Qantas Neighbour Free Seat Reservations

[get me outta here]

I’m sure the FAs are really looking forward to sorting out squabbles.
(Years ago I paid $10 for the only spare seat, next to me on a JQ HNL - SYD in Y. Was much more comfortable on the window side).

 

[RooFlyer]

I've not heard about the "shadow", but then I haven't had a long haul flight in 3 years.

"Unpublished benefit', applicable to Plat & above on a QF flight (short or long haul), I think, in economy (never heard of it in Business )

 

[Ade]

I am wondering if WP still get there shadow seat.

What was once not-a-published-benefit is now quoted as a fact ... I'd be very interested to see those shadow seats stick for WP's and above ... I love the idea of an empty seat next to me, although I always keep the hand rest down between me & the empty seat,.

 

[apj01]

Qantas Trials Neighbour Free Seat Reservations is an article written by AFF editorial staff:

Qantas Expands Neighbour Free Seat Reservations

Qantas Neighbour Free allows customers on selected domestic flights to reserve an empty neighbouring seat for a fee, starting from $30.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

You can leave a comment or discuss this topic below.

So in a row of three seats, you are in seat one, and hold seat two. The guy in seat three starts putting his stuff on the empty seat two. Cue the next in flight drama.

 

[RooFlyer]

So in a row of three seats, you are in seat one, and hold seat two. The guy in seat three starts putting his stuff on the empty seat two. Cue the next in flight drama.

Solution offered above.

 

[Milefest]

At least the reserved seat is ticketed. Nothing worse than a novice traveller moving to sit in your shadow after departure.

 

[Port Power]

Why not, if people are happy to pay for it. Great idea.
In theory there is no "enhancement" with this new offering, though like a few here, I am wondering if WP still get there shadow seat.

I am expecting to receive the email asking if I want to reserve and pay, rather than just receive the shadow seat as before. QF making a little more money from something that was previously free. If I don't pay, then it is more likely that the seat next to me will be occupied and a paid "neighbour seat" given elsewhere.

It will be interesting to see who receives these invitation emails. WP/P1 only, or WP and Gold only?

 

[justin23]

Also, who's to say Qantas won't sell the "Neighbour Free" seat to both pax either side...

They almost certainly will sell the aisle and window. Theres nothing saying the seat is yours only The seat number on the boarding pass is just likely to help the onboard staff.
Also its different to a comfort seat where that seat is yours.

I'd be far more interested in this for international flights.

 

[mrsterryn]

If travelling solo, would you tell the other person sitting in your row that you have paid for the middle seat, to avoid the awkwardness of who gets to put their stuff on it?

Have to say on a flight back from LA in 2020 I had a platinum shadow, my fat seat and my regular seat.
I moved very fast to have all the armrests up once take off had happened.

 

[Daver6]

Next up you'll be able to bid to get space in the locker over your seat...

 

[dajop]

Of course there is (or perhaps now should be was now?) a way to guarantee a shadow on the golden triangle flights. Sometimes a very big shadow. Just fly Rex

 

[Princess Fiona]

"Unpublished benefit', applicable to Plat & above on a QF flight (short or long haul), I think, in economy (never heard of it in Business )

I quite often have the seat next to me blocked in Dom J on a 737.
Sometimes disappears on the day but can see the block on EF prior.

 

[toowongman]

Seems like a good way to increase working capital for QF.

 

[Greg555]

Incorrect. Did you even read the terms?

You get it automatically within 2 weeks and if not, fill a form out, response in 3-5 days and refund within 2 weeks.

I read the terms- every word. But as we know, Qantas will be the last to honour them, and they always do whatever suits their $$ grab, regardless how pernicious it is for customers...
From long painful experience.

 

[Scarlett]

I’m interested in this bit:
Qantas says that this empty seat cannot be used for carry-on baggage storage or infant seating.
Is it going to be policed…

Some carry on goes under the seat in front of the empty seat, freeing up my foot space! Hazaaa.
And can’t wait to see an FA tell a single parent that they can’t put their baby there (probably sleeping)… and yes I understand the difference between seat belts and infant belts; I also understand the practicalities of life.

 

[QF029]

200 per cent correct.

Seems pointless to spend extra for such an uncertain benefit. If there's many spare seats a quiet word at check-in may see one travelling with a 'shadow'.

Not pointless as most people wouldn't know or don't the the FF gravitas to pull it off.

If you don't get it you don't pay.

 

[Danger]

What was once not-a-published-benefit is now quoted as a fact ... I'd be very interested to see those shadow seats stick for WP's and above ... I love the idea of an empty seat next to me, although I always keep the hand rest down between me & the empty seat,.

Where is it now quoted as a fact?

 

[justinbrett]

I’ve had a very good success rate with WP shadows - even once had the only spare seat on SYD-HNL next to me. I never expect it but it’s always nice when it happens.

As for this idea specifically, it isn’t a terrible idea as long as you only pay if you receive it, I wouldn’t be bothered if the person on the other side wanted to put some things on the seat and we share the tray to put our meals when finished eating. This is what civilised people do. You’re paying not to have someone beside you, not to have two seats. I have no problem if QF sells it to both parties.

 

[downgraded]

It isn’t a terrible idea as long as you only pay if you receive it

The bad part of the concept is that it is simply a money grab if qantas has failed to sell the seats - you don't get the option at booking time. It's the same issue with points upgrades - other airlines let the consumer lock in these types of upgrades at booking time whereas Qantas is "allowing" select customers to later buy a benefit they would likely otherwise be giving away for free to some lucky punter. I know they let you think you got a cheap spare seat for some extra space, but even after they've sold it to you they reserve the right to take it away again.

 

[Port Power]

The bad part of the concept is that it is simply a money grab if qantas has failed to sell the seats - you don't get the option at booking time. It's the same issue with points upgrades - other airlines let the consumer lock in these types of upgrades at booking time whereas Qantas is "allowing" select customers to later buy a benefit they would likely otherwise be giving away for free to some lucky punter. I know they let you think you got a cheap spare seat for some extra space, but even after they've sold it to you they reserve the right to take it away again.

Do you really think that QF should refuse to sell the seat for $360 to a latecomer because you paid $30? Of course the “neighbour seat“ cannot be guaranteed until check in. A “comfort seat” is guaranteed because full price is paid for it.