The Qantas Seat Selection Policy allows passengers to choose their preferred seats in advance to enhance comfort, convenience, and travel experience. Whether you want extra legroom, a window seat, or seats closer to the front of the aircraft, Qantas provides multiple seat selection options depending on fare type, route, and aircraft availability.
Understanding how seat selection works can help you secure the best seat for your journey and avoid last-minute surprises at the airport.
How Qantas Seat Selection Works
Qantas allows passengers to select seats either during booking or after booking through the Manage Booking feature. Seat availability depends on the aircraft layout, ticket class, and how early the selection is made.
Passengers can choose seats based on personal preference, such as sitting near the aisle for easy movement, selecting a window seat for scenic views, or choosing seats with extra legroom for additional comfort. While some seats are free, others may require an extra fee depending on ticket type.
Who Is Eligible to Select Seats on Qantas?
Most Qantas passengers can select seats in advance, but eligibility varies depending on fare class and booking type.
Passengers traveling on Business Class or Premium fares often receive complimentary seat selection. Travelers with Saver or Economy fares may need to pay a fee for advanced seat selection, especially for preferred or extra-legroom seats. Frequent Flyer members may also receive additional seat benefits depending on their membership tier.
Early seat selection is recommended to secure the best available seats.
Types of Seats Available on Qantas Flights
Qantas offers different seating options to match passenger comfort needs.
Standard seats are the regular economy seats available on most flights. These seats provide basic comfort and are ideal for travelers who do not require extra space. Some standard seats are available free of charge, while others may require a small selection fee.
Preferred seats are located closer to the front of the aircraft, allowing faster boarding and quicker exit upon arrival. These seats are ideal for passengers who want convenience and minimal waiting time. Preferred seating may involve an additional fee, depending on ticket type.
Extra legroom seats provide additional space for passengers who want more comfort, especially on long-haul flights. These seats are typically available for an additional cost and are popular among tall travelers or those seeking a more relaxed journey.
Business Class seats offer premium comfort, wider seating, extra legroom, priority services, and enhanced onboard amenities. Seat selection in Business Class is usually included in the ticket price.
Qantas Seat Selection Fees Explained
Seat selection fees depend on the seat type, route, and fare class.
Passengers booking standard economy fares may have to pay to reserve preferred seats or extra-legroom seats. Flexible fares and premium tickets often include seat selection at no extra charge. Fees can also vary based on flight duration, with long-haul flights sometimes costing more.
Choosing seats early can help passengers secure better options before availability becomes limited.
How to Select a Seat on Qantas
Passengers can select or change seats online using the Manage Booking tool.
Visit the Qantas Manage Booking page and enter your booking reference.
Open the seat map to view available seats on your flight.
Select your preferred seat based on comfort, location, or budget.
Review any applicable seat selection fee before confirming.
Save your seat selection and receive confirmation via email.
If you need help choosing a seat, you can contact customer support at +61 1(800) 005 886.
Seat Selection at the Airport
Passengers who do not select seats in advance can choose seats during airport check-in, depending on availability.
However, seat choices at the airport may be limited, and preferred seats or extra-legroom seats may already be taken. To secure better seating options, it is recommended to select seats online as early as possible.
Seat Changes After Booking
Qantas allows passengers to change seat selection after booking, subject to availability.
Passengers may update their seat choice through Manage Booking or at check-in. If moving to a premium seat category, an additional fee may apply. If a passenger moves to a lower-cost seat, refunds depend on fare rules.
Seat changes may also occur due to aircraft changes or operational requirements.
Family and Group Seat Selection Policy
Qantas tries to seat families and groups together whenever possible.
Parents traveling with children can select seats in advance to ensure they sit together. While the airline makes efforts to accommodate group seating, seat availability depends on how early seats are reserved.
For best results, families and groups should select seats as soon as tickets are booked.
Special Seat Requests and Accessibility Options
Passengers with special needs may request specific seating arrangements.
Travelers requiring wheelchair assistance, medical seating, or extra space can request special seats during booking or through customer support. Emergency exit row seats are subject to safety eligibility requirements, and passengers must meet specific criteria to occupy them.
Important Rules About Qantas Seat Selection
Seat selection is subject to aircraft configuration and seat availability. Some seat types may require additional fees, and changes may occur due to operational needs. Emergency exit row seats have eligibility rules, and seat fees may not always be refundable.
Understanding these policies helps passengers make better seating choices.
Booking seats early increases the chance of getting preferred seating. Flexible fares often include free seat selection, while Frequent Flyer members may receive seat benefits. Travelers should review seat maps carefully before selecting and consider seat location for comfort and convenience.
Final Summary
The Qantas Seat Selection Policy allows passengers to choose seats based on comfort, convenience, and budget. While standard seats may be free, preferred and extra-legroom seats often involve additional fees. Selecting seats early and understanding fare benefits can help travelers secure the best seating experience.
For help with Qantas seat selection, passengers can contact +61 1(800) 005 886 for personalized assistance.