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Qantas is this week officially rolling out its new “Economy Plus” extra-legroom seating, with the product also set to come to A330s later this year.
Economy Plus seats are now on sale for equipped Boeing 737-800, Airbus A321XLR, and A220-300 aircraft operating domestic and short-haul international services. The first flights with the new product – which competes with Virgin’s Economy X – will take off on 6 February.
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“Qantas Economy Plus brings together extra legroom, priority boarding, and priority access to overhead bin space – all the elements we know make a real difference to our customers when flying,” said Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson.
“We’ve seen strong interest in Qantas Economy Plus from customers already, and we know it will be a great benefit for both our business and leisure travellers.”
The Flying Kangaroo says it will offer 48 Economy Plus seats in forward and mid-cabin areas of its 737s, 20 on its QantasLink A220-300s, and 36 on its A321XLRs.
“From mid-2026, Qantas Economy Plus will expand to the airline’s Airbus A330 fleet, covering more international routes, including destinations across Asia,” the carrier said.
According to Qantas, higher-tier frequent flyer members will receive complimentary access to Economy Plus, with Platinum and Platinum One members able to select it on booking, and Gold members within 24 hours of departure.
“In addition to Qantas Economy Plus, an expanded forward seating zone across multiple rows in the forward half of the Economy cabin will replace preferred seating across the broader Qantas fleet,” the airline said.
“Forward zone seat selection will be complimentary for Platinum One, Platinum, Gold and Silver frequent flyers, subject to availability.”
Qantas’ first domestic A321XLR aircraft, which will replace its older 737-800s, entered revenue service in September. The airline has ordered a total of 48 of the new aircraft, 16 of which will be configured for international routes.
Its fourth A321XLR, VH-OGD, is slated to arrive in Australia this month, and will be the first to be fitted with four lavatories, with Qantas’ previous A321XLRs having only three.
The extra toilet replaces a row of three economy seats, bringing total seat count down from 200 to 197, making one economy toilet per 59 passengers as opposed to one per 90. Qantas’ first three A321XLRs – VH-OGA, VH-OGB, and VH-OGC – will be retrofitted to add the fourth lavatory.
The Flying Kangaroo is also looking to retrofit some of its newer Boeing 737-800 planes to bring the cabin experience in line with the A321XLR.
