# **SunExpress Offers Empty Middle Seat Options on Flights: A Complete Guide**

SunExpress offers empty middle seat booking for extra comfort and privacy. Call 1-833-341-3894 for details or reservations.

In the ever-evolving world of air travel, passenger comfort, safety, and flexibility have become key selling points. One airline taking a novel approach to enhance the passenger experience is **SunExpress**, a joint venture between **Turkish Airlines** and **Lufthansa**. Known for its reliable service and affordable prices across Europe and the Middle East, SunExpress has introduced an innovative feature—**empty middle seat booking**—to provide travelers with more space, privacy, and peace of mind.

Whether you're a frequent flyer, an occasional vacationer, or a business traveler, understanding this feature can significantly improve your travel comfort. This comprehensive article explores SunExpress’s empty middle seat offer in-depth, including how it works, who it benefits, how much it costs, and what it means for the airline industry at large.

---

## **1. About SunExpress**

Founded in 1989 as a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, SunExpress primarily operates scheduled and chartered passenger flights between Germany and holiday destinations in Turkey, as well as across southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Headquartered in Antalya, Turkey, and Frankfurt, Germany, the airline operates a modern fleet of **Boeing 737 aircraft**.

With a focus on low-cost leisure travel, SunExpress has developed a strong reputation for offering affordable fares without compromising on essential services. The airline serves over 90 destinations across more than 30 countries and is especially popular among tourists traveling between Germany and Turkish resort towns.

---

## **2. What Is the Empty Middle Seat Option?**

The **empty middle seat option** is a value-added service that allows passengers to **reserve the seat next to them** (typically the middle seat in a 3-3 configuration) to remain unoccupied throughout the flight. This upgrade ensures more personal space, less crowding, and a heightened sense of privacy.

This service is particularly relevant in light of:

* Post-pandemic hygiene concerns
* Rising demand for personal space on board
* Business travelers seeking comfort
* Families with small children who want additional elbow room

SunExpress is among a handful of airlines in Europe that have incorporated this feature as part of their service portfolio.

---

## **3. Key Features of the Service**

Let’s explore the core features of the empty middle seat option offered by SunExpress:

### **a. Guaranteed Empty Seat**

Once booked, SunExpress **guarantees** that the middle seat adjacent to your selected seat will remain unoccupied for the duration of your flight.

### **b. Availability**

This service is available on most **short- and medium-haul flights** operated by SunExpress, subject to aircraft layout and load factor.

### **c. Booking Flexibility**

You can book the empty middle seat:

* During the initial ticket purchase
* Through the **SunExpress website or mobile app**
* Via **SunExpress customer service**
* During online check-in (subject to availability)

---

## **4. Why Passengers Choose the Empty Middle Seat Option**

### **a. Enhanced Comfort**

The primary reason travelers choose this service is **comfort**. Having more elbow room, leg space, and the ability to spread out makes a noticeable difference on flights over two hours.

### **b. Privacy**

With fewer strangers in close proximity, passengers experience greater **personal privacy**, making it easier to relax, read, or work.

### **c. Health and Safety**

Even as COVID-19 restrictions have eased, many travelers still prefer **social distancing** measures. The empty middle seat provides psychological comfort and perceived safety.

### **d. Productivity for Business Travelers**

Business passengers benefit from the ability to open a laptop, access documents, or work without crowding.

### **e. Peace of Mind for Families**

Families with infants or young children often book an empty seat to hold bags, toys, or just to spread out more comfortably.

---

## **5. Pricing and Cost Structure**

### **a. Dynamic Pricing**

The cost of booking an empty middle seat with SunExpress is **dynamic**. It varies based on:

* Route and flight duration
* Time of booking
* Load factor (how full the flight is)
* Season (peak vs off-peak travel)

As of 2024, prices typically range from **€39 to €89** per flight segment.

### **b. Transparency**

The total cost is displayed clearly during booking, and the charge is **non-refundable** unless the airline cancels or reschedules the flight.

### **c. Frequent Flyer Benefits**

While SunExpress does not operate a traditional frequent flyer program, **partner loyalty program members** (e.g., Lufthansa’s Miles & More) may occasionally receive offers or discounts.

---

## **6. Booking Process**

### **Step-by-Step Guide:**

1. **Visit** [www.sunexpress.com](http://www.sunexpress.com)
2. **Search for your flight** and select your fare
3. During **seat selection**, choose your seat
4. The system will prompt you to **add an empty middle seat**, if available
5. **Confirm and pay** for the service
6. Receive your **boarding pass with seat confirmation**

You can also **add the service later** via:

* “My Bookings” section on the website
* Customer care hotline
* Mobile app

---

## **7. Terms and Conditions**

Before booking, passengers should be aware of certain conditions:

* **Non-transferable and non-refundable** unless flight is canceled
* **Only available on selected aircraft**
* Not available for **exit row or bulkhead seats**
* Passengers **cannot occupy** the extra seat; it must remain empty
* Airline may remove the service in rare operational disruptions (with refund)

---

## **8. Passenger Feedback and Reviews**

### **a. Positive Reception**

Since its launch, the empty middle seat service has received **largely positive reviews** from passengers. Online forums and social media highlight satisfaction with:

* Extra space
* Ease of booking
* Good value for money

### **b. Criticisms**

Some feedback includes:

* Costly on short-haul flights
* Limited availability during peak seasons
* Confusion over whether middle seat remains empty if flight is very full

SunExpress has addressed many of these concerns through better customer support and transparent pricing.

