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
Bodrum coastline with blue sea and cactus

Bremen Adds Direct Bodrum Flights

Jun 29, 2026 22:35 PM
People enjoying Brighton Beach during warm summer weather

UK Weather to Turn Warmer Again After a Cooler Week

Jun 29, 2026 22:22 PM

Thunderstorms Hit UK Airport Flights

Jun 29, 2026 21:49 PM

Dutch Rail Pass Cuts Summer Train Costs

Jun 29, 2026 21:36 PM
Ryanair aircraft on the runway

Ryanair Drops Mandatory Family Seat Fee

Jun 28, 2026 22:43 PM
Scandic Finnsnes hotel rendering beside the waterfront

Senja Trips to Gain a Larger Hotel Base

Jun 28, 2026 22:37 PM
Snow-dusted half-timbered street in Nuremberg old town

Nuremberg Opens Up for Christmas Trips

Jun 28, 2026 22:24 PM
Aerial view of Beirut’s coastline and city

Berlin Gets a New Beirut Link

Jun 28, 2026 22:11 PM
TUI aircraft taking off from an airport runway

TUI Points to Cheaper Last-Minute Seats

Jun 28, 2026 22:08 PM

Corendon Adds Promo Code for Selected Crete Flights

Jun 27, 2026 23:15 PM

Gatwick Adds Qingdao for Summer

Jun 27, 2026 23:02 PM
Passport control sign at a European airport

Rome Airports May Pause EES Checks

Jun 27, 2026 22:59 PM
Outdoor pool at a modern hotel in Milan

Italy Gets Four More IHG Hotels

Jun 27, 2026 22:46 PM
Traveller waiting beside a suitcase

U.S. Bag Rechecks Start to Disappear

Jun 27, 2026 22:33 PM
Beachgoers using a shower on a pebbled beach

Spain’s Paid Beach Shower Test Begins

Jun 26, 2026 22:57 PM

Scandic Go Arrives in Turku and Oulu

Jun 26, 2026 22:44 PM

Doge’s Palace Opens a Restored Venice Landmark

Jun 26, 2026 22:31 PM
AmaRudi river cruise ship sailing on a European rive

Europe’s Biggest River Ship Gets a Danube Date

Jun 26, 2026 22:28 PM
Reindeer in snowy Finnish Lapland

easyJet Adds New UK Flights to Kittilä and Rovaniemi

Jun 26, 2026 22:15 PM
Budapest Parliament beside the Danube at sunset

Bristol Travellers Get a Budapest Winter Route

Jun 26, 2026 22:02 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building in Vilamoura with palm trees outside

A New InterContinental Is Coming to the Algarve

Jun 25, 2026 21:49 PM
Eiffel Tower in Paris on a clear summer day

France and UK Heatwave Disrupts Major Tourist Sights

Jun 25, 2026 21:36 PM

UK Passport Rule Catches Dual Nationals

Jun 25, 2026 21:23 PM

Hot Cars Could Cost UK Drivers £110

Jun 25, 2026 06:57 AM
Mallorca cove with clear turquoise water and rocky pine-covered cliffs

Bremen Puts 2027 Summer Flights on Sale

Jun 24, 2026 22:44 PM
easyJet aircraft tail at an airport gate

Cagliari Adds Bordeaux and Nice Flights

Jun 24, 2026 22:31 PM