Have you heard about the “T-80 rule” among Qantas Frequent Flyers? It’s not an official policy, but it’s a clever strategy to improve your chances of getting better seats on your flight. Here’s a simple guide to how it works.
What is the T-80 Rule for Qantas?
Qantas Frequent Flyers and travel enthusiasts call it the “T-80 rule” because it involves unlocking seats around 80 hours before the flight’s departure time.
What are the benefits of choosing seats at T-80?
There are several reasons to consider utilizing the T-80 rule:
Front Row Perks: The first row in Economy and Premium Economy often has extra legroom, and using the T-80 rule allows you to grab these seats.
More legroom: Some standard Economy seats in the front half of the plane might offer a bit more legroom than those in the back half.
Faster Service: Sitting at the front of the plane ensures quicker service, and you reduce the risk of missing out on your preferred meal.
Faster Exit: If you are seated at the front of the plain, behind business class, in most cases you would be one of the first to exit the plane. Being closer to the front means a faster exit upon arrival, which can be particularly advantageous for tight layovers or time-sensitive situations.
Reduced Noise: Front-row seats are often quieter, providing a more relaxed environment during the flight. I would still have my noise cancelling headphones with me though as you don’t know who may be seated nearby. (One of the best travel gifts I was given!)
When Do Seats Become Available?
To find out when the coveted seats open up, subtract 80 hours from your departure time or use my T-80 calculator below.
For example, if your flight leaves at 23:50 on November 11, subtract 80 hours which is (three days (72 hours) and an additional eight hours) to get to 15:50 on November 8.
Here’s what the seat selection looks like before the T-80 rule (one the left) and what it looks like at exactly 80 hours before the flight (on the right). You can see how many seats have opened up at the front end of the aircraft at 80 hours before the flight, including Row 4 .
Qantas T-80 Calculator
You can use my calculator below to make the process easier for you.
1. Enter the Departure date and time in the first field.
(Note the 24 HR format & the Date format Day/Month/Year)
2. The T80 opening time and date will appear in the second field. This is when you need to hop online and look out for those seats.
What About Exit Row Seats?
You should first observe the restrictions on these seats and see if you qualify to begin with. They have a charge to them and don’t become free at T-80. They do however, become available for free selection 24 hours before flight departure. If these are still available, you would typically see these pop up when you go through online check in.
Platinum One and Chairman’s Lounge members can choose extra-legroom seats for free at any time.
Navigating the T-80 Rule with Ease
To make the most of the T-80 rule, consider these additional tips:
- Check Flight Eligibility: Confirm if your flight is eligible for the T-80 rule. While it often works for many flights, certain circumstances or operational demands may vary.
- Set Reminders: Missing the T-80 window can happen easily. Set reminders or alerts so that you don’t forget to check and select your preferred seats.
While the T-80 rule is a valuable strategy, it’s important to acknowledge its limitations:
- No Guarantees: The T-80 rule is not a guaranteed method, and seat availability is subject to various factors. It’s wise to select seats at time of booking to ensure you have a plan to fall back on. This is especially important if you are travelling with kids.
- Flexibility Is Key: I would encourage flexibility in seat preferences, as operational demands may necessitate changes even after selecting seats at T-80.
The Prime Pick: Row 4 on Qantas Boeing 737s
Unveiling the best-kept secret for optimal comfort on Australian Domestic routes.
Boeing 737s operate the majority of Australian Domestic routes. Row 4 right at the front of the economy class cabin, sits directly behind business class and has more legroom. It is not an exit row seat but still has considerably more legroom than other standard economy seats.
You want this seat! If available it opens up at T80!
Here is where it is located:
Why Row 4?
Behind Business Class: Row 4, strategically positioned right behind the Business Class section, emerges as a hidden gem for economy class travelers.
More Legroom: Unlike typical standard economy seats, Row 4 boasts an impressive advantage – significantly more legroom. It’s the sweet spot for those seeking extra space without the premium price tag.
Not an Exit Row: Unlike exit row seats, which often come with additional responsibilities, Row 4 offers ample legroom without the need to assist in emergencies.
Proximity to Front: Enjoy the benefits of being near the front of the cabin, including quicker boarding and disembarkation.
No Extra Cost: The cherry on top – this premium-like experience doesn’t come with a premium price. It’s an economical choice for savvy travelers.
For a budget-friendly upgrade to a more comfortable travel experience, keep an eye on Row 4 at T-80. It’s not just a seat; it’s a strategic move towards a smoother and more enjoyable flight on Qantas’ Boeing 737s.
A Few Tips:
Check Aircraft Type: Confirm that your flight operates on a Boeing 737, as this prime seating tip specifically applies to this aircraft model.
Flexibility is Key: While Row 4 is a top pick, be open to alternatives in case operational demands necessitate changes.
Prioritize Preferences: Consider your priorities. You will need to evaluate the trade-off between convenient lavatory access and the desire for optimal legroom when selecting your preferred seat. You cannot enter the business cabin to use the lavatory at any point. On a recent bleisure trip that I took from Melbourne to Perth and onwards to Europe, there were a couple of passengers trying to enter the business cabin to use the lavatory. It was a firm “NO” from the cabin crew. You are up for a back-of-the-plane trek to use the loo!
Other Qantas Aircrafts and Prime Picks
Here are the best seats in Economy that sit right behind the Business Class Cabin. They are not the exit row seats, but they provide ample leg room with no seats in front of you.
A330 – Row 23
B787 – Row 40 (economy) and Row 20 (Premium Economy)
A380 – Row 51 Seats K,J,H and Row 80 Seats A & K , Row 71 Seat D. Here is the Qantas A380-800 seat layout to view these closely.
A320 – Row 1 Seats F,E,D
Sum Up
The Qantas T-80 rule unveils a smart strategy for passengers to enhance their travel experience by securing coveted seats around 80 hours before departure. This opportune timing allows passengers to unlock potential advantages, such as extra legroom and proximity to the front of the cabin. Beyond the tangible benefits, the T-80 process introduces an element of personalized control, enabling travellers to tailor their journey based on individual preferences. While not a guaranteed rule, it offers a practical approach for Qantas Frequent Flyers to optimize their seat selection, fostering a more comfortable and enjoyable flight. Your next mission is to learn how to travel for free (yes, business and first as well) if you already haven’t done so!
Happy Travels😊
