Qantas Neighbour Free Seat Reservations

[RooFlyer]

Having flown both Virgin and Qantas I'd say they both have their merits. In terms of onboard service Virgin blows Qantas out of the water. But in terms of hard product, I think QF is a cut above Virgin, especially in J. Certainly the domestic business and first lounges for Qantas are better than that of Virgin.

I think you need to put price into the equation and then see if the domestic $ difference QF over VA is worth the particular domestic lounge experiences you might have (and QF Vs other carriers for international).

 

[SYD]

$36?

Yes, that‘s right. But a spare seat each way for another $36 would have been a bargain if offered…!

I haven't spent that much on my JQ return flight to PER from SYD. It was $36 for the Starter fare. Perfect for a weekend trip to PER and a great way to sample the various QF lounges along the way as a Gold. It will also be interesting to see how seating works since I haven't paid for anything extra here.

OT, but not exactly perfect for lounge access in SYD. Hopefully the LCC terminal gets its act together by then so you can transfer landslide in less than 1 or 2 hrs.

There really needs to be an airside connector between T2/T3.

 

[ferntree]

There really needs to be an airside connector between T2/T3.

+1 if it's physically possible. My feeble brain can't figure out how though ...

 

[JohnK]

This article mentions the old Platinum shadow. I didnt have a shadow to Hawaii, don't appear to have one for my upcoming flight to USA
I do on occasions buy a shadow (I am fat) but would the opportunity to buy a non points/credits seat for international for less than current

I'm fat too but Im not sure I would spend too much on an extra seat given current airfare prices.

I did have a spare seat SYD-BKK a few weeks ago. It may be worth chancing luck.

 

[SYD]

+1 if it's physically possible. My feeble brain can't figure out how though ...

Still OT:
Join the the dots between the terminals!

Someone posted in another thread that they just need to sort out what to do with the old heritage terminal that currently hosts some mobile phone repeaters and lunch rooms. It really wouldn’t be that hard - even as a minimum, an airside walkway…

 

[ferntree]

It really wouldn’t be that hard - even as a minimum, an airside walkway…

That would make sense ...

 

[JohnK]

Real-world scenario, which would you prefer on a 737:

- 6C with someone next to you
- 18C with nobody next to you

"preferred seats" don't mean much in the real world.

The best seat on the plane is the one with nobody next to you.

18C without thinking twice about it.

 

[jpp42]

Someone posted in another thread that they just need to sort out what to do with the old heritage terminal that currently hosts some mobile phone repeaters and lunch rooms. It really wouldn’t be that hard - even as a minimum, an airside walkway…

We're talking about SYD, correct? Even if those single story buildings are largely left alone, they could construct an airside bridge above them - I've seen similar setups at airports all over the world. I guess the problem is they need a business case - it might save a few shifts of security screeners to allow people to move between T2/T3 airside, but that's probably not enough to justify the expense, and Qantas isn't going to spend any of their own money on this.

 

[SYD]

We're talking about SYD, correct? Even if those single story buildings are largely left alone, they could construct an airside bridge above them - I've seen similar setups at airports all over the world. I guess the problem is they need a business case - it might save a few shifts of security screeners to allow people to move between T2/T3 airside, but that's probably not enough to justify the expense, and Qantas isn't going to spend any of their own money on this.

There’s actually room for a few more gates as well as the regional stuff that would provide expansion capacity for both QF and JQ as well as obviously a more seamless connection experience between QF and JQ in SYD.

Although something for another thread and another day.

 

[Mattg]

We must be getting close to the end of the six-week Neighbour Free trial period now. I wonder how it's been going?

Has anyone been offered this yet?

Almost every QF flight I've been on lately has been 100% full - it's obviously not that useful when this is the case.

 

[Vic]

Just got this email...
The Link goes to PlusGrade, which I've send for upgrade type things for other airlines. Not using it on this occassion. Have only been offerred it for domestic flight, not the connecting Trans-pacific flight. lol

We know a little extra space can go a long way when flying in Economy.

