline is now expanding the option to more international flights, including the following routes:

• Los Angeles (LAX) to New York (JFK)
• Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO)
• San Francisco (SFO) to New York (JFK)
• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to Melbourne (MEL)
• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to Sydney (SYD)
• Honolulu (HNL) to Sydney (SYD)
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Brisbane (BNE)
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Melbourne (MEL)

To reserve a “neighbor-free” seat, passengers will need to pay a fee of $143 to $225, depending on the length of the flight. The fee is non-refundable, and the option is not available on fully booked or likely to be sold flights.

Passengers can request a “neighbor-free” seat when they book their flight or up to 48 hours before departure. If the request is approved, Qantas will block off the seat next to the passenger.

Qantas says that the “neighbor-free” seating option is popular with passengers for a number of reasons, including:

• Extra comfort and space: Passengers can spread out and relax without having to worry about bumping elbows or sharing their armrests with a stranger.
• More privacy: Passengers can work, read, or sleep without being disturbed.
• Reduced risk of exposure to germs: Passengers are less likely to be exposed to germs from other passengers if they have an empty seat next to them.

The “neighbor-free” seating option is also a good option for passengers who are traveling with children or pets. Passengers with children can have more space to play and move around, and passengers with pets can have a place to keep their pet carrier.

Overall, the “neighbor-free” seating option is a great way for passengers to improve their comfort and privacy on Qantas flights. The option is available on a limited number of flights at the moment, but Qantas plans to expand the option to more flights in the future.

Tips for booking a “neighbor-free” seat

If you are interested in booking a “neighbor-free” seat, here are a few tips:

• Book your flight early. “Neighbor-free” seats are more likely to be available on flights that are not fully booked.
• Be flexible with your travel dates. “Neighbor-free” seats may be more likely to be available on flights that are not during peak travel times.
• Check the Qantas website regularly for updates on the “neighbor-free” seating option. The airline may add new flights to the program or offer special promotions.

Conclusion

Qantas’s “neighbor-free” seating option is a great way for passengers to improve their comfort and privacy on flights. The option is available on select flights at the moment, but Qantas plans to expand the option to more flights in the future.