Neighbour-Free Seating

Frequently asked questions

• How do I fly Neighbour-Free?

  Neighbour-Free Seating will be progressively rolled out from September 2025 on Virgin Australia domestic and short haul international services operated by the 737 aircraft. There are multiple ways to check your eligibility including via the Neighbour-Free Seating marketing page or via the Virgin Australia homepage under the Upgrade tab.

• How much does a Neighbour-Free Seat cost?

  The bid range will vary depending on the route. To see the exact pricing on your upcoming flight check your eligibility via virginaustralia.com.

• If I have a confirmed Neighbour-Free Seat request, can I still change my flight?

  Your original fare rules apply. If you do change or cancel your flight, the cost of your Neighbour-Free Seat will be forfeited.

• If I receive a confirmation of my Neighbour-Free Seat request, does that mean it is guaranteed?

  We cannot guarantee the availability of your Neighbour-Free Seat. There may be instances where the seat is required for safety or operational reasons. In the event that Virgin Australia assigns the Neighbour-Free Seat to another guest, you will be notified via email and automatically receive a refund of the amount paid for the Neighbour-Free Seat.

  In the unlikely event that you do not receive email confirmation of the refund within 4 hours of departure of the flight, you can submit a refund request online via the refund request form.

• What is included in my Neighbour-Free Seat?

  Your Neighbour-Free Seat allows you to enjoy the extra space next to your assigned seat. It does not include any additional baggage allowance.

• Can I use my Neighbour-Free seat to store bags?

  No. Neighbour-Free Seating does not permit you to store cabin baggage on the vacant seat. However, you may be able to stow your personal item under the seat in front of the Neighbour-Free Seat. Please refer to your fare rules for details of your baggage allowance.

• What if my Neighbour-Free Seat is occupied when I board my flight?

  If the Neighbour-Free Seat is occupied upon your arrival in the cabin, this likely means that Virgin Australia has allocated that seat to another passenger and, you will automatically receive a refund for the amount paid for the Neighbour-Free Seat.

  In the unlikely event that you do not receive email confirmation of the refund within 4 hours of departure of the flight, you can submit a refund request online via the refund request form.

  If a fellow passenger moves into your allocated Neighbour-Free Seat during the flight, please seek assistance from the cabin crew.

• When will I know if my reservation for Neighbour-Free Seat has been accepted and what happens next?

  You will be notified via email the outcome of your Neighbour-Free Seat offer no later than 2 hours prior to your flights scheduled departure time.

• Is Neighbour-Free Seating available on all flights?

  Neighbour-Free Seating is available on select flights operated by Virgin Australia. It will be progressively rolled out from September 2025 on Virgin Australia domestic and short haul international services operated by the 737 aircraft.

• Will Neighbour-Free Seating be available if travelling in Economy X or Business Class?

  Guests seated in Business Class or Economy X are not eligible to bid or purchase Neighbour-Free Seating.

• Can I still request a Business Class Upgrade if I have a confirmed Neighbour-Free Seat booking?

  Yes. Guests are able to submit a bid for both a Neighbour-Free Seat and a Business Class upgrade at the same time. However,  if both are successful, the Business Class Upgrade will prevail and the amount paid for the Neighbour-Free Seat will automatically be refunded. For clarity, a guest is not entitled to a Neighbour-Free Seat in Business Class.

• How do I know if my refund has been processed?

  You will receive email confirmation of the refund within 4 hours of the flight departure; this will be sent to the email address provided when placing the Neighbour-Free Seat offer.