Virgin Australia’s Middle Seat Lottery has transformed the worst seat on a plane

It’s easily the worst seat on a plane, but a new perk means nabbing the middle spot inside the cabin could come with a very fine pay-off.

As far as plane seats go, those in the middle miss out on both views out the window and the extra legroom of an aisle – not to mention the awkward business of clambering over strangers when nature calls.

Virgin Australia sees you and feels your pain. It’s why the airline has launched a new program called the Middle Seat Lottery. It works like this: if you find yourself assigned one of these seats – or specifically book one – you are eligible to win prizes from the $230,000 pool until April 23.

This is one of the bar carts on offer.

The lottery in the middle seat means you could win this.

There is some serious booty up for grabs. We’re talking a helicopter pub crawl in Darwin, a Virgin Voyages cruise in Mexico, AFL Grand Final tickets, one million frequent flyer points with Velocity Platinum status and a Cairns adventure package including accommodation, return flights, and a range of adventures such as bungee jumping, giant swinging, river rafting or tubing in the great Barron River.

However, the prizes that really caught our eye are the four one-of-a-kind bar carts, each valued at around $10k. In a dazzling exercise in upcycling, all have been salvaged from Boeing 737s and transformed into something the kids would term ‘extra’.

The carts that are on offer.

The Disco Fever cart, for example, includes a shimmery exterior, spinning mirror ball, cocktail shaker and smoke machine.

The Day Spa version is decked out in stylish rattan and comes stacked with an aromatherapy diffuser and scented candles. Add a plush robe, silk eye mask and squishy slippers and all that’s missing is the Enya soundtrack.

The third cart is entitled ‘At Home Cinema’. It is upholstered in classic red velvet, customisable letter board, popcorn maker, candy bar and movie projector.

The last cab off the rank is the ‘Sports Bar’. It comes with a removable Esky and Yeti coolers to keep drinks cold, a Marshall speaker for game commentary, a AFL Sherrin to kick about at half time and a pop-out basketball hoop. Swish.

The promotion is only available on domestic flights and ends on 23 April 2023 for flights booked on the Virgin Australia website.