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Virgin Australia has launched a new “Neighbour-Free Seating” product, allowing economy passengers to pay extra to leave the seat next to them empty.
Passengers travelling in economy on select domestic and short-haul international flights can bid to keep their neighbouring seats open as of this Wednesday, offering extra space. Bids are not open to passengers travelling in Economy X or business class seats, and extra baggage is not included.
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According to Virgin Australia, the move comes after a 2023 Velocity Frequent Flyer customer survey found that 42 per cent of Virgin passengers would pay extra to keep the middle seat empty on international flights over three hours, and 35 per cent on domestic flights over three hours.
“Our priority is to give Virgin Australia guests even more value and choice when they choose to fly with us. Neighbour-Free Seating is a clever add-on for Economy travellers who want the certainty of extra space without the price tag,” Virgin Australia executive Libby Minogue said.
“We actively listen to guest feedback, and this initiative is a direct response to what our customers have told us they want. It is a step forward in enhancing the onboard experience and a game changer for those who want more comfort and space during their flight.”
Neighbour-Free Seating will initially be available on flights between Melbourne and Adelaide; Melbourne and Sydney; Brisbane and Sydney; Brisbane and Cairns; Melbourne and Perth; Sydney and Perth; Brisbane and Samoa; and Melbourne and Bali, with wider implementation to come later.
The news comes as Virgin prepares to roll out its pets-in-cabins service as a trial on certain domestic flights next month.
Pets will be allowed in the cabin on flights between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast, and Melbourne and the Gold Coast, starting 16 October. The trial will gather insights and feedback from customers until 30 January 2026, before a broader domestic rollout next year.
The only pets allowed on board will be small dogs or cats in approved carriers, at an extra charge of $149. The combined weight of the pet and the carrier must not exceed 8kg, and only four animals in total will be allowed on board, to be stowed under seats 18A, 18F, 20A, and 20F.
