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
Aerial view of Wrocław’s historic centre and rivers

Ryanair Adds New Newcastle–Wrocław Link for Winter 2025

Dec 6, 2025 01:22 AM
Air India aircraft on the ground during pre-departure procedures

Air India–Maldivian Deal Opens New Pathways Across the Maldives

Dec 6, 2025 00:38 AM

Air France Expands La Première Offering Across New Long-Haul Routes

Dec 5, 2025 23:46 PM

Helsinki Stopover: How to Turn a Layover into a Mini City Break

Dec 5, 2025 23:39 PM
Rail worker inspecting track during maintenance

Winter Rail Disruptions Expected on Rome-Viterbo Route Due to Viterbo Porta Romana Works

Dec 5, 2025 20:33 PM
Intense lightning strike illuminating a stormy night sky

Red Alert in Thessaly Signals Major Disruption for Travellers

Dec 5, 2025 19:54 PM
Modern hotel room with double bed and soft lighting

More Places to Stay: Kinshasa Expands Its Hotel Network

Dec 5, 2025 01:27 AM
High speed train entering a tunnel at an Italian railway station

Fiumicino Airport Trains Face Changes During December Engineering Works

Dec 5, 2025 00:31 AM
Air France Airbus aircraft climbing against a clear blue sky

New Air France Link Brings Twice-Daily Paris Flights to Gatwick in 2026

Dec 4, 2025 23:43 PM

Winter Travel in Britain Shifts as New Restaurants Redraw Regional Food Maps

Dec 4, 2025 23:35 PM

Ryanair Adds Sixth Aircraft to Boost Liverpool Routes

Dec 4, 2025 23:19 PM
Fresh white bedding in a bright hotel room

New Lodging Development Reshapes Hyderabad’s Visitor Map

Dec 4, 2025 18:48 PM
Rough sea wave under dark storm clouds

Severe Sea Conditions Disrupt Travel Along Asturias’ Eastern Coast

Dec 4, 2025 17:28 PM
Aerial view of Hurghada’s coastline and resort area

Glasgow Secures New Year-Round Route to Hurghada

Dec 4, 2025 10:36 AM
Ryanair aircraft approaching for landing

More Direct Destinations Opening from Gdańsk Next Summer

Dec 3, 2025 22:46 PM

Italy Braces for Stormy Conditions Likely to Impact Travel

Dec 3, 2025 21:23 PM

Clearer Rules for Booking Package Holidays

Dec 3, 2025 20:39 PM
Modern hotel room with soft lighting and a neatly arranged bed

Renovation and Repositioning Planned for Mangala Estate Kuantan in Pahang

Dec 3, 2025 19:55 PM
AEGEAN Airbus aircraft taxiing before departure

Cyprus Gains New Direct Link to Brussels with AEGEAN’s Latest Route

Dec 3, 2025 18:22 PM
Modern hotel room with fresh white bedding

New Stuttgart Hotel Expands Options for City Travelers

Dec 3, 2025 17:38 PM
Air Portugal aircraft touching down on the runway at dusk

TAP Introduces New Comfort Cabin for Long-Haul Flights

Dec 2, 2025 23:54 PM
Modern hotel room with neutral decor and large bed

New Hotel Opening Brings Scandic to Norway’s Coastal Town of Florø

Dec 2, 2025 23:31 PM

London City Restores Madrid Route

Dec 2, 2025 23:17 PM

Chiang Mai Expands Its Cultural Map with New Riverside Museum

Dec 2, 2025 22:45 PM
Roadwork sign placed near active construction machinery on a blocked street

Rail and Road Works Bring Delays for Lake Como Visitors

Dec 2, 2025 22:32 PM
Crowded nightclub with a DJ performing under bright purple and blue lights

Koh Samui Expands Its Winter Event Season with New Nightlife Schedule

Dec 2, 2025 22:28 PM