---

## **9. Comparison with Other Airlines**

SunExpress isn’t the first airline to experiment with this model. Here’s how it stacks up:

| Airline | Service Name | Region | Notes |
| ---------- | ------------------ | ------------------ | ---------------------------------------- |
| SunExpress | Empty Middle Seat | Europe/Middle East | Dynamic pricing, widespread availability |
| Lufthansa | Neighbor-Free Seat | Europe | Available at check-in, limited aircraft |
| Eurowings | Free Middle Seat | Europe | Bookable during or after reservation |
| Qantas | Neighbour Free | Australia | Upgrade offer after ticket purchase |
| AirAsia | Empty Seat Option | Asia | Available via add-ons |

SunExpress is notable for **making the service available at booking time**, giving passengers more control.

---

## **10. Impact on Airline Revenue and Strategy**

Offering an empty middle seat is not just about passenger comfort; it's also a **smart business strategy**.

### **a. Ancillary Revenue**

This service adds to the airline’s **ancillary revenue**, which includes charges for extras like baggage, meals, seat selection, and upgrades.

### **b. Operational Efficiency**

By monetizing otherwise unused inventory (middle seats that may remain vacant), the airline **maximizes yield per flight**.

### **c. Competitive Differentiation**

In a crowded budget airline space, this feature helps **differentiate SunExpress** from carriers that do not offer added comfort options.

---

## **11. Post-COVID Travel Trends**

### **a. Rise of Comfort-Oriented Budget Travelers**

Many post-pandemic travelers still value distance and cleanliness, even on budget airlines. SunExpress’s feature aligns perfectly with these **new traveler expectations**.

### **b. Hybrid Travel Demands**

As more people mix business and leisure (a.k.a. "bleisure"), the demand for semi-premium features on low-cost airlines has risen. The empty middle seat appeals to this audience.

---

## **12. Environmental Considerations**

Critics argue that encouraging empty seats may:

* Increase per-passenger emissions
* Conflict with sustainability goals

SunExpress counters this by:

* Only offering the service when operationally feasible
* Continuing to modernize its fleet with **fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX aircraft**
* Emphasizing that it’s a **paid option**, not a default

---

## **13. Who Should Consider Booking an Empty Middle Seat?**

| Passenger Type | Benefit |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------- |
| Solo travelers | Extra space and comfort |
| Business travelers | Privacy and working space |
| Parents with kids | More room to manage children and gear |
| Elderly passengers | Space to stretch, added convenience |
| Anxious flyers | Less crowding, lower stress |

---

## **14. Future Outlook: Will More Airlines Follow?**

As passenger expectations shift, more airlines are likely to offer **customizable seating experiences**. We can expect:

* Wider adoption of empty middle seat pricing
* AI-driven dynamic seat pricing
* Bundled comfort packages (legroom + empty seat + meals)

SunExpress is ahead of the curve, and its success may inspire other hybrid low-cost carriers in Europe and beyond.

---

## **15. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**

### **Q1: Can I sit in the empty middle seat after booking it?**

No. The seat is reserved to remain unoccupied throughout the flight.

### **Q2: Can I book more than one empty seat?**

In most cases, only the **middle seat next to your own** can be reserved as empty.

### **Q3: What happens if the airline cancels my flight?**

You will be refunded for the empty seat reservation.

### **Q4: Is this option available for international flights?**

Yes, but only on **short- to medium-haul international routes** served by SunExpress.

### **Q5: Can I use my travel voucher or credit to pay for it?**

Yes, most vouchers or payment credits issued by SunExpress can be used.

---

## **16. Conclusion**

SunExpress’s empty middle seat option is a welcome innovation in a world where passenger expectations are evolving quickly. It delivers a smart blend of **comfort**, **customization**, and **revenue optimization**. Whether you're a leisure traveler wanting space to relax or a business flyer looking for privacy, this feature provides a meaningful upgrade to your journey.

With transparent pricing, flexible booking, and increasing availability, it positions SunExpress as a forward-thinking airline in the **post-pandemic era of personalized flying**. As airlines explore new strategies to retain and attract customers, services like these will likely become more widespread, marking a significant shift in how we think about space and service in the skies.

---

**Interested in booking an empty middle seat with SunExpress? Visit [www.sunexpress.com](http://www.sunexpress.com) or call their customer support for personalized assistance.**