Buying an Extra Seat Etihad (and Others?)

offal spokesman on 04/12/2017 - 22:09

Hi folks, we (Couple) are looking at a trip from Perth to NYC mid next year.

Due to health issues we have decided that buying a third seat is the best way of surviving the flight.

As i understand it, you can buy the third seat which is the same cost as a usual seat - Less taxes, however on talking to Etihad they said you can "bid" for the third seat. Unfortunately the person on the phone wasnt able to make clear or understand when this bidding takes place and if the seat is guaranteed.

My question…does anyone know what the costs for buying the third seat are? can we guarantee it? what is the cheapest way to achieve it? can it be done online (skyscanner/Kayak etc)?

Thanks for your time. :)

Travel

Comments

  • noyesmaybeok on 05/12/2017 - 01:27
    +2

    If no one knows I'd recommend talking to them and booking a second seat for one of you, opposed to a third seat.

    Third seat sounds optional. Second seat because someone is large doesn't.

  • The tiger on 05/12/2017 - 08:32
    +1

    Hi ,talking about buying a third seat, I am one often using that opportunity. But I am talking about AirAsia. Once we had a neighbour next to us coughing all the way from Kuala Lumpur to Melboure.Few days later we caught the coughing too. Thereafter I try my very best to secure a third seat for both of us. It is comparatively cheap at some A$60.00 only. The problem is you are not guaranteed to have one as it all depends entirely on a the load of passengers . And you won't know the result until the last moment of your departure. However 90% I am successful.

    • Peck on 05/12/2017 - 17:35

      I am pretty sure that Optiontown/Airasia relationship has been suspended.

  • JimmyF on 05/12/2017 - 09:18
    +1

    Maybe change airline? Aiz NZ has the Skycouch option. Lets you buy the third seat for 50% off when booking,and converts into a poor mans bed.

    https://www.airnewzealand.com.au/economy-skycouch

  • keepa on 05/12/2017 - 12:35
    +1

    Etihad airlines has an option to bid for an empty seat - a colleague of mine just had the opportunity to bid and the minimum amount was $130 aud. It has to be done directly through the airline on their website - it's kind of like bidding for an upgrade. There's no way to guarantee one and it would depend on flight load / availability.

    Have you considered purchasing points through a suitable program and using those to redeem business class flights for the two of you? It'll be more expensive than buying a 3rd seat but something to consider.

    Pointhacks.com.au is your friend.

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