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
easyJet aircraft taxiing on runway at airport under cloudy sky

easyJet Holidays Adds Malmö and Potsdam to Short Break Map

Apr 28, 2026 23:45 PM
United Airlines aircraft parked at airport gate with ground equipment

United Expands Summer 2026 Flights With New Direct Routes to Europe

Apr 28, 2026 23:32 PM

Berlin Airport Rail Changes Set to Affect May Travel Plans

Apr 28, 2026 23:29 PM

Greece Expands Beach Restrictions Across Protected Coastlines

Apr 28, 2026 23:16 PM
Visitors inside futuristic indoor exhibition space with colourful installations

New Indoor Attraction Planned for South Wales

Apr 27, 2026 22:23 PM
Street mural with orange figures on building wall

Beyond Museums: Oslo’s Street Art Scene

Apr 27, 2026 22:17 PM
Passengers boarding a Ryanair aircraft via stairs on the apron

Ryanair to Close Berlin Base as Flights Cut Back

Apr 27, 2026 22:04 PM
Aerial view of sandy beach with umbrellas and clear turquoise water in Thassos

Jet2 Adds Thassos Flights With New UK-Kavala Links

Apr 27, 2026 21:51 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft flying against cloudy sky

Emirates A380 Returns With Starlink Wi-Fi Upgrade

Apr 27, 2026 21:48 PM

Hamburg Adds Prague and Geneva Flights to easyJet Network

Apr 26, 2026 00:35 AM

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

Apr 26, 2026 00:22 AM
Airport workers in high-visibility vests during strike action with megaphone

Stansted Strike Set to Disrupt May Bank Holiday Travel

Apr 26, 2026 00:19 AM
easyJet aircraft flying over city landscape at sunset

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

easyJet Adds Winter Sun Routes From Bordeaux

Apr 25, 2026 23:44 PM

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
Qatar Airways aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Flights Resume Between Doha and UAE as Damascus Returns to Map

Apr 24, 2026 10:45 AM
Aerial view of Santo Domingo coastline and port

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

African Art Tour to Travel Across Four Capitals Before Brussels Stop

Apr 24, 2026 01:23 AM

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

Apr 24, 2026 01:17 AM
Jet2 aircraft on runway at airport

Jet2 Adds Paris Route From East Midlands for Summer 2027

Apr 23, 2026 21:04 PM
Ryanair passenger aircraft in flight against clear sky

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

Apr 23, 2026 20:51 PM