Qantas Prioritizes Overhead Bin Access for Premium Economy Passengers
Qantas Airways has introduced a new seating class called Economy Plus on its domestic flights, enhancing passenger comfort and access to overhead bins. This initiative aligns Qantas with competitor Virgin Australia, which has been successful with its premium seating offerings.
Features of Qantas Economy Plus
The Economy Plus seats will provide passengers with up to 40% more legroom compared to standard economy seating. Additionally, these seats include:
- Priority boarding
- Dedicated overhead baggage space
- Access to priority check-in
Clearly marked overhead bins will be allocated exclusively for Economy Plus passengers, ensuring easier access to luggage during flights.
Pricing and Availability
The pricing for Economy Plus seats will vary based on route and seat location within the aircraft. For example:
- A one-way ticket from Sydney to Melbourne costs an additional $30 or 5000 Qantas points.
- A one-way ticket from Melbourne to Bali is priced at $90 or 15,000 points.
On refitted Boeing 737 aircraft, Qantas will offer 48 Economy Plus seats. Newer A220s will feature 20 seats, while the A321XLR will have 36 premium economy seats.
Market Acceptance and Strategic Goals
Since the pandemic, demand for premium economy seating has risen, with travelers willing to pay extra for comfort on longer flights. Qantas plans to expand the Economy Plus rollout to its A330 fleet by mid-2026, serving more international routes.
Markus Svensson, Qantas Domestic CEO, reported strong interest in Economy Plus from customers, noting its dual appeal to both business and leisure travelers. Premium flyers will enjoy complimentary access to these seats based on their loyalty tier.
Competing with Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia pioneered the Economy X class in 2017, catering to a diverse market that includes premium leisure travelers and cost-conscious corporate clients. Analysts believe Qantas’ Economy Plus is a direct response to Virgin’s success.
Adele Eliseo, a loyalty program expert, remarked that this new initiative aims to provide substantial value to Qantas’ frequent flyers, reminiscent of premium services without the cost of business class seats.
Feedback from Industry Experts
Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association, expressed optimism about the Economy Plus offering, noting its potential popularity among frequent corporate travelers. The launch is set for February 6, signaling Qantas’ commitment to enhancing passenger experiences while remaining competitive in the aviation market.