So why not make your seat Neighbour Free?* Starting from as low as $45 AUD, when you request Neighbour Free, the seat next to you remains free throughout your flight.^

Adding Neighbour Free to your booking is easy

Select your Standard Seat.~ If you’ve already selected your seat, this will be displayed. Select the highlighted Neighbour Free option next to your Standard Seat. Provide your payment details and submit your request. We'll email you confirming your reservation

Gotta cash in on the Shonky award, I guess.

 

[Vic]

Terms and Conditions Foot notes:

Important Information
* Neighbour Free may be offered to customers travelling on Qantas operated flights in Economy. Neighbour Free refers to the empty seat next to an Eligible Customer which they have reserved, for a cost, on their eligible flight. Eligible customers will receive an invitation email to purchase Neighbour Free, which will reserve the seat next to them. Neighbour Free refers to the personal seat space only and doesn’t include any additional baggage allowances and cannot be used for infant seating or to place items such as carry-on baggage or musical instruments. The amount for Neighbour Free is separate and additional to the amount paid (if applicable) for seating in the original booking. Qantas Points cannot be earned on this seat type. Neighbour Free is available for purchase between 48 hours and 1 hour before departure. Customers are responsible for ensuring that they have sufficient funds on their nominated payment card at the time of purchase.

^ Neighbour Free cannot be guaranteed as seats may need to be changed for operational, safety or security reasons, even after boarding the aircraft. For more information on cancellations and refund eligibility,

Full conditions:

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/seat-selection/neighbour-free/terms-conditions.html

 

[Mattg]

It looks like the trial must have been moderately successful, as I've seen a few instances of Qantas offering this in recent weeks. Doesn't seem to be that widespread though.

 

[Port Power]

It looks like the trial must have been moderately successful, as I've seen a few instances of Qantas offering this in recent weeks. Doesn't seem to be that widespread though.

I expect it has not been worth paying for on the shorter east coast flights, only PER to east coast capitals or return. I wonder if the WP “ghost” seat has suffered because of this trial? I’ll find out on Friday if my ghost seat PER-DRW remains free or not.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Personally, I would do it (comfort seat booking) from the start, at leas then I know I have a 95% of an empty seat next to me.
This one, as in the title, is also, for a cost.
Apart from the WP of having "guaranteed" an empty seat next to flyer, of course, "for free".
I would (on longer routes) still prefer to buy a comfort seat booking from the start.
Have done it QF WLG - MEL, and works very well.
Also done it with the Au opposition airline (VAd).

 

[Beano]

Personally, I would do it (comfort seat booking) from the start, at leas then I know I have a 95% of an empty seat next to me.
This one, as in the title, is also, for a cost.
Apart from the WP of having "guaranteed" an empty seat next to flyer, of course, "for free".
I would (on longer routes) still prefer to buy a comfort seat booking from the start.
Have done it QF WLG - MEL, and works very well.
Also done it with the Au opposition airline (VAd).

I have to agree, WLG-MEL being one of my regular routes recently. I was once offered "neighbor free" for six consecutive flights and declined all. I still had neighbour free on all, if you don't count one J upgrade.

 

[chrispy3276]

Will allow people from T-48 on selected flights to 'reserve' the seat next to you if you're travelling in Y on Aussie domestic flights.

Both your seat and your reserved seat will be on your boarding pass.

Can be paid by cash only (credit or debit card), and cost will vary depending on your flight.

Info: https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/seat-selection/neighbour-free.html

Edit: T&C's also state it will also be available on international flights (QF1 - 329) which I'm guessing will be made available soon after.

 

[AIRwin]

Trial must have been a $ucce$$:

Qantas Neighbour Free Seat Reservations

Qantas Trials Neighbour Free Seat Reservations is an article written by AFF editorial staff: https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/qantas-neighbour-free/ You can leave a comment or discuss this topic below.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[Blackswan]

Yeah, I got an offer last week for a PER-BNE red-eye on the 737. Wasn't going to take it up (had to cancel the trip, anyway).

 

[chrispy3276]

Trial must have been a $ucce$$:

Qantas Neighbour Free Seat Reservations

Qantas Trials Neighbour Free Seat Reservations is an article written by AFF editorial staff: https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/qantas-neighbour-free/ You can leave a comment or discuss this topic below.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

Didn't even know there was a trial of it! Yep, definitely gotta be money in it for them to roll it out more broadly. Great way to get some extra revenue without having any extra passengers on board.