Virgin Australia Launches ‘Neighbour-Free Seating’—More Elbow Room, Less Hassle

Ever dreamed of having the seat next to you free on your next flight? Virgin Australia is making that a reality, introducing Neighbour-Free Seating, an innovative way for eligible Economy travellers to nab a bit more space and privacy—without the price hike of an upgrade.

How Does Neighbour-Free Seating Work?

Available right now on select domestic and short-haul international services, the new service lets eligible Economy guests submit a bid to keep the seat beside them empty for the duration of their flight. You simply book your ticket, then place a bid via the Virgin Australia app—bids kick off from as little as $30, and you’ll be notified no later than two hours before departure if your bid is a winner.

It’s a clever, guest-first solution, especially with Aussie flyers increasingly seeking more comfort in the air. According to a 2023 Velocity Frequent Flyer survey, 42% of passengers would consider paying extra for an empty middle seat on international flights over three hours, and 35% said the same for longer domestic hops. Virgin Australia listened—and acted.

A Win for Comfort and Choice

Libby Minogue, airline executive at Virgin, says: “Neighbour-Free Seating is a clever add-on for Economy travellers who want certainty of extra space without the price tag. It’s a direct response to guest feedback and reflects our commitment to delivering value, choice, and a better onboard experience.”

It’s worth noting: Velocity Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus, and Forever Gold members (with some new tiers launching this October) who’ve pre-selected their seats and don’t bid for Neighbour-Free Seating, won’t lose their spot—so no need to worry about your hard-earned perks disappearing.

Innovation on a Roll

Neighbour-Free Seating joins a string of customer-centric innovations from Virgin Australia. Hot on its heels? The airline’s much-anticipated “Pets in Cabin” product, launching soon, which is already generating a buzz among pet lovers.

Tips for First-Timers and Frequent Flyers

• Set your bid as soon as you’ve booked, especially on busy routes—these seats will be popular.
• If you’re a loyal Velocity member, pre-select your seat as usual. Want that extra space? Place a bid anyway—the privacy will be worth the small fee.
• Unsure it’s worth it? Try it on a longer flight—having an empty seat beside you really does make a difference.

Bottom Line
Looking for comfort without breaking the bank? Virgin Australia’s Neighbour-Free Seating is a game changer—perfect for solo travellers, business flyers, or anyone just wanting a bit of quiet in the skies. For more details or to book your spot, head to Virgin Australia.