These Airlines Allow You to Purchase an Empty Economy Seat for Less Than You Might Expect

For numerous air travelers, enduring a cramped economy seat on a long-haul flight isn’t their idea of comfort. However, a select group of airlines is easing the process of securing additional space in economy through options commonly known as 'neighbor-free seat' offerings.

Recently, Qantas enhanced its “Neighbor-Free” seating program in late October to include several international flights, some on its U.S. routes, many of which exceed 15 hours in flight time. This program allows economy passengers to leave the adjacent seat empty, with fees starting at approximately $28 each way for flights between Australia and New Zealand. On longer flights from the U.S. to Australia, neighbor-free seats begin around $143.

Numerous airlines introduced seat-blocking measures during the pandemic, where they blocked the middle seat for increased social distancing, generally at no extra cost to travelers. However, as demand for air travel surged and health concerns eased, airlines have resumed selling middle seats. Most major U.S. carriers now allow passengers needing extra space to purchase an additional seat at full fare. For example, JetBlue provides clear instructions on its website for booking an empty seat, as do United and Delta.

Yet, some international airlines present this option at a more modest fee. The costs to secure that sought-after empty seat next to you vary by airline and flight duration, typically ranging from about $30 to $100 (or more).

Understanding How Empty Seat Offers Function

On select flights with available seats, airlines permit economy passengers to bid or pay a fee to keep the adjacent seat unoccupied. Depending on the airline, passengers may book directly through the carrier’s website; some airlines may also contact certain passengers in advance with this offer. Reservations depend on availability (meaning if the airline can sell the seat at full fare, you’ll end up with a neighbor, and your fee will be refunded).

Nevertheless, these offers receive mixed feedback from some aviation experts. Jakob Wert, editor in chief of International Flight Network, a German aviation trade publication, mentioned to Dinogo that he doesn’t find the programs “very beneficial” for travelers. “It really depends on the price, but… there’s still no solid guarantee” for an empty seat beside you, Wert states.

Yet, for travelers seeking a bit more space in economy, these offers can be just the solution for a more comfortable flight. Alice Ford, an adventure filmmaker based in Los Angeles, paid $120 to keep the adjacent seat free on a recent 13-hour flight from Jordan to the U.S., which she described as “nothing short of wonderful.”

“I ended up with both the window and middle seats, allowing me to stretch out more without having to disturb an entire row whenever I needed to get up or use the restroom,” Ford shares, noting that she would definitely “do this again” if the option were available.

Here’s a look at airlines providing neighbor-free seating options, along with how to book them.

These airlines enable passengers to buy an empty seat at a reduced price.

Etihad Airways

The Abu Dhabi-based airline, renowned for its exceptional customer service, is allowing economy passengers to enjoy some extra space with its Neighbor Free offer. Travelers can bid for up to three additional adjacent seats starting 72 hours before departure through the website, similar to how you can bid for an upgrade with several airlines. An Etihad representative did not disclose a specific price range but stated to Dinogo: “The fees are dynamic and vary based on route and season, aligned with our fare structure; it also depends on how many seats you choose.”

Eurowings

Reservations for an empty middle seat begin at $10 on this German low-cost airline but can increase depending on flight capacity. Passengers can secure their reservation during online booking via Eurowings’ website or at the airport ticket counter. Additionally, extra seat bookings must be made for all flights in the itinerary, not just individual segments.

Fiji Airways

The flag carrier of Fiji introduced its charmingly named “My Bubble” seat offer during the pandemic, which continues to be available for travelers seeking a little more room. Passengers can purchase up to two seats through the website starting from 72 hours and up to four hours before their flight, with a confirmation sent via email. Some restrictions apply: group tickets or those bought with rewards, redemption, or other discounts are not eligible. Moreover, My Bubble purchases are nonrefundable (sorry to, ahem, burst your bubble), except if the airline sells those seats. While specific pricing isn't provided, a recent report from Executive Traveller indicated that a My Bubble seat for a flight between Australia and Fiji was listed at $48.

Philippine Airlines

The Seat Select Neighbor-Free option is available on select Philippine Airlines flights for under $30. Passengers can check availability in advance, choose how many seats they wish to purchase, and await an email confirmation from the airline.

Qantas

Qantas’s newly introduced Neighbor Free offer is currently accessible in economy class on most of the airline’s domestic flights within Australia, as well as on certain international routes. Starting 48 hours before departure, eligible passengers will receive an email invitation to book a neighbor-free seat. Reservations can be made right up until one hour prior to departure for domestic flights and up to two hours for international flights. As with similar programs, neighbor-free seats depend on availability. Fees begin at approximately $28 each way for flights between Australia and New Zealand, and from $143 for long-haul routes between the United States and Australia.