Qantas to offer flyers more legroom

 

Sick of feeling cramped when you fly?

Qantas today unveiled a new cabin product that it promises will offer a better experience.

The Australian flag carrier is "enhancing the on-board experience across its domestic and short-haul international fleet" with the introduction of Qantas Economy Plus, which is designed to give customers more choice with extra legroom seating, priority boarding and priority access to overhead baggage space.

Qantas says the Economy Plus seats will give customers up to 40% more legroom.

The new product will be available from February, 2026, on the Airbus A321XLR, A220 and Boeing 737 aircraft which operate on the airline’s domestic network as well as to New Zealand and Pacific Islands.

High-tiered frequent flyers will receive complimentary access to Qantas Economy Plus.

The launch comes as Qantas continues a fleet renewal program, which includes 48 next generation A321XLR aircraft on order.

The first two A321XLR aircraft began flying on the domestic network in September, with a third set to arrive before the end of the year.

The airline will begin reconfiguration of its 737 aircraft in December.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said Qantas Economy Plus will give customers greater flexibility with how they choose to travel and provide additional value for frequent flyers.

“This is an evolution of our economy offering and delivers more choice for our customers while recognising our most loyal frequent flyers with expanded benefits, in the areas we know they value the most,” Hudson said.

“We’re always looking for ways to enhance the onboard experience and maximise comfort for our customers. We believe this new seating product will be popular with our corporate and leisure travellers when it launches next year.”

Platinum members and above will receive complimentary access to Qantas Economy Plus when making their flight booking and Gold members will receive complimentary access at check-in, subject to availability.

Qantas Economy Plus will also be available for purchase on Qantas’ 737, A321XLR and A220 fleets, including on any short-haul international routes they operate, from February 2026 and pricing will be announced closer to the launch.

Image: Qantas