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
Princess Cruises ship sailing at sunset

Cruise Holidays Face Calls for a €15 Port Tax

Jul 13, 2026 21:54 PM
Converted Great Western Railway carriage interior

Retired Railway Carriages Become a Countryside Stay Near Ely

Jul 13, 2026 21:41 PM

Europe’s €20 Travel Permit Faces Another Delay

Jul 13, 2026 21:38 PM

Eurostar Prepares for 55C Summers

Jul 13, 2026 21:25 PM
Luxair aircraft taking off over the coast

Luxair Opens Scotland’s New Link to Luxembourg

Jul 12, 2026 23:22 PM
Colourful seaside village on the Italian coast

Stansted Now Flies to 30 Italian Destinations

Jul 12, 2026 23:19 PM
TAP Air Portugal aircraft approaching for landing

TAP Restores Venezuela Flights via Valencia

Jul 12, 2026 23:06 PM
Ryanair aircraft parked before departure

Passenger Nearly Pulled Through Ryanair Window

Jul 12, 2026 22:53 PM
TUI Airways Boeing 737 in flight

TUI Cuts Free Alcohol on Long-Haul Flights

Jul 11, 2026 20:57 PM

San Sebastián Turns Old Cinema Into Hotel

Jul 11, 2026 20:44 PM

Lake Como Village Bans Shirtless Tourists

Jul 11, 2026 20:31 PM
Bilbao city view with mountains and red sign

Wrocław Gets a Direct Route to Basque Country

Jul 11, 2026 20:29 PM
Aerial rendering of the planned Port Polska airport terminal

Poland’s New Mega Airport Finally Moves Ahead

Jul 11, 2026 20:16 PM
Eurostar train at London St Pancras International

Eurostar Launches £35 Summer Rail Sale

Jul 11, 2026 20:03 PM
Kavala coastline with old aqueduct and sea

Eurowings Opens Berlin’s Route to Kavala

Jul 10, 2026 05:18 AM

Hilton Heads for Thessaloniki’s Old Brewery

Jul 10, 2026 05:05 AM

Glasgow Lands a Direct Tromsø Winter Route

Jul 9, 2026 23:02 PM
German flag outside the Reichstag in Berlin

Vilnius–Berlin Flights Join Wizz Air’s Winter Map

Jul 9, 2026 22:57 PM
Lobby at Fortuna of Cappadocia hotel

A Hilltop Marriott Arrives in Cappadocia

Jul 9, 2026 22:44 PM
Woman packing travel essentials in a suitcase

Brits Still Pack Home in the Suitcase

Jul 9, 2026 20:41 PM
Eiffel Tower seen from Champ de Mars

The Eiffel Tower Turns Into a Free Cinema

Jul 9, 2026 20:39 PM
Copenhagen Nyhavn harbour lit up at night

Newcastle–Copenhagen Flights Stay for Winter

Jul 8, 2026 23:16 PM

TAP Cuts Fares to Canada, US and Brazil

Jul 8, 2026 23:03 PM

New Design Hotel Opens in One of Munich’s Most Local Neighbourhoods

Jul 8, 2026 22:58 PM
UK airport terminal sign for all gates

Eight-Year-Olds Can Now Use UK eGates

Jul 8, 2026 22:45 PM
Yellow car parked on a Salzburg street

Salzburg Puts Tourist Cars on Pause

Jul 7, 2026 22:42 PM