JAKARTA - It does not offer a view of windows, or easy access to toilets, the middle seat is undoubtedly the most undesirable place to sit on a flight.
In fact, only 0.6 percent of the more than 7,500 voters surveyed preferentially, or, perhaps more likely, accidentally opted, middle seat, according to a recent social media poll by Virgin Australia.
That number may soon rise, if the airline scheme to make passengers willing to order middle seats that are'scared off' succeeds.
Virgin Australia has just launched the Central Seat Lote, a special lottery worth about $230,000 or around Rp2,321,079,810. And it is only open to those who sit in the middle seat, voluntarily or unintentionally, during the flight.
"Virgin Australia is an airline that does things differently and we are having fun with exciting innovations to make every part of the travel experience more beautiful," said Jayne Hrdlicka, Virgin Australia Group's chief executive officer, at a news conference., reported CNN Travel October 25.
"Now we are giving our loyal guests the opportunity to win from a collection of prizes worth more than $230,000, just by sitting in the middle seat."
Starting the program launch until April 23, 2023, every 18-year-old Velocity Frequent Flyer member sitting in the middle seat can use airline apps to sign up for the draw.
Every week, different prizes will be awarded to the winners of the draw. Among the innovative prizes up for grabs is full day helicopter pub exploration (including round-trip flights to Darwin) or two-night holidays at Cairns including flights, accommodation and bungee jumps.
For Australian Football League fans, there are flights and tickets to the Australian Football League Grand Final, as well as exclusive access to pre-match lunches and after-party.
Tourists can also win Virgin's "Platinum Velocity" frequent flighter status for one year, along with a million Extra Speed Points, as well as several updated themed gallery trains.
After the announcement was posted to airline social media on October 24, some commentators agreed that it was a brilliant plan. Others said no one could get them in the middle seat.
Interested in trying your luck?
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