Splash out on a worthwhile economy bonus experience

There can be fewer better travel bonuses than having an empty seat next to you when you are flying in a cramped economy class airline cabin. 

Emirates is offering a sweet deal for passengers to stretch out with the use of adjacent economy seats for $US55 to $US165 plus tax depending on the route. This follows a similar offering from Air New Zealand. 

The  Emirates seats cannot be booked in advance and only available for purchase on the day of travel at check-in, Arab News reported.

Emirates passengers can purchase up to three empty adjoining seats - although how cabin crew will enforce the blocked out bookings remains unexplained.

The Dubai-based  carrier said the new scheme will be offered to all economy class customers with a confirmed booking, but there will be no option to pre-book the empty seats.

Customers who are likely to purchase extra seats include couples, parents traveling with in-lap infants, and those who want to be socially distant while travelling amid the pandemic. Or those who simply want more room to move. 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) now expects that the airline industry will remain cash negative throughout 2021, leaving airlines looking for new revenue streams.