Qantas has officially launched Economy Plus, its new premium economy-style seating option, giving passengers more space and added perks across the airline’s domestic and short-haul international network. First announced in 2025, the new seating option went on sale on Feb. 2, and is positioned to meet growing demand for comfort within the economy cabin.
Extra Space and Priority Perks
The first flights featuring Economy Plus will operate from Feb. 6, marking one of the most significant cabin upgrades across Qantas’ narrowbody fleet in recent years.
Qantas Economy Plus offers up to 40 per cent more legroom, along with priority boarding and priority access to overhead baggage space, benefits designed to ease some of the most common pain points for economy travellers.
The new seating will initially be available on Boeing 737, Airbus A220 and Airbus A321XLR aircraft, operating throughout Australia and on short-haul international routes including New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and Bali.
Seat availability varies by aircraft type. Qantas’ reconfigured 737 fleet will feature 48 Economy Plus seats, while the A220 will offer 20 seats and the A321XLR 36 seats, positioned in selected forward and mid-cabin zones.
Qantas’ Frequent Flyers Get Early Benefits
Frequent Flyers are among the biggest beneficiaries of the rollout. Platinum and Platinum One members receive complimentary access to Economy Plus at the time of booking, while Gold members gain access from 24 hours before departure, subject to availability. Passengers travelling on the same booking as an eligible member will also be upgraded at no extra cost.
Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson said the product was designed to deliver flexibility and tangible comfort improvements:
“Extra legroom, priority boarding and guaranteed overhead bin access are the things our customers tell us matter most”
He added that early customer interest has been strong.
At the same time, Qantas is replacing its preferred seating option with an expanded forward seating zone across much of the fleet. Platinum One, Platinum, Gold and Silver members will have complimentary seat selection in this zone, subject to availability.
Expansion to A330 Fleet Planned
Looking ahead, Qantas confirmed that Economy Plus will expand to its Airbus A330 fleet from mid-2026, opening the product to more international routes across Asia. Pricing will vary depending on seat location, route and fare type.
Updated seat maps are now live on the Qantas website and app, while onboard branding, including headrests and overhead bin signage, will roll out across the network in the coming weeks.
Would you pay extra for more legroom and priority boarding? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
