There is nothing quite like the thrill of getting on a plane with nobody next to you or, better yet, scoring that elusive empty row. Over the years, travelers have tested multiple tricks and "hacks" for maximizing one's chances of getting an empty middle seat.
Knowing that some are willing to pay extra for such a service, Australian flagship airline Qantas Airways (QUBSF) debuted a feature called "Neighbour Free Seating" on both its long- and short-term flights in October 2023.
Related: The weirdest reason airline passengers choose the middle seat
The latest airline to experiment with having customers pay to guarantee an empty middle seat is the Denver-based low-cost airline Frontier Airlines (FRON) . On March 12, the low-cost carrier announced that its "UpFront Plus" feature would allow for "extra space and comfort in the first two rows of the aircraft."
Frontier Airlines
'A great option for those who want expanded personal space...'
The idea is similar to the way other airlines make several rows of seats at the front premium economy with extra legroom but, in Frontier's case, current seats will remain the same while the middle one will be blocked off so that those in the aisle and window spots will have more space to spread out.
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"Customers in UpFront Plus will enjoy a window or aisle seat with extra legroom and a guaranteed empty middle seat, providing additional personal space and comfort at an exceptional value," the airline desrcribes in the press materials for the new feature.
Frontier also already offers Premium fares for those who want extra legroom and Preferred for those who want to sit near the front and be the first to get out when the plane lands. While it does not have business class in the sense of full-service airlines that travel greater distances, Frontier launched a new BizFare that is essentially a combination of Premium and Preferred and that companies can book for employees (it cannot be booked at an individual level) in February 2024.
"Many consumers strongly prefer a seating option that offers extra space when flying," Frontier CEO Barry Biffle said in a statement. "Frontier is all about choice and giving consumers the flexibility to customize their travel to suit their individual needs and preferences. UpFront Plus is a great option for those who want expanded personal space and extra comfort."
Here is how much you can expect to pay to block that middle seat
The price will vary depending on the length and type of one's flight — Frontier generally flies between regional cities in the U.S. and some tropical destinations in the Caribbean.
To start out, Frontier is offering an early-bird fare of $49 per person on flights where UpFront Plus is available for flights from April 10 to 30, if purchased by midnight on March 20. After that, it is the most expensive flight upgrade available — on certain cross-country flights it can reach $300.
Those booking travel through the BizNow program will also be able to upgrade employee seats to UpFront Plus.
"UpFront Plus seating will also provide an affordable upgrade option for those traveling on business seeking additional space," Biffle added.
