Virgin Australia Neighbour-Free Seating

[Mattg]

Virgin is rolling out the same Neighbour-Free Seating concept that Qantas introduced a couple of years ago. Basically, you can bid to have the seat next to you kept empty.

You can bid for Neighbour-Free in the same way you bid for an upgrade to business class. Or, within 48 hours of departure VA might offer Neighbour-Free for a fixed price. I've seen other airlines offer this recently when checking in online, such as Kenya Airways (of all airlines). Prices start from $30, according to VA.

It's not available in Economy X or J.

https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/travel-info/onboard-experience/neighbour-free-seating/

Initially this product is available on the following routes:

• Melbourne-Adelaide
• Melbourne-Sydney
• Brisbane-Sydney
• Brisbane-Cairns
• Melbourne-Perth
• Sydney-Perth
• Brisbane-Samoa
• Melbourne-Bali

 

[kerfuffle]

I'd rather the seat behind me be free so that my bottom isn't assaulted by someone rifling in the seat pocket every 30 seconds when sitting in Y

Edit: Just had a look for my upcoming SYD-MEL return flight early October while looking at my Upgrade bids. Minimum bid is $30, max bid (at the moment) is $40

 

[ols]

Only really handy for Gold or below or no status.
It would be rare for platinum and above not to be Economy X or J