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
Air India aircraft taking off

Air India to Drug-Test Every Pilot After Cannabis Case

Aug 16, 2026 19:22 PM
River cruise boats sailing on the Danube in Budapest

Europe’s Drying Rivers Force Cruise Cancellations

Aug 16, 2026 19:09 PM

Tourist Seriously Injured at Skiathos Plane-Spotting Hotspot

Aug 15, 2026 22:46 PM

Brits Over 50 Say Not Travelling More Is Their Biggest Regret

Aug 15, 2026 22:33 PM
Guest room overlooking Istanbul Airport

New 485-Room Hotel Opens Six Minutes From Istanbul Airport

Aug 14, 2026 22:27 PM
Railway tracks and overhead lines

Genoa–Acqui Terme Rail Line to Close for Nearly a Month

Aug 14, 2026 22:14 PM
Colorado River winding through the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Without the Crowds? Try These Spots

Aug 14, 2026 22:01 PM
Crowd gathered during a strike

EMR Strike to Slash Services on 15 August

Aug 14, 2026 21:58 PM
Mount Etna erupting at night in Sicily

Etna Eruption Strands Travellers as Catania Flights Stay Grounded

Aug 14, 2026 01:25 AM

Southwest Passenger Dies After In-Flight Emergency

Aug 13, 2026 23:42 PM

Nearly Half of Americans Want a ‘Skillcation’

Aug 13, 2026 23:39 PM
Passenger in Etihad Airways premium cabin

Gothenburg Gets First Direct UAE Flights This Winter

Aug 13, 2026 23:26 PM
High-speed passenger train travelling through the UK

Eurostar Could Face New London–Paris Rival by 2029

Aug 13, 2026 22:53 PM
VR double-decker train at Haparanda station

Finland and Sweden Reconnect by Train After 38 Years

Aug 13, 2026 00:07 AM
Two dogs running through shallow seawater

Where Can You Swim With Your Dog in Spain?

Aug 12, 2026 23:54 PM

New Five-Star Hotel Opens Beside Sinaia Ski Slopes

Aug 12, 2026 23:41 PM

Why Zuckerberg’s Yacht Didn’t Help Stranded Boaters in Alaska

Aug 12, 2026 23:38 PM
Aerial view of Huddersfield station upgrade works

Huddersfield Station Closure to Disrupt Transpennine Trips This Autumn

Aug 12, 2026 23:25 PM
Travellers walking through an airport terminal

Europe’s €20 ETIAS Still Isn’t Live - Don’t Apply Yet

Aug 12, 2026 23:12 PM
Air France aircraft parked at Paris airport

Paris Orly Runway Closure to Affect 3,000 Flights

Aug 12, 2026 23:09 PM
Portuguese man o’ war washed onto sand

Portuguese Man o’ War Warning Hits French and Spanish Beaches

Aug 12, 2026 22:56 PM
Ancient Greek temple ruins at sunset

Nolan’s The Odyssey Puts Ithaca on More Travel Lists

Aug 12, 2026 22:43 PM

Wizz Air Passenger Nearly Missed Santorini Flight Over Cabin Bag

Aug 12, 2026 20:37 PM

Ten Jet2 Flights Could Give Passengers Eclipse Views

Aug 11, 2026 23:54 PM
Mount Etna overlooking Catania in Sicily

Etna Eruption Halts Catania Flights Until Wednesday Morning

Aug 11, 2026 23:41 PM
Amanvari resort exterior in Baja California

$4,600 Amanvari Stay Cancelled Hours Before Reviewer Arrived

Aug 11, 2026 23:18 PM