Summary:
- Qantas launches Economy Plus, offering up to 40% more legroom, priority boarding and dedicated overhead bin access.
- New cabin product rolls out across domestic and short-haul international fleets, with expansion to A330 aircraft from mid-2026.
- Frequent Flyer benefits drive premium economy adoption, with complimentary access for high-tier members and expanded forward seating zones.
Qantas has launched its new Economy Plus cabin product, which offers up to 40% more legroom, priority boarding and priority access to overhead baggage space. Economy Plus is now available onboard Qantas’ Boeing 737, Airbus A321XLR and A220 aircraft, operating across the airline’s domestic network and to popular short-haul international destinations including New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and Bali.
Qantas Economy Plus seat availability varies by aircraft type, with the 737 fleet reconfigured to offer 48 seats in the forward and mid-cabin areas, the A220 offering 20 seats, and the A321XLR providing 36 seats in select zones.
From mid-2026, Qantas Economy Plus will expand to the airline’s Airbus A330 fleet, covering more international routes, including destinations across Asia.
As seating remains a top priority for Frequent Flyers, high-tiered members will receive complimentary access to Qantas Economy Plus. Platinum and Platinum One tiered members receive complimentary access to Qantas Economy Plus at the time of booking, while Gold members receive complimentary access from 24 hours prior to departure, subject to availability. Customers travelling on the same booking as a member eligible for Qantas Economy Plus will also receive complimentary access.
“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.”
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. Forward zone seat selection will be complimentary for Platinum One, Platinum, Gold and Silver frequent flyers, subject to availability.
Onboard, Qantas Economy Plus zones are marked with branded headrests and overhead baggage bin placards.
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