Qantas' T-24 & T-80 Seat Selection Rules:
How to Secure the Best Seats

Qantas has refined its seat selection policies with the T-24 and T-80 rules, giving savvy travelers new opportunities to claim premium seats at critical booking windows. Understanding these timing strategies can mean the difference between getting your ideal spot or being stuck with undesirable middle seats.

Decoding Qantas' Seat Selection Timeline

Key Booking Windows

  • T-80 (80 Hours Before Flight): First major seat release for international flights
  • T-24 (24 Hours Before Flight): Final prime seat availability window
  • Check-in Opens: Exactly 24 hours before departure (when more seats unlock)

Who Gets Priority Access?

✔ Platinum One members: 80+ hours before
✔ Platinum members: 72 hours before
✔ Gold members: 48 hours before
✔ Silver/Bronze: 24 hours before

Why These Rules Matter for Your Comfort

  1. Exit Rows: First-come, first-served at T-80/T-24
  2. Bulkhead Seats: Often held until final windows
  3. Preferred Economy: Extra legroom seats released strategically
  4. Family Seating: Better chances to sit together

Pro Strategies for Seat Selection Success

For International Flights:

  1. Set calendar reminder for T-80 window
  2. Check seat map immediately at your tier's opening
  3. Be online right at T-24 if you missed earlier window
  4. Consider paid upgrades if ideal seats are taken

For Domestic Flights:

  1. Focus on T-24 window (most seats released then)
  2. Check again after check-in opens
  3. Use Qantas app for last-minute changes

Best Seats to Target by Aircraft Type

A380 (Upper Deck)

  • 39JK: Exit row with unlimited legroom
  • 34AB/34JK: Front row with extra space
  • 80AB: Downstairs quiet zone

787 Dreamliner

  • 23ABC/23JKL: Front economy with more recline
  • 40DEF: Exit row middle section
  • 47AB/47JK: Rear pairs with no third seat

Frequent Flyer Advantages

  • Higher status = earlier access to premium seats
  • Complimentary upgrades sometimes available at T-24
  • Family pooling helps secure seats together
  • Loyalty bonus seats occasionally released

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  1. Assuming all seats are taken (new blocks release at T-80/T-24)
  2. Overlooking seatguru.com for aircraft specifics
  3. Not checking again at check-in (last-minute changes occur)
  4. Forgetting return flights need separate seat selection

What Qantas Says About Seat Allocation

"While we try to accommodate preferences, seat assignments are ultimately subject to operational requirements. We recommend selecting seats as early as your travel class and Frequent Flyer status permits." - Qantas Customer Service

Final Thoughts

Mastering Qantas' T-24 and T-80 seat selection rules can dramatically improve your in-flight experience, especially on long-haul routes where seat quality impacts comfort significantly. By timing your selections strategically and understanding the priority system, you can consistently secure better seats than casual travelers.

Pro Tip: For peak travel periods, set multiple reminders as prime seats can disappear within minutes of release windows opening.

For complete seat selection policies and to manage your booking, visit Qantas' official website or read Executive Traveller's seat guide.

PrestigeFly Verdict: A little timing knowledge goes a long way in securing Qantas' best seats - treat these windows like concert ticket releases for premium spots. ✈️💺