Qantas Seat Selection & Seat Upgrade
Qantas seat selection and upgrades provide travelers like you more options, including new Economy Plus seats on select aircraft and better
perks for Frequent Flyers. These recent cabin upgrades make these options even better.
Quick Overview
Qantas Seat Selection lets you choose standard or paid seats (like Extra Legroom) for comfort, often free for Frequent Flyers like you, while Seat Upgrades leverage points or cash to move to a higher cabin (Economy to Business) through methods like “Classic Upgrade Rewards” or “Bid Now Upgrades.”
This offers better service and space, with different rules for paid vs. points upgrades and status perks.
Call us now to get expert guidance on Qantas Airlines seat selection and upgrades.
Need assistance understanding airline seat selection or upgrade options? Call us toll-free at +1-855-510-5187 for step-by-step guidance.
Qantas Seat Selection Basics
Qantas seat selection and seat upgrade basics that you should know:
- Free Seats
You get regular seat selection for free on all Qantas domestic flights and on some cheaper international Economy fares departing Australia.
- Book Early
You can choose your seat as soon as you book via the Qantas app or website, and change it anytime up to 3 hours before departure.
- VIP Perks
If you’re a higher-tier frequent flyer (Silver or above), you get free seat selection on international flights; as a Bronze member, you still get free seats on direct bookings from Australia.
- Extra Space Seats
You’ll usually pay extra for front-row or extra-legroom seats, but they’re free if you’re a Platinum member.
- Special Rules of Qantas
You can only sit in an exit row if you’re an adult; children and pets aren’t allowed. You can use bassinet seats only if you’re traveling with an infant under 11 kg.
Also Read: Qantas Airways – Baggage Guidelines (Carry-On & Checked Bags)
Type of Seat in Qantas
Qantas provides various seat types across Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class on its fleet in 2026. Choices vary by aircraft, such as the Boeing 737, A380, and A330.
| Seat Type | What You Get | Cost & Perks | Best For |
| Standard Economy Seats | You get the basic Economy seat most people fly in, with regular legroom (about 30–32 inches). Comfortable enough for short trips. | Free on all domestic flights and select international fares. | Short flights and budget-friendly travel |
| Preferred Seats | You sit in the front rows of Economy, so you can get off the plane faster after landing. | Free if you’re Platinum or higher; otherwise, you pay a small fee. | Quick exits and tighter connections |
| Extra Legroom Seats | You enjoy noticeably more space to stretch out, usually in exit rows or bulkhead seats. | Typically $35–$100+ depending on the route; free for top-tier frequent flyers. | Taller travelers or longer flights |
| Economy Plus Seats | You get extra legroom in newly added rows designed for better comfort on domestic flights (from 2026). | Free at booking if you’re Platinum; everyone else pays extra. | Added comfort without upgrading cabins |
| Premium Economy | You get wider seats (19–20 inches), much more legroom (38+ inches), and upgraded meals. | Included as a separate cabin on long-haul aircraft like the A380 or 787. | Long flights with extra comfort |
| Business Class | You enjoy lie-flat beds (up to 80 inches) on international routes and comfortable recliners on domestic flights. | Premium fare; includes priority services and lounge access. | Work, rest, and privacy |
| First Class | You get a private luxury suite with the largest beds and top-tier service on select routes. | Very limited availability in 2026, offered only on some A380 flights. | Ultimate luxury and exclusivity |
Status Benefits Table
| Status Level | Standard Seats | Preferred Seats | Extra Legroom/Economy Plus |
| Platinum One | Free intl/dom | Free | Free at booking |
| Platinum | Free intl/dom | Free | Free at booking (Feb 2026) |
| Gold | Free intl/dom | Free | Free 24h prior |
| Silver/Bronze | Free (select) | Paid | Paid |
Seat Upgrade Options
Qantas offers several easy ways to upgrade seats in 2026, from points to cash bids.
Upgrade Methods
- Classic Upgrade Rewards: Use Qantas Points plus taxes to move up a cabin, like Economy to Business.
- Bid Now: Place a cash bid before your flight and get notified if it’s accepted.
- At the airport: Look out for last-minute cash upgrade offers at check-in or at the gate.
- Points + cash: Mix points with cash for more flexibility on eligible fares.
- Elite perks: Platinum+ get priority upgrades, while Silver and Gold may be upgraded closer to departure.
How to Select or Upgrade | Step by Step
- You log in to the Qantas app or website using your booking reference.
- You choose your seat after booking and pay with points or a card if needed.
- You request upgrades in the “Upgrades” tab and bid early for better odds.
- You check again 24–80 hours before departure, when more seats often open.
- If you’re Platinum or above, you get priority access to Economy Plus seats.
Many use this for 2026 trips: monitor T-24/T-80 for releases, bid early on upgrades, and leverage status, Platinum+ for Economy Plus from February.
Tips for Getting Good Seats
Follow these simple tricks to snag the best seats on Qantas flights in 2026.
Travel Off-Peak
Book Early
Use T-80 Rule
Join Frequent Flyer
Check Seat Maps
Try T-24 Hack
Bid for Upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Qantas extra legroom seats worth it in 2026?
Yes, Qantas Economy Plus seats (extra legroom) are likely worth it in 2026, particularly for those seeking more comfort on domestic or short-haul flights. It is offering up to 40%, extra stretch-out room (e.g., exit rows, Economy Plus on 737s/A220s), priority boarding.
How much are Qantas seat upgrades with points?
Qantas Classic Upgrade Rewards use points plus taxes or fees. The cost varying by route, original fare, and cabin.
Key Example:
Short International (e.g., Perth-Singapore): Economy Flex to Premium Economy: 17,900 pts, Economy to Business: 19,700+ pts.
Domestic (e.g., Sydney-Melbourne): Economy Flex to Business: 6,200 pts, Red e-Deal to Business: 12,500 pts, Classic Reward to Business: 15,000 pts.
Can you change Qantas seats after booking for free?
Yes, you can change the seats after booking for free in many cases, up to 3 hours before departure, if switching to another standard seat of equal value.
Which Qantas planes have the best Economy seats?
Boeing 737-800: Best for domestics; Airbus A220: efficient on Australia-NZ routes; A321XLR: for trans-Tasman/Pacific with modern IFE.
When does Qantas seat selection open for flights?
Qantas seat selection opens right after booking for most flights. You get full access varying by status and fare.
Key Timings:
- Immediately Post-Booking
- T-80 Hours (80 Hours Before)
- T-24 Hours (24 Hours Before)
- At Airport Check-In
Written by: MyBaggageInfo Travel Research Team
Reviewed & Updated: 2026
Disclaimer: MyBaggageInfo.com is an independent third-party travel information website and is not affiliated with any airline.
