Selecting your seat for a future flight can sometimes be a little stressful, especially when you are plus-size and want to make sure your choice is a comfy one!
You can check which seats to avoid by looking at the seating chart on the aeroplane, however, you won’t be able to choose your aboard neighbours, and you won’t be able to predict in advance if you’ll be fortunate enough to have an entire row to yourself. We all know how helpful it can be to have the little bit of extra space when travelling, so coming across airlines that make things easier is always a bonus.
While it’s not as great as Southwest’s Customer of Size policy, neighbour free seating is a useful extra feature as for a small charge, you can block out the seat next to you as well.
Neighbour Free Seating: Which Airlines Offer It?
Qantas Airlines
Qantas announced the trial period of its ‘Neighbour-Free’ seating choice at the beginning of September, giving economy-class customers extra space to relax.
The seat is not guaranteed to remain empty until departure time, but it certainly gives you more opportunity to have a free seat next to you, giving us plus-size travellers more room to breathe and a more comfortable flight.
The trial is by invitation only and is available to eligible customers who have booked chosen domestic routes. If you are eligible for it, you will get an invitation around 48 hours prior to your flight. To book, you just follow the link in the email, choose the Neighbour-Free option next to your Standard Seat, and pay with a credit or debit card.
This does mean that your comfort costs you between $30 to $65, and when travelling on a budget, it might not be viable. However, if the extra comfort will get you on that plane, go for it!
You do need to consider the fact that there is no guarantee of an additional seat until departure. In the event that any purchases will be refunded. You should also be aware that it also doesn’t include any additional luggage.
Qantas is not the only company that provides the choice to be more comfortable as a plus-size traveller.
These are some other airlines that let you buy a neighbour-free seat:
Fiji Airways
In order to provide clients with more comfort, privacy, and social distancing, Fiji Airways launched “My Bubble Seat” in 2021. Purchases of the option can be made 72 to 4 hours before to departure time, depending on availability at check-in.
Another option that lets customers reserve an entire row on long-haul economy flights is called “My Island.” Afterwards, visitors can lie down across the row with ease thanks to extra features including a mattress topper, a pillow the size of a business class, an extra blanket, and a seat belt extender.
Emirates
Since March 2021, Emirates has allowed economy customers to purchase up to three connected seats at the airport check-in desk before departure. The airline acknowledges that the initiative was created in response to travellers who preferred economy class but needed extra space. This includes couples who want a row to themselves, parents with newborns on their laps, and people who want a little extra space. The upgrade will cost between $55 and $185 so it is definitely one of the pricier options on this list.
Etihad
Etihad offers ‘Economy Neighbour-Free’ seating for customers looking for a little more space. The option to do this, which is available 72 to four hours before departure time, can be accessed by inputting the reference number for the reservation and name through the seat selection page. Passengers can select up to three adjacent seats.
Philippines Airlines
Philippines Airlines will let you block out the seats next to you in economy class for as little as $30, giving you more space and leaving you more comfortable. Eligible passengers will be notified via email 48 hours before their flight and will be able to purchase the option at check-in. You can select up to three seats that are connecting and your seat selection will be confirmed when you are boarding.
Sri Lankan Airlines
All travellers who have purchased an Economy Class seat on Sri Lankan Airlines within 48 hours of their flight may reserve a Neighbour-Free Seat online, according to the requirements listed below. Your flight must be serviced by Sri Lankan Airlines, and your ticket number must begin with 603. It’s certainly worth asking if this is an option through customer services if The Neighbour-Free Seat option is not available to passengers who have requested special services such as a wheelchair, stretcher, infant seats, or a bassinet.
Eurowings
This is the most affordable option that we have found. Starting just from 10 Euros book a middle seat on Eurowings next to you. Bargain! And certainly worth it for the chance of getting a middle seat free. It’s of course only available as long as there are free seats on the plane.
Would you book a neighbour free seat? It could be the way forward with hiring your chances of getting the extra space that you want on your next flight.
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