Qantas has announced the launch of a new cabin product called ‘Economy Plus’ to start February 2026, offering passengers more legroom and additional perks on domestic and short-haul international routes.
The new seating option will be available on the airline’s Airbus A321XLR, A220, and Boeing 737 fleet of aircraft operating across Australia’s domestic network, as well as flights to New Zealand and Pacific Island destinations.
What Economy Plus offers
According to Qantas, Economy Plus seats provide up to 40% more legroom compared to standard economy seating, giving passengers additional space between their seat and the row ahead.
The product also includes priority boarding and priority access to overhead baggage compartments.
Qantas claims that the seating addresses demand from travelers who want more space without upgrading to business class. The airline noted that every week, more than 21,000 seats toward the front of economy cabins are selected by frequent flyers.
Frequent flyer benefits
According to the Australian flag carrier, its high-tier frequent flyers will receive complimentary access to Economy Plus seats. Platinum members and above will be able to select these seats when booking flights, while Gold members can access them at check-in without charge.
Other passengers will be able to purchase Economy Plus seats, though Qantas has not yet announced pricing. The airline plans to release pricing details closer to the February 2026 launch of the product.
Fleet modernization
The Economy Plus rollout comes in time with Qantas’s fleet renewal program, which includes 48 next-generation A321XLR aircraft on order. The first two A321XLRs entered service on domestic routes in September 2025, with a third expected before the year’s end.
New A321XLR and A220 aircraft will arrive with extra-legroom seating already installed.
Qantas will begin reconfiguring its existing Boeing 737 fleet to add Economy Plus seats starting in December 2025.
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said that the new product provides more options for travelers while rewarding 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.
She added: “We’re always looking for ways to enhance the onboard experience and maximize comfort for our customers. We believe this new seating product will be popular with our corporate and leisure travellers when it launches next year.”
Economy Plus will be available on any route operated by the three aircraft types, covering Qantas’s extensive domestic network throughout Australia and short-haul international destinations including Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and various Pacific Island locations.
