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Posted:
February 10, 2026
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Want to choose a better seat on your next Qantas flight? Unless you’re a Platinum One or Chairman’s Lounge member, you’ll probably notice that at least a few rows of seats at the front of every Qantas flight are greyed out.
This happens in just about every cabin class – even in Business and First. In Economy, more than a third of the seat map may initially be unavailable for selection.
Now, it doesn’t usually mean those seats are occupied (though sometimes they are). Instead, those seats are reserved for Qantas’ elite frequent flyers with Silver, Gold, Platinum, or higher status. The better your status, the more seats you can see when booking.
Take a look at the difference a Qantas Gold frequent flyer can see on the seat map for the same flight, compared to a standard passenger booking above.
There used to be a quirk called the ‘T-80 rule’, under which better seats would be made available to anyone for free, regardless of status, starting 80 hours before departure. Exit row seats would also become free to all from 24 hours before departure – a perk I was able to enjoy for many years.
However, with the launch of Economy Plus seating in 2026, the rules have changed. Premium seating zones at the front of Economy are now reserved for status holders, even from T-80. While the rule still has some effect with the new system, its usefulness is more limited. Here are the changes.
What happens more than 80 hours before departure?
- Chairman’s Lounge and Platinum One members can select any available seat at no charge.
- Platinum members can choose most Economy Plus extra-legroom seats at no charge.
- Gold and Silver members can choose Forward Seats at no charge (Silver members have more limited access).
- Bronze members can select standard seats for free on domestic flights and on selected international tickets.
- Non-QFF members can select standard seats free of charge on domestic flights only.
What happens from 80 hours before departure?
It’s not an official rule as such, but those in the know have unofficially named it the ‘T-80 rule’. Simply check your flight seat map starting from 80 hours before the scheduled departure. At this point:
- Previously-blocked seats for status holders in First, Business and Premium Economy should become available for any other passengers in that cabin to select, if available.
- In Economy, Gold and Platinum frequent flyers should be able to see selected premium rows in Economy, such as Row 4 on the Boeing 737s. Gold members can pay to select, while Platinum members can select for free.
What happens from 24 hours before departure?
More seats may become available when online check-in opens 24 hours before departure.
- Gold members can now select any remaining extra-legroom seats for free. Silver members will also gain access to additional Forward Seats if available.
- Importantly, it appears that Bronze and non-QFF members no longer receive free access to premium seating areas at T-80 or T-24.
Summing up
Since the changes in early 2026, Qantas has made it easier for higher-status members to reserve better Economy seats for free. If you’re Bronze or not a member, then paying for the seat you want is the surest way to lock it in.
Can’t get a preferred seat online? You can also ask at the airport – staff have considerably more leeway when flights are under airport control. They might even waive the fees, though most good seats will be gone by that stage.
Qantas American Express Ultimate
- Sign-up Bonus:
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- Rewards Earn Rate:
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- Annual Fee:
- $450 p.a.
- Offer expires
- 5 May 2026
- Earn 70,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, plus an additional 30,000 Qantas Points when you spend a minimum of $1 on your Card within 90 days of paying your second year annual Card Fee¹. (Offer ends 5 May 2026. New Amex Card Members only. T&Cs apply.) This card includes an annual $450 Qantas Travel Credit, two Qantas Club Complimentary Lounge Invitations after eligible Qantas spend each year, complimentary international travel insurance, and Qantas Wine Premium Membership (valued at $99). Earn 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 on everyday spend, 2.25 on Qantas purchases, and 0.5 on government payments. The annual fee is $450.
Is it possible to unlock better seats on Qantas flights? was last modified: February 10th, 2026 by
Community Comments
Which international routes does qantas give free seating at time of ticketing for Bronze FF?
T80 rule didn’t work for use on Qantas flights Jhb to Sydney in Feb 2025……have to wait until 24 hrs before departure to be able to choose standard seat without paying the extra. My wife is a lowest level frequent flyer with Qantas which frankly means nothing.
Charging for first row economy seats is just another case of Qantas eroding the experience and loyalty of long time loyal FF members.
I’ve a 3 digit FF number, lifetime Gold member, while long periods of platinum status too.
I’m going to contact Virgin and ask if they’ll match my QFF status, and if they do, I’ll be using them from now on. I’ll also be cancelling my Qantas linked credit card and switching to an Amex Rewards card too.
#customerfail
I agree but I’m a FF since 1995 with Qantas and whilst not in top two tiers, I have a lifetime status earned in 2019 that I earned as a private paying customer not through an employer therefore I feel very strongly loyal FF should be entitled to this. BTW congratulations on holding 3 digits ☺️
It’s so poor of Qantas that even Platinum FF’s can’t select Row 4 before check in. They could at least open up row 4 for Platinums at T-80.
Hi Brandon,
I followed your advice at the T24 mark but found going via the Qantas online check in as recommended didn’t work. Another time I tried just going via the usual way of changing seats (ie at the T24 mark, but not via online check in) but that didn’t work either! Row 4 was showing with still some available seats but I couldn’t access the seat change option. Any advice for what I might have been doing wrong please?