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 Things to Do in San Francisco Today | Explore the City

Top Things to Do in San Francisco Today | Explore the City

Nov 20, 2024 23:18 PM
Discover the Best Bars in San Francisco: Top Places to Grab a Drink

Discover the Best Bars in San Francisco: Top Places to Grab a Drink

Nov 19, 2024 22:04 PM

Glass Beach: A Unique California Destination

Nov 18, 2024 16:30 PM

Discover the Best Independent Bookstores in Los Angeles

Nov 17, 2024 22:22 PM
More News
Frontier Airlines plane flying against a clear blue sky

Frontier Airlines Expands U.S. and Caribbean Routes for Twenty Twenty-Five

Nov 21, 2024 16:34 PM
A person using a smartphone outdoors with bicycles nearby

ABTA’s ‘Travel with Confidence’ Campaign Fuels Future Travel Inspiration

Nov 21, 2024 14:33 PM

Vietjet Launches Green Friday: Affordable and Eco-Friendly Travel Options

Nov 21, 2024 12:32 PM

Japan Airlines Introduces Limited Shochu Service for Business Class Travelers

Nov 21, 2024 10:31 AM
Close-up of vibrant hydrangea flowers in shades of pink and purple against a dark background

Britain’s 2025 Flower Shows and Gardens: A Haven for Travelers

Nov 21, 2024 08:39 AM
Crowds enjoying festive stalls and holiday lights at a Christmas market in the evening

Top UK Getaways for a Christmas Travel Adventure

Nov 21, 2024 06:38 AM
American Airlines Airbus A319-115

Navigating the Nuances of Domestic First Class in the United States

Nov 21, 2024 05:36 AM
Delta Airlines aircraft ascending against a cloudy sky

Delta Brings Shake Shack to In-Flight Dining, Elevating Travel Comfort

Nov 21, 2024 04:37 AM
Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia

Exploring Recent Airline Route Developments: Enhancing Global Connectivity

Nov 21, 2024 03:38 AM

AirAsia MOVE’s WEDNESDEALS: New Path to Affordable Regional Travel

Nov 21, 2024 02:36 AM

Delta Air Lines Introduces Shake Shack Burgers for First Class Passengers

Nov 21, 2024 01:33 AM
Bicycles parked on a bridge in Amsterdam with traditional canal houses in the background

Amsterdam’s Transformation: A Model of Sustainability and Accessibility for Travelers

Nov 21, 2024 00:35 AM
gray airplane on parking

San Antonio Airport Introduces AI-Powered Parking System

Nov 20, 2024 23:30 PM
A Royal Caribbean cruise ship sailing in open waters under a cloudy sky

Royal Caribbean Unveils Exciting New Cruise Itineraries for Upcoming Years

Nov 20, 2024 22:34 PM
A vibrant Christmas market with a carousel and festive stalls, illuminated with warm lights, bustling with visitors in a holiday atmosphere

Austria’s Christmas Markets: A Magical Holiday Experience from Vienna to Salzburg

Nov 20, 2024 20:33 PM

American Airlines Introduces System to Tackle Gate Crowd Chaos

Nov 20, 2024 19:35 PM

Barnsley’s Transformation: From Industrial Roots to a Vibrant Tourist Destination

Nov 20, 2024 18:32 PM
Roman gladiator reenactment with spectators in the background

A Forgotten Arena Beneath London: The Roman Amphitheater Hidden for Centuries

Nov 20, 2024 17:35 PM
Notre-Dame Cathedral undergoing restoration with scaffolding visible

Notre-Dame Reopens: Paris Welcomes Visitors to Iconic Landmarks

Nov 20, 2024 16:31 PM
Snow-covered park with trees and pathway during snowfall

Snowstorm in the UK: Impact on Travel and Education

Nov 20, 2024 15:35 PM
Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France

Notre-Dame Cathedral: A Symbol of Resilience and Renewal

Nov 20, 2024 14:42 PM
Roman Forum, Via della Salara Vecchia, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy

Exploring Rome: A Journey Through Time and Culture

Nov 20, 2024 12:41 PM

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport: A Gateway to the Rockies

Nov 20, 2024 10:35 AM

U.S. Airlines Prepare for Record-Breaking Thanksgiving Travel Season

Nov 20, 2024 08:37 AM
Airliner of an English company landing with cart extracted.

British Airways IT Issue Causes Widespread Flight Delays at Heathrow

Nov 20, 2024 06:30 AM
A car drives through a narrow, snowy forest road with dim lighting in Wales

Winter Weather Warnings: Icy Roads and Snowfall to Affect UK Travel

Nov 20, 2024 05:41 AM