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

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

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

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News
Train approaching on suburban rail line viewed from inside carriage

Nationwide Rail Strike May Disrupt Rome Airport Links

Jan 9, 2026 18:04 PM
Aircraft on a snowy apron during winter weather disruption

Snowstorm Disrupts Flights as Europe Faces Winter Surge

Jan 9, 2026 17:32 PM

Tirana Adds Two New Summer Routes

Jan 9, 2026 04:04 AM

UK Introduces eVisa and ETA Requirements in Early 2026

Jan 9, 2026 03:28 AM
Philadelphia Museum of Art with city skyline in the background

Edinburgh Gains Extra Transatlantic Flights for 2026

Jan 9, 2026 03:03 AM
Cityscape of Wrocław with historic buildings and river

Paris Flights Coming to Wrocław in April 2026

Jan 9, 2026 02:05 AM
Passengers queue inside an airport terminal

Air Travel in Italy Faces Disruption on 9 January Due to National Strikes

Jan 9, 2026 01:18 AM
Beach with sun loungers, umbrellas and people swimming

Seasonal Nonstop Flights Open Fresh Options for European Holidaymakers

Jan 9, 2026 00:38 AM
Passengers outside Lisbon Oriente station building

Soldiers Deployed at Lisbon Airport After EU Finds Serious Border Control Failures

Jan 8, 2026 21:20 PM

Snow and Ice Keep Schiphol Flight Schedules Unstable

Jan 8, 2026 09:38 AM

Italy Prepares for Flight Delays as National Aviation Strike Set for 9 January

Jan 8, 2026 04:37 AM
Lufthansa aircraft on the apron during ground operations

One Booking Reference Instead of Many: Lufthansa Moves Towards Unified Travel Records

Jan 8, 2026 03:38 AM
Snow-covered airport apron during cold weather operations

Limoges Airport Disruption Continues After De-Icing Equipment Failure

Jan 8, 2026 02:08 AM
Ski lift operating above alpine mountain valley

Winter Ski Escapes Within Easy Reach of Europe’s Major Airports

Jan 8, 2026 01:30 AM
Air New Zealand aircraft on runway during daytime

Air New Zealand Opens January Sale With Low Fares Across Its Global Network

Jan 7, 2026 11:47 AM

Popular European Cities Lead airBaltic’s 2025 Routes as 2026 Sale Opens

Jan 7, 2026 10:42 AM

January Rail and S-Bahn Works Disrupt Public Transport Access to Berlin BER Airport

Jan 7, 2026 09:34 AM
American Airlines aircraft operating scheduled passenger flight

American Airlines Plans Free High-Speed Wi-Fi on Most Flights Starting 2026

Jan 7, 2026 08:34 AM
Wizz Air aircraft operating a scheduled European flight

Wizz Air Opens New Year Sale With Discounts Across Its 2026 Network

Jan 6, 2026 22:31 PM
Jet2 aircraft at Manchester Airport runway

Manchester Airport Expands 2026 Network With New Mediterranean and Island Routes

Jan 6, 2026 20:37 PM
Cattle grazing in parkland near historic Oxfordshire buildings

Bus Routes Keep Oxfordshire Day Trips Within Reach

Jan 6, 2026 09:31 AM
Train travelling through snowy countryside during winter weather

Snow and Ice Warnings Disrupt Rail and Bus Travel Across Wales and the Borders

Jan 6, 2026 08:37 AM

Qatar Airways Adds Hail to Network With New Saudi Route

Jan 6, 2026 03:31 AM

Delta Restarts Caribbean Flights After FAA Airspace Closure

Jan 6, 2026 02:32 AM
A train platform at London King’s Cross station

King’s Cross First Class Lounge to Close for Refurbishment Ahead of Spring Reopening

Jan 6, 2026 01:06 AM
Commercial aircraft on runway during winter conditions

Snow Brings Flight Cuts at Paris Airports as Disruption Spreads Across Europe

Jan 6, 2026 00:36 AM