Neighbour Free Seats FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Neighbour Free Seat?

Neighbour Free Seat offers you the opportunity to reserve the seat next to you, so you can enjoy extra space and comfort when travelling in Economy class. Neighbour Free seats are subject to availability. 

Is this service available in all cabin classes?

Neighbour Free Seat is available in all fare types of the Economy class only.

Is the Neighbour Free Seat service available on all flights in my route?

Neighbour Free Seat is offered on most of our international and domestic flights. But it is our sole discretion to decide the flights on which this service is eligible. Hence, only selected flights in your booking may be eligible for this offering.

What benefits does the Neighbour Free Seat offer?

Neighbour Free Seat offers you the luxury of extra space, added comfort, and increased privacy by reserving the seat next to you.

Who is eligible to opt for this facility?

  • Offers can only be made on selected flights operated by Air India on Economy Class starting from 48 hours before flight departure on condition that the passenger has purchased a reservation/valid ticket issued on Air India’s document number 098 for the concerned flight.
  • Offers will not apply to codeshare flights or flights operated by other airlines.
  • We offer this service on most of our domestic and international flights. Although, it is at our sole discretion to decide the flights on which this service is eligible.

Why am I unable to opt for the Neighbour Free Seat?

You may be unable to opt for the service if:

  • You don’t have a valid Air India booking.
  • You are travelling on Air India Express, our codeshare flights, or with one of our 24 Star Alliance Partner Airlines.
  • Your reservation is yet to be confirmed.
  • You are travelling with more than 3 passengers under a single Booking Reference Number (PNR).
  • You are travelling as an unaccompanied minor.
  • You are not travelling in Economy class.
  • You are travelling on a redemption booking.

How many passengers under the same Booking Reference Number (PNR) can opt for Neighbour Free Seat facility?

Neighbour Free Seat is available for bookings with up to 3 passengers under the same Booking Reference Number (PNR). Bookings with more than 3 passengers are not eligible for this service.

How can I opt for this service?

There are multiple ways by which you can opt for the Neighbour Free Service:

  • Use the widget on the page to check your eligibility.
  • Alternatively, if you are eligible for the Neighbour Free Seat service, you will receive an email invitation on your registered email ID 48 hours prior to your flight’s departure.
  • You may also get an option to opt for this service at the time of web check-in (if applicable).

If you are eligible for this service, you will be redirected through the website or by clicking on the redirection link in the email invite, and you can proceed by:

  • Selecting your seat/ seats that you would like to purchase.
  • Provide your payment details and submit your request.
  • We will email you on your registered email ID once the purchase is confirmed.
  • If we are unable to fulfill the reservation, we will provide a full refund for the Neighbour Free Seat purchase.

When can I opt for the Neighbour Free Seat service?

You can opt for this service starting 48 hours and up to 2 hours of your flight’s scheduled departure.

Can I purchase this facility at the airport?

No, you cannot opt for the Neighbour Free Seat service at the airport. You can purchase this facility through our digital channels only.

How many seats can I reserve through the Neighbour Free Seat service?

A maximum of 2 or 3 seats per passenger can be reserved, depending on the type of aircraft.

Which seats can I choose when booking the Neighbour Free Seat?

You can select seats that are horizontally adjacent to you in Economy class. You will be unable to select bassinet seats or those in the emergency exit rows.

Can I book a seat in front or behind my pre-booked seat through the Neighbour Free Seat service?

No, you will not be able to book seats in the rows in front or behind you. You can only select seats that are horizontally adjacent to you.

If I reserve a Neighbour Free Seat, is it guaranteed throughout my journey?

We will make every effort to honour your reservation, but we cannot guarantee that the Neighbour Free Seat will remain unoccupied, as it may be required for operational, safety, or security purposes. While we may offer you a suitable alternative, if your neighbour free seat was unavailable during the flight, you will receive a full refund for the service.

How will I know that my Neighbour Free Seat booking is confirmed?

We will send a confirmation, with all the relevant details to your registered email ID.

What is the cost for the Neighbour Free Seat service?

The cost of the Neighbour Free Seat service may vary. To find out the price for this service for your upcoming flight, please click on the redirection link in the email invite sent or enter your Booking Reference Number (PNR) or last name in the eligibility widget.

What are the acceptable forms of payment for this service?

You can purchase this service using a valid credit card.

Can I use my Maharaja Points to reserve a Neighbour Free Seat?

You will be unable to use your Maharaja Points to reserve a Neighbour Free Seat. 

Will I earn Maharaja Points when I reserve a Neighbour Free Seat?

No, you will not earn Maharaja Points for reserving a seat through the Neighbour Free Seat service.

Can I purchase a Neighbour Free Seat on any of the partner airlines?

No, Neighbour Free Seat is not available for purchase on Air India Express, our codeshare flights, or on any of our 24 Star Alliance Partner Airlines.

Can I use my Neighbour Free Seat to store my baggage?

Neighbour Free Seat cannot be used to store carry-on baggage, additional baggage, or special baggage.

Can I use the Neighbour Free Seat for infant seating?

No, the Neighbour Free Seat cannot be used for infant seating.

Is the Neighbour Free Seat same as an extra seat?

No, they are not the same. Here is how they are different:

Neighbour Free Seat

  • It is not guaranteed.
  • It is offered to enhance your comfort by providing extra space to stretch and relax and cannot be used to store any additional or special baggage.
  • You can purchase this service only through our digital channels.

Extra seat