Virgin Australia launches A$145,000 lottery for middle seat passengers

(CNN) — The middle seat, which offers neither window views nor easy access to the restroom, is without a doubt the least popular seat on the plane.

In fact, according to a recent Virgin Australia social media poll, just 0.6 per cent of more than 7,500 voters surveyed preferred — or more likely, accidentally voted for the middle seat.

That number could soon rise if airlines’ plans to make passengers voluntarily book the dreaded middle seat are successful.

Virgin Australia just launched the Middle Seat Lottery, a special draw worth around A$230,000 (or US$145,000). It is only open to those who voluntarily or involuntarily sit in the middle seat during the flight.

Virgin Australia Group CEO Jayne Hrdlicka in a press release.

“Now we’re giving our loyal guests the chance to win prizes from a prize pool worth over $230,000 because they only have to sit in the middle seat.”

Prizes include free flights, helicopter bar crawls and bungee jumping

From now until April 23, 2023, any Velocity frequent flyer member aged 18 or older in a middle seat can enter the sweepstakes using the airline’s app.

Each week, the winner of the lucky draw will receive a different prize. Innovative gifts to choose from include a full day helicopter pub crawl (including a flight back to Darwin) and a two-night holiday in Cairns including flight, accommodation and bungee jumping.

For Australian Football League fans, there are flights and tickets to the Australian Football League Finals, as well as exclusive access to pre-match lunches and post-match parties.

Travelers can also earn a year of Virgin’s “Platinum Velocity” frequent flyer status – and an additional million Velocity points – as well as some refurbished themed gallery carts.

After the announcement was posted to the airline’s social media channels on October 24, some commenters saw it as a “fantastic plan”, while others said there was nothing to get them in the middle seat.​​​ superior.

Above: File photo of a Virgin Australia aircraft.Credit: Adobe Stock

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