Qantas passengers will soon have a new way to travel, with the carrier unveiling Economy Plus, a new class designed to give customers more space and choice on domestic and short-haul international routes.
Launching in February 2026, the new cabin will feature seats with up to 40 per cent more legroom, as well as priority boarding and access to overhead luggage bins.
The new class will be available across Qantas’ Airbus A321XLR, A220 and B737 aircraft, serving destinations across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
So much extra legroom are we actually talking about here?
The majority of seats in Economy Plus will feature a 34-inch seat pitch across all aircraft types, while exit rows will have a 38-inch pitch and front rows a 39-inch pitch (51-52 inches on the 737). The average legroom in economy on these planes is 30 inches, so most of the seats will only grow by four inches of legroom (just over 10%). Still, depending on pricing – which Qantas says it will announce closer to launch – that’s potentially a lot more comfort.
For frequent flyers, the move is also a win. Platinum and Platinum One members will receive complimentary Economy Plus access when booking, while Gold members will be upgraded at check-in (subject to availability).
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the introduction of Economy Plus reflects customer demand for more choice and comfort.
“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,” she stated.
“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.”
The rollout of Economy Plus coincides with the flying kangaroo’s ongoing fleet renewal program, which includes 48 next-generation A321XLR aircraft and a suite of new A220s. Both aircraft types will arrive with Economy Plus seating pre-fitted, while the airline’s existing 737s will be reconfigured from December this year.
In other Qantas news, the carrier has announced that major upgrades to its Sydney Airport business lounge will commence next month, while its new Auckland Airport business lounge is set to take flight in time for summer travel on 17 December. More on that shortly.
This week, Qantas kicked off a sale on more than one million discounted seats across 60 Australian destinations for 2026 travel. Fares start from $99 one-way and are available until 11.59pm (AEDT) on 13 November 2025, unless sold out sooner.
For more info, visit www.qantas.com.
