Qantas Economy Plus, which offers 40 per cent more legroom, priority boarding and priority access for cabin baggage went on sale today as Virgin Australia announced its own extra-legroom Economy X on domestic services.
The first Qantas flights offering the new Economy Plus seating product will take off on 6 February on Boeing 737, Airbus A321XLR and A220 aircraft, operating across the national carrier’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 Flying Kangaroo’s 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 expands to the airline’s Airbus A330 fleet, covering more international routes, including destinations across Asia.
Meanwhile, Virgin Australia’s month-long ‘Extra Comfort, Zero Imitation’ domestic sale offers kits own extra-legroom in Economy X seating, with upgrades from just $15 (per person per sector).
Economy X sale is available to add to Virgin Australia domestic flight bookings until 11.59pm AEST Tuesday 3 March 2026. First launched in 2017, Virgin Australia said Economy X continues to set the standard in extra-comfort economy travel, offering up to 40 per cent more legroom, priority boarding and dedicated overhead locker space.
“We’ve always believed Australians want choice, value and a better experience in the air; Economy X has been delivering exactly that for years so it’s no surprise others are now taking notice,” a Virgin Australia spokesperson said.
“We’re continuing to showcase just how wonderful the Economy X experience is for travellers, from priority check-in and boarding to preferred overhead locker space, while offering the best-value extra-legroom Economy seating in the market from just $15 per person.”
As part of its own Economy Plus launch, Qantas said seating remains a top priority for Qantas Frequent Flyers’ high-tiered members who will also receive complimentary access to Qantas Economy Plus from today.
Platinum and Platinum One tier 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,” Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson said.
“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.”
Expanded forward seating
In addition to Qantas Economy Plus, an expanded forward seating zone across multiple rows in the forward half of the Economy replaces 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.
Qantas Economy Plus pricing varies across front, main and exit row seating, and by route, in addition to fare price.
Seat maps and the online booking experience have been updated across the Qantas website and app, making it easier for customers to view and select their preferred seating options.
Onboard, Qantas Economy Plus zones will be marked with branded headrests and overhead baggage bin placards, rolling out across the network in the coming weeks.
