When it comes to long-haul flights, knowing the legroom you can expect is crucial for a comfortable journey. Many travelers choose Qantas for its high-quality service and extensive network, but how does it stack up in terms of economy class legroom?
Firstly, it's essential to understand that legroom in economy can vary greatly depending on the aircraft type and your specific seat. So, let's break down the average legroom Qantas offers in economy, along with some tips to maximize your personal space.
Average Legroom in Qantas Economy Class
On average, you can expect around 31-32 inches (79-81 cm) of legroom in Qantas economy class. This is slightly above the standard 30-inch (76-cm) benchmark set by many carriers. However, this can vary based on the aircraft you're flying on.
Here's a quick look at the legroom you can expect on some of Qantas' most common aircraft in economy:
- Boeing 737: 31-32 inches (79-81 cm), with some older aircraft offering slightly less.
- Airbus A330/340: 31-32 inches (79-81 cm) on most configurations.
- Airbus A380: 31-32 inches (79-81 cm) in the main economy cabin. However, the A380 offers some unique seating options like the spacious "Skycouch" and premium economy with more legroom.
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner: 32 inches (81 cm) in the main economy cabin.
Select Seating to Maximize Legroom
Legroom can vary even within an economy cabin due to seat Pitch, which is the distance from any point on one seat to the same point on the seat in front. Here's how you can make the most of your seat selection:
Choose seats in rows with fewer or no seats in front. For example, on the Boeing 787, the seats in rows 20-29 have more legroom because there are no seats in front of them. On the Airbus A330, rows 16-18 also offer more space for the same reason.
Consider the Exit Row
The exit rows on either side of the aircraft offer significantly more legroom, with up to 36 inches (91 cm) of space. However, be aware that these seats come with some potential drawbacks, such as limited recline and the need to assist in evacuations. Also, keep in mind that these seats may not be available to book in advance and could be allocated at the gate.
Premium Economy and Business Class Alternatives
If you find that you need more space than what's typically offered in economy, you might want to consider upgrading to premium economy or even business class, where you'll find significantly more legroom.
Qantas' premium economy offers 40-42 inches (102-107 cm) of pitch, while their business class has a generous 78 inches (198 cm) of pitch. Of course, these upgrades come at an additional cost, but they could be worth it if you're looking to travel in comfort.
Qantas' New Economy Experience
In 2022, Qantas is rolling out a new economy seat on their Boeing 787s and Airbus A321XLRs. These new seats offer enhanced comfort features, such as a larger personal space, adjustable headrests, and deeper recline. While the legroom remains the same, these new features could help improve your overall comfort during your flight.
The new seats represent Qantas' commitment to improving the economy experience, but you'll have to wait a bit longer to enjoy them. As of now, they're only available on a limited number of flights.
In the end, Qantas offers a comfortable economy experience with slightly above-average legroom compared to many other airlines. By understanding the cabin layout and making smart seat selections, you can maximize your personal space on your next Qantas flight.