Qantas, the iconic Australian airline, has been a trailblazer in the aviation industry for decades. In recent times, they have been enhancing their international business class offerings with a variety of seating choices on their long-haul routes. Whether you’re planning a journey to destinations like Singapore, London, Los Angeles, or beyond, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the different business class seats available on Qantas flights to make the most of your travel experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take an in-depth look at Qantas’ five international business class seats, ranking and evaluating them for your convenience. Additionally, we’ll explore the upcoming advancements in Qantas business class, including exciting new seating options slated for release in the near future.
Qantas A380 Business Class (Refurbished):
As the flagship of Qantas’ international fleet, the A380 aircraft has undergone significant upgrades to offer passengers a luxurious journey. The refurbished A380 features the same business class seats as the Boeing 787, providing ample personal space and convenient storage for your personal items. These seats can be transformed into comfortable fully-flat beds.
What makes the Qantas A380 stand out is the window seats (designated as A and K), which come with spacious bins located under the windows. These bins are perfect for storing items like your mattress, blankets, pillows, and small bags, ensuring a clutter-free environment. Opting for a window seat not only grants you easy access to these bins but also allows you to use the closed bin lid as a spacious armrest.
For the most legroom in these spruced-up superjumbos, select a seat in the first row of either of the two business class cabins, specifically:
- any seat in row 11
- seats 16A or 16K
- seats 17E or 17F
It’s worth noting that not all A380s have been refurbished yet, but this process is expected to be completed by 2024.
If feasible, opt for a seat adjacent to the window instead of the aisle. This choice not only ensures convenient access to these storage compartments but also allows you to utilize the closed bin’s cover as a spacious armrest.
These “true window seats” correspond to the A and K seats in rows 11, 13, and 15 in the front cabin. Furthermore, you can find them in every even-numbered row from 16 through 28 in the main business class cabin.
Qantas Boeing 787 Business Class:
The Boeing 787 serves as Qantas’ primary workhorse for international flights, offering a comfortable and refined business-class experience. Introduced in late 2017, these seats were designed based on the Qantas A330’s business class, featuring a more sophisticated appearance and contemporary materials.
One notable feature of the 787 business class is the privacy panel located between the middle seats, which can be adjusted to provide more privacy or openness, making it ideal for passengers traveling with companions.
For the most legroom, select a seat in the first row of either of the 787’s two business-class cabins, specifically
- seats 1A or 1K
- seats 2E or 2F
- any seat in row 10
Additionally, savvy travelers have discovered that they can experience the Qantas 787 business class on selected domestic flights, even gaining access to the prestigious Qantas Sydney and Melbourne first-class lounges.
(Just be aware there are no luggage bins above 2E and 2F, as this overhead space is occupied by a pair of beds for the 787’s pilots.)
Qantas Airbus A330 Business Class:
Qantas introduced its Business Suite in late 2014, available on both the A330-300 and the smaller A330-200 aircraft. While this business class offers a 1-2-1 flatbed configuration, it lacks the flexibility to open up the space between middle seats for socializing, as seen on the 787 and A380.
However, the A330 Business Suite is an excellent choice for transcontinental flights and provides an overall comfortable experience.
In Qantas Business Class on the A380, it’s important to note that not all seats offer the same level of comfort. Among them, the four seats in Row 11 stand out as the best choices.
The best Qantas A380 business class seats for maximum legroom and foot space:
11A, 11E, 11F, 11K, 16A, 16K, 17E, 17F
The best Qantas A380 business class seats for couples:
choose any of the paired E/F seats
The best Qantas A380 business class seats if you want to be right next to the window:
11A, 11K, 13A, 13K, 15A, 15K, 16A, 16K, 18A, 18K, 20A, 20K, 22A, 22K, 24A, 24K, 26A, 26K, 28A, 28K
If you’re flying with a partner, all of the middle seats (the E and F seats) have a privacy screen which can be pushed down so you can share the journey.
If you’re happy to sit at the aisle and away from the window, select an A or K seat in rows 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25 or 27.
Seats 11A and 11K are particularly noteworthy, as they combine the advantages of being window seats, aisle seats, and positioned at the bulkhead. Having experienced Seat 11A before, I can attest that it offers a level of comfort akin to that of a First Class seat, making it an exceptional choice for a restful journey.
It’s worth noting that on A330-200 flights to select Asian destinations, passengers can enjoy fast and free Qantas domestic WiFi while over Australia.
Qantas A380 Business Class (Original):
As of now, there is one Qantas A380 still flying with its original 2-2-2 seating configuration, known as the ‘Skybed.’ This configuration lacks privacy and convenient storage options for personal belongings. However, it does offer substantial legroom.
If you find yourself on this particular A380, you can avoid the sagging seat issue by adjusting it to a semi-reclined position instead of going fully flat. This A380 is making sporadic appearances on various routes, including Sydney-Hong Kong from October 2023 to March 2024. During this period, passengers can book business class but enjoy the luxurious surrounds of first class, as first-class suites are considered an extension of business class.
Qantas Boeing 737 Business Class:
For shorter international flights to destinations like New Zealand, Bali, Noumea, and Fiji, Qantas uses its Boeing 737 aircraft. While these flights offer a more economical business class option, the seating is similar to what you would find on domestic Qantas flights.
The cabin contains three rows of seats arranged in a 2-2 layout (for a total of 12 seats). There isn’t much separation from the economy cabin just behind: no curtain, simply a divider between the seats in rows 3 and 4.
The Boeing 737 Business class offers a comfortable experience on shorter flights. However, it’s important to note that these seats do not have the capability to transform into fully flat beds. Instead, they provide travelers with cozy recliner seats that offer extra width and legroom for added comfort.
Seats in row 1 are good because there is no seat in front of you and you’ll be served first. On the other hand, rows 2 and 3 provide additional legroom and space to stretch your legs underneath the seat in front of you.
However, some international Boeing 737 flights provide fast and free WiFi, enhancing the in-flight experience.
Upcoming Qantas Business Class Innovations:
Qantas is continuously striving to enhance its business class offerings. Over the next two years, passengers can look forward to new business class seats on the Airbus A220 (from late 2023) and Airbus321XLR (late 2024). These aircraft will operate on both domestic and selected international routes.
Additionally, the ‘Project Sunrise’ A350 jets are set to debut from late 2025, offering non-stop flights to London and New York. These innovations promise to elevate the Qantas business class experience further, providing passengers with even more choices and comfort on long-haul journeys.
Selecting the right Qantas business class seat can significantly enhance your travel experience, whether you’re embarking on a long-haul international trip or a shorter journey to a nearby destination. With options ranging from the refurbished A380 to the Boeing 787 and Airbus A330, Qantas offers a variety of choices to cater to your preferences and requirements. Moreover, with exciting new business class offerings on the horizon, the future of Qantas business class promises to be even more enticing and luxurious.
Visit the Qantas official website here!
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