The Solo Flyer’s Dream: Airlines Now Offering ‘Neighbors Not Included’ Seating
The Solo Flyer's Dream: Airlines Now Offering 'Neighbors Not Included' Seating - Fly Alone in Peace
For many solo travelers, flying can be a stressful and uncomfortable experience. Being crammed into a tiny seat beside strangers for hours on end leaves little opportunity for relaxation or personal space. However, some innovative airlines are now catering specifically to solo flyers who want to fly in peace.
Several carriers have begun designating certain rows or sections as "neighbors not included," ensuring solo travelers get an entire row to themselves. This provides the ability to stretch out and enjoy the flight without unwanted small talk or fighting over the armrests.
One airline rolling out this new solo seating is Air New Zealand. They now offer the option to book an "Economy Skycouch" which transforms three economy seats into a couch-like space. It's ideal for solo flyers wanting to curl up and sleep or relax with total privacy. Prices vary based on route and demand, but solo flyers report it's worth the extra cost.
Scoot Airlines also offers "Scoot in Silence", which provides an exclusive cabin area at the front of the plane for those seeking a quieter, more private flight experience. This area is limited to 80 passengers and has its own bathrooms and dedicated crew. Solo travelers can pre-purchase access to this cabin for a reasonable fee.
Major U.S. airlines have also tapped into the demand for solo seating. Delta offers the ability to purchase extra legroom seats in advance to guarantee no one will be seated beside you. American Airlines has something similar called "Main Cabin Extra" which can be purchased as an add-on. Prices range from $20-$150 depending on flight length and seat location.
Alaska Airlines takes it a step further with Premium Class - a mini business class experience that includes extra legroom, complimentary beer/wine, and priority boarding. Solo travelers willing to pay a bit more can indulge in these amenities all to themselves.
While having your own row may come with a fee, frequent solo travelers report it's money well spent. The benefits of extra personal space, privacy, and freedom to spread out outweigh the minor added cost. It transforms what's normally a stressful experience into a peaceful, relaxing one.
What else is in this post?
- The Solo Flyer's Dream: Airlines Now Offering 'Neighbors Not Included' Seating - Fly Alone in Peace
- The Solo Flyer's Dream: Airlines Now Offering 'Neighbors Not Included' Seating - The Introvert's Dream Come True
- The Solo Flyer's Dream: Airlines Now Offering 'Neighbors Not Included' Seating - Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy Your Personal Space
The Solo Flyer's Dream: Airlines Now Offering 'Neighbors Not Included' Seating - The Introvert's Dream Come True
For the introverted traveler, flying can be a harrowing experience. The prospect of sitting in cramped quarters for hours, wedged between talkative strangers, is many an introvert's nightmare scenario. However, the recent rise of "neighbors not included" solo seating options provides a welcome respite for those seeking silence over small talk.
As Torsten Jacobi of Mighty Travels explains, these solo seating upgrades allow introverts the chance to envelop themselves in blissful peace and quiet for the duration of their journey. No longer must they pray for an empty seat next to them or attempt to exude an unapproachable vibe to deter would-be chatters. The solitude is guaranteed the moment they select a "neighbors not included" option.
For many introverts, escaping the relentless drone of human interaction is akin to a dream come true. The luxury of being left alone with one's thoughts for hours on end is rare in this world filled with endless meetings, appointments, and social gatherings. Air travel offers a unique opportunity to savor this isolation and recharge.
By cocooning themselves in a row or section sans seatmates, introverts can lose themselves in their favorite books, enjoy an in-flight movie without subtitles or headphones, meditate, sleep, or simply stare out the window lost in introspection. The possibilities for inner exploration and reflection are boundless.
Self-described introvert Susan Green told CNN she always dreaded air travel until discovering Delta's extra legroom unaccompanied seating. "Having my own row is my happy place in the sky," she said. "I can completely tune out and rejuvenate before plunging back into the chaos of the real world."
Similarly, software engineer Ryan Thomas said Alaska Airlines' Premium Class cabin was nothing short of life-changing. "I arrived more energized than when I left since I didn't have to expend any mental energy conversing."
The Solo Flyer's Dream: Airlines Now Offering 'Neighbors Not Included' Seating - Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy Your Personal Space
For many travelers, the notion of enjoying personal space while flying seems downright fantastical. Between tiny seats, crowded planes, and endless queues, finding any room to breathe can feel impossible. However, the new solo seating options offered by innovative airlines are creating small oases of personal space for those willing to pay a premium.
As Torsten Jacobi of Mighty Travels recounted, upgrading to an unoccupied row allows travelers to fully stretch out and claim some square footage as their own - a rare luxury when suspended 30,000 feet in the air. No more contorting to avoid encroaching on your neighbor's territory or fighting for elbow room on the armrests. The entire row belongs to you and you alone.
IT consultant Jenna Park spoke about her experience flying from LA to NYC in one of Delta's pricier extra legroom seats. "I'm on the taller side, so having no one next to me meant I could actually extend my legs a bit instead of staying cramped in a fetal position for six hours straight." She happily paid $87 extra not to have her knees jammed against the seat in front of her for the entirety of the cross-country flight.
Similarly, public relations professional Peter Dunn told reporters he felt like he "won the lottery" when a booking error left him as the sole occupant of a three-seat row on a busy Southwest flight. "I didn't have to ask anyone to let me out to use the bathroom or make them move so I could grab something from the overhead bin. For once, I just got to be completely free of annoying plane etiquette."
Even luxuries like being able to fully recline without disturbing fellow passengers can feel like an unbelievable treat when you've grown accustomed to flights packed to the gills. Solo flyers who've experienced the bliss of their own row often describe it using words like "magical", "life-changing", and "a dream".
Of course, along with personal space comes the ability to relax and decompress without outside interruptions.Travelers report how soothing it is not to have other passengers climbing over them while they are trying to nap or watch a movie. Noise cancelling headphones work much better when the source of the noise has been removed from your immediate proximity.