Virgin Australia has introduced “Neighbour-Free Seating,” a paid option that lets Economy passengers keep the adjacent seat empty, beginning a progressive rollout across domestic and short-haul international services operated by Boeing 737 aircraft from September 2025.
The product will appear on select flights and expand over time.
The airline is offering two ways to secure the extra space.
Travellers can bid for a Neighbour-Free seat after booking: submit an offer, enter payment details, and receive a decision by email no later than two hours before departure (charges apply only if the bid succeeds).
On some flights within 48 hours of departure, customers may instead instantly purchase a Neighbour-Free seat and receive immediate confirmation.
Virgin Australia cautions that Neighbour-Free Seating remains subject to operational needs. Even after confirmation, the empty seat isn’t guaranteed; if the airline later reallocates the seat (for example, on a full flight) customers will be notified and automatically refunded.
Passengers who change or cancel their flight under their fare rules will forfeit the Neighbour-Free fee.
The option applies only to eligible Virgin Australia-operated flights booked on a Virgin Australia ticket. It excludes travellers seated in Business Class or Economy X.
Guests may bid for both a Neighbour-Free seat and an UpgradeMe Premium Bid to Business at the same time; if both succeed, the Business upgrade takes priority and the Neighbour-Free fee is automatically refunded.
Neighbour-Free Seating provides space only – it does not increase baggage allowances and cannot be used to store cabin bags on the spare seat (though a personal item may be stowed under the seat in front of it).
If another guest occupies the reserved seat at boarding or moves into it mid-flight, cabin crew can assist, and an automatic refund is issued where the airline has reassigned the seat.
Travellers can check eligibility and manage bids or purchases via Virgin Australia’s website and app as the rollout continues. Pricing varies by route and will be displayed during the offer or purchase flow.
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