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 Tromsø city and bridge at night

Tromsø Steps Into the Spotlight Ahead of 2026 Youth Capital Year

Jan 30, 2026 19:52 PM
Traveller pulling cabin suitcase in airport terminal

What You Can Really Take Through Edinburgh Airport Security

Jan 30, 2026 18:14 PM

Flooded Routes Complicate Travel Plans Across Southwest England

Jan 30, 2026 17:47 PM

South Korean Travellers Now Need UK ETA Permit

Jan 30, 2026 16:35 PM
Montenegro marina with yachts and mountains

Air Serbia Adds Hand-Luggage-Only Fare on Montenegro Routes

Jan 30, 2026 15:01 PM
Freight Island rooftop food and entertainment space in Leeds

New Food and Live Music Venue Set to Open in Leeds in 2026

Jan 30, 2026 02:48 AM
Berlin city centre with Spree River and TV Tower

Newcastle–Berlin Route Returns, Making Short Summer Trips Easier

Jan 30, 2026 01:24 AM
Dubai landmark near the Gold Souk district

Dubai Moves to Build a Gold Street Near Its Famous Markets

Jan 30, 2026 00:32 AM
Montreal skyline at dusk along the Saint Lawrence River

More Direct Options Open Between Berlin and Montreal This Summer

Jan 29, 2026 23:59 PM

From Familiar Routes to New Experiences: UK Travel Trends for 2026

Jan 29, 2026 23:05 PM

KLM Adjusts Middle East Flights as Security Risks Persist

Jan 29, 2026 09:13 AM
Person wearing wireless earbud and listening

Frankfurt Tests a Quieter Way to Hear Gate Calls

Jan 29, 2026 09:09 AM
Portable power bank used for charging devices

Lithium Batteries on Board: The Rules Catching Flyers Out

Jan 29, 2026 08:56 AM
Eurowings aircraft on apron at London Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Adds New Germany Links for Summer 2026

Jan 29, 2026 08:41 AM
Traditional Chinese palace complex with visitors

China Opens Its Doors Wider to European Visitors

Jan 29, 2026 08:37 AM

Flooding Limits Access to Popular Destinations in Southwest England

Jan 28, 2026 07:54 AM

easyJet Ups Discounts as Big Orange Sale Nears Finish

Jan 28, 2026 07:08 AM
Young child smiling while sliding down a playground slide

Helsinki Airport Adds Play Area to Ease Winter Baggage Waits

Jan 28, 2026 06:52 AM
Crowds around the Leaning Tower of Pisa under a bright sky

Iași Gets Two Italian Routes as Wizz Air Widens Summer Reach

Jan 28, 2026 06:45 AM
American Airlines aircraft in flight during winter travel operations

Storm Fern Leaves American Airlines Scrambling to Restore Flight Operations

Jan 28, 2026 06:39 AM
Air France aircraft on final approach against clear blue sky

US–Riviera Festival Flights Set for 2026

Jan 28, 2026 06:23 AM
Aerial view of Mallorca’s coastline with turquoise bays and towns

Gdańsk Scores New Mallorca Link as Budget Carriers Boost Summer Choice

Jan 28, 2026 06:16 AM

US Winter Storm Leaves Thousands of Holiday Trips on Hold

Jan 27, 2026 02:27 AM

Ticket Scam Case Exposes Odd Gap in Airline Staff Checks

Jan 27, 2026 02:14 AM
Ryanair aircraft being prepared on the airport apron

Ryanair Flags Possible Summer Disruption as French ATC Strikes Loom

Jan 27, 2026 01:41 AM
Lightning strike under dark storm clouds

Weather Warning Triggers Loganair Flight Changes on 27 January

Jan 27, 2026 01:39 AM