Air Changan offers three rows for one ticket

While some airlines have decided to sell smaller numbers of tickets per flight, no longer use the middle seat, or create a buffer zone next to the crew jump seats. Chinese regional airline Air Changan, has gone one step further and allowing passengers to purchase empty adjacent seats for US$28 each.

As the rest of the world’s regional airline fleet remains grounded, the first signs of recovery are being seen in China’s domestic market. A report in Forbes said that Air Changan, which is part of the Hainan Airlines Group, can cater for passengers seeking a secure social distance environment around them by offering the extra space.

An adjacent extra empty is available for $28, with a whole set of eight, which will allow one passenger to block off the three seats behind, one to either side and the three-seats in front, which results in a total cost of $226.

Air Changan has stated that the offer is only available on the day of travel and if there are enough seats available on the aircraft. The offer will be open until the end of 2020.