Virgin offers a neighbour-free flying experience

Do you hate it when the passenger in the next seat man spreads, or pushes your arm off the shared armrest?

You can now pay from just $30 for a neighbour-free experience when your flight is with Virgin Australia.

From this week, eligible guests on some Virgin Australia-operated domestic and short-haul international services can bid to keep the seat next to them empty, creating a more spacious economy experience.

The new product, dubbed Neighbour-Free Seating, will let guests enjoy more space when they fly, at an accessible price point.

A 2023 consumer survey conducted by Velocity Frequent Flyer revealed that 42% of Virgin Australia guests would consider paying a fee to have the middle seat empty on international flights more than three hours, while over a third (35%) would do the same on a domestic flight more than three hours.

Virgin Australia executive Libby Minogue said the airline’s latest offering reflects its commitment to customer comfort.

“Our priority is to give Virgin Australia guests even more value and choice when they choose to fly with us," she said. "Neighbour-Free Seating is a clever add-on for economy travellers who want the certainty of extra space without the price tag.

“We actively listen to guest feedback, and this initiative is a direct response to what our customers have told us they want. It is a step forward in enhancing the onboard experience and a game changer for those who want more comfort and space during their flight.”

There is, of course, no certainty. Your flight, like so many, might well be full.

How it works: 

# After booking their flight, eligible economy guests can submit a bid on the Virgin Australia app to reserve an empty seat next to them.
# Bids start from as low as $30. More information on pricing is available at virginaustralia.com.
# A successful bid will be confirmed no later than two hours prior to the scheduled departure time of the flight.
# Velocity Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus and Forever Gold members, who have pre-selected their seats and do not bid for Neighbour-Free Seating will not be impacted when Neighbour-Free Seating requests are fulfilled.

Smart thinking from the airline, which now gets extra revenue from a seat that is not purchased.

How to enjoy a Grill'd burger experience in your own home

Do you prefer to eat your burgers at home, or when dining out?

Up-market Australian burger chain Grill'd is going where its rivals have not by releasing its patties for sale in supermarkets.

Grill’d today launched a retail range of their burger patties exclusively at Coles stores.

Available in-store and online at Coles stores nationally, the Grill’d range starts at $8 for a 2-pack and includes three options.

Coles says its research shows one in two Australians say they have an interest in recreating their restaurant or takeaway dinner in their own kitchen, and a "familiar taste" is the top driver of meal choice.

The popular burger restaurant has been flipping burgers for 21 years and has grown to 174 burger restaurants across the country.

Grill’d founder and managing director Simon Crowe said he was excited to expand the restaurant to the supermarket, giving more Australians the opportunity to enjoy Grill’d burgers.

“For over two decades, Aussies have loved coming into Grill’d restaurants for healthy burgers that taste good and do good," he said. "This next chapter in our story is very exciting as we take our products into peoples’ homes.

“Having our burgers available nationally at Coles, allows us to take the next big step in our mission: to make our healthy, delicious burgers accessible to all Australians.”

Coles Chief Commercial Officer Anna Croft said: “We’re excited to join forces with Grill’d to launch an exclusive, premium burger range customers can only find at Coles,” she said.

“Our customers are telling us they’re cooking more at home and looking for ways to create delicious and easy restaurant quality meals in their own kitchens - and that’s exactly what we hope to achieve by offering the new Grill’d burger range.

“This launch is the latest example of how we’re listening and responding to our customers, giving more Australians access to premium and convenient meal options at a price that offers real value.”

To celebrate the launch, each product will be offered at an introductory price of $1 off the regular price for the first four weeks. To shop the range visit: coles.com.au

The Grill’d range is: 

Grill’d Signature Beef Burgers (2-pack): $8.00 / $4 per serve
Grill’d Premium Wagyu Burgers with Caramelised Onion (2-pack): $10.00 / $5 per serve
Grill’d Signature Beef Burgers (4-pack): $12.50 / $3.15 per serve (available in selected stores).

On yer bike in East Gippsland

 

Former railway lines turned into cycling and walking trails are proving increasingly popular. 

Victoria’s East Gippsland Rail Trail is one of several standout rail trail experiences offered by Australian Cycle Tours, and for a limited time, travellers can save up to 20% on select departures between August and December 2025.

This scenic 100km+ trail weaves through temperate rainforest, farmland and historic towns, finishing at the Gippsland Lakes. Highlights include Metung Hot Springs, cellar doors, seafood dinners and koala habitat. It uses the route of the former railway line between Bairnsdale and Orbost.

Cyclists can choose between a self-guided or supported group cycle, with savings available for bookings made before the end of July. 

The self-guided ride includes accommodation, luggage transfers and app-based navigation. It is promoted as being ideal for independent travellers who want everything organised, with the freedom to take each day at their own pace. E-Bikes are also available.

Best of East Gippsland Rail Trail is designed for small groups departing on September 8 or November 3. This itinerary includes local guidance, van support, a soak in the Metung Hot Springs, scenic side trips and locally hosted meals.

More information and bookings:
https://www.australiancycletours.com.au/popular-trails/east-gippsland-rail-trail