T-80: how the rule works and how to use it to book the best seats on the plane

By TravelWiseSep 20, 2023 09:27 AMNews
Share:
A Qantas airplane
A Qantas airplane. Source: CNN

The Australian airline Qantas is known for applying the "T-80" function to almost all flights. This means that the airline reserves a certain number of seats on the plane for its own needs, and then, 80 hours before departure, some of the seats are canceled and become available to passengers.

For adventurous travelers who are willing to buy tickets 80 hours before departure on vacation, this option may be ideal. This way, you can snatch the best seats. This life hack was shared by travel blogger Ben, who often shares his best travel tips on TikTok.

"Quite often, a lot of seats that were blocked by the airline are opened up. This way, you can still choose a seat even if it seems that it is not available if you log in," he explained.

T-80: how the rule works and how to use it to book the best seats on the plane
Travel blogger Ben. Source: Screenshot from the video

Ben warned that you need to act quickly because you are not the only ones who know about this feature.

When asked why airlines block seats, he added that it "allows them to offer the advantage of better seats to frequent flyers [and] manage the balance of the aircraft if it is not full."

The seats that are most often reserved by the airline and open to passengers 80 hours before departure are the first row of economy class, which have extra legroom.

Ben's subscribers tried this trick and confirmed that it really works.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Prague skyline with Charles Bridge and castle at sunset

Hamburg Adds Prague and Geneva Flights to easyJet Network

Apr 26, 2026 00:35 AM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against clear sky

Gdańsk to Vilnius Flights Cut Journey Time to Just Over an Hour

Apr 26, 2026 00:22 AM

Stansted Strike Set to Disrupt May Bank Holiday Travel

Apr 26, 2026 00:19 AM

Southend to Budapest Flights Launch With Twice-Weekly Schedule

Apr 26, 2026 00:06 AM
SkyAlps aircraft flying over Alpine mountain landscape

Salzburg Gets Direct Rome Flights With Twice-Weekly SkyAlps Service

Apr 25, 2026 23:53 PM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting inside an airport terminal at sunset

Europe Travel Plans Hold as Safety and Costs Come Into Focus

Apr 25, 2026 23:47 PM
View of Malaga city with coastline and harbour in Spain

easyJet Adds Winter Sun Routes From Bordeaux

Apr 25, 2026 23:44 PM
Rail workers carrying out maintenance on tracks

Liverpool Lime Street to Close Over Early May Bank Holiday Weekend

Apr 25, 2026 23:41 PM
Aerial view of Frankfurt Airport Terminal 3 and aircraft stands

Frankfurt Opens Terminal 3 as Airlines Begin Move in Phases

Apr 24, 2026 10:58 AM

Flights Resume Between Doha and UAE as Damascus Returns to Map

Apr 24, 2026 10:45 AM

Rome to Santo Domingo Joins ITA’s Winter Long-Haul Line-Up

Apr 24, 2026 10:32 AM
China Eastern Airlines aircraft in flight against clear sky

Xi’an Gains First Direct Link to Vienna With New China Eastern Route

Apr 24, 2026 10:29 AM
Small dog sitting inside a pet travel carrier bag

New EU Pet Rules Add Costs and Paperwork for UK Travellers

Apr 24, 2026 01:36 AM
Colourful contemporary African artwork with symbolic figures and abstract elements

African Art Tour to Travel Across Four Capitals Before Brussels Stop

Apr 24, 2026 01:23 AM
airBaltic aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Riga–Oulu Flights to Continue Through Winter After Strong Early Demand

Apr 24, 2026 01:17 AM

Jet2 Adds Paris Route From East Midlands for Summer 2027

Apr 23, 2026 21:04 PM

Ryanair Tightens Check-In Cut-Off With Earlier Desk Closures

Apr 23, 2026 20:51 PM
Exterior view of historic building on corner of Piccadilly and Albemarle Street in London

Mayfair Bank Building to Become Boutique Hotel

Apr 23, 2026 20:48 PM
Frankfurt skyline with modern skyscrapers and historic buildings along the river

Shannon Adds Direct Frankfurt Flight With Weekly Summer Service

Apr 23, 2026 20:35 PM
Kruunuvuorensilta bridge over water connecting Helsinki islands

Helsinki Opens Car-Free Bridge Linking Islands to City

Apr 23, 2026 20:22 PM
AEGEAN and Air China representatives signing codeshare agreement in office

Aegean Links Greece to China With New Air China Deal

Apr 23, 2026 20:19 PM
Children digging sand with buckets and spades on beach

UK Coastguard Warns Over Deep Sand Holes at Busy Beaches

Apr 22, 2026 21:26 PM

Ryanair Urges Austria to Scrap €12 Flight Tax Amid Route Cuts

Apr 22, 2026 21:13 PM

Athens Weighs Limits on New Hotels Amid Tourism Pressure

Apr 22, 2026 21:07 PM
Lufthansa aircraft taking off with mountains in background

Lufthansa Cuts Short-Haul Flights While Shifting Focus to Key Hubs

Apr 22, 2026 21:19 PM
Shop window sign displaying large SALE text

Big Orange Sale Opens Early Deals on 2026–2027 Holidays

Apr 22, 2026 02:54 AM