Find cheap Qantas Airways flights

Qantas is Australia’s largest airline, flying ultra long-haul routes from the US airports of Dallas, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York (JFK) and San Francisco to Australia and beyond. Fun fact: the name QANTAS is not derived from some cute Australian marsupial, but rather is an acronym of the airline’s original name: "Queensland And Northern Territory Aerial Services."

Qantas aircraft types

Given that most Americans fly Qantas on transpacific routes that have flight times upwards of 17 hours, it’s important to know the aircraft and carefully select your ticket class and seat to make the best out of such a long journey.

Qantas flies Airbus A380s and A330s as well as Boeing 787 Dreamliners from US airports on non-stop flights to Australia and New Zealand. Los Angeles is the only US airport where Qantas is currently using the Airbus aircraft, all other US locations use the Dreamliner. For Qantas’ extensive domestic Australian flight network, the airline uses a wide range of aircraft, including turboprops for shorter regional routes.

Qantas A380s have four classes of product: First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy. The double-decker planes can seat an astounding 485 passengers. Business and Premium Economy are on the upper level of the plane, which comes complete with a self-service food and drink bar and lounge in the front of the aircraft. Qantas A330 aircraft are only used on the LAX-Brisbane route. These aircraft have Business Class and Economy seating.

For the Dreamliners, Qantas provides three classes of service: Business, Premium Economy and Economy. These planes seat 236 passengers across the sections.

Qantas cabins and seat classes

Here’s a breakdown of what Qantas offers in each of its cabin classes.

First class

Qantas ultra-premium First Class seating is only available in the A380 flights from Los Angeles. The fourteen seats (or rather office cubicle-sized pods) are lined in a 1-1-1 pattern at the front of the aircraft’s lower level.

The 22 inch-wide First Class seats can be converted to lie-flat mode with the touch of a button. For sleep time, flight attendants can make the bed with a 3-inch thick mattress atop the seat, with luxury sheets, pillows and Qantas signature pajamas and amenities.

Meals in First Class can be made to order at any time, with a tasty selection of gourmet dishes designed by Australian celebrity chef Neil Perry, paired with fine wines from Australia, New Zealand and France. The pods even have another small seat in them so that a fellow 1st class friend can join you for a meal.

While Qantas First Class doesn’t have the over-the-top private suites like some Middle Eastern airlines, it’s equal to that of any other airline going to Australia. If you can afford the price or upgrade, I’d recommend it as a luxurious, restful and relaxing way to transit the Pacific.

Qantas Business Class

Qantas Business Class seating is identical across the A380s and the Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The A380s offer 70 seats in this class, while the 787s have 42 available. The seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 setup. If you’re traveling solo, I’d say the window seats are the clear choice.

Pro-tip: the staggered seat setup means only the odd-numbered “window” seats in business class are actually next the window, with a privacy screen and work area separating them from the aisle, while the even-numbered seats are adjacent to the aisle with a table and storage area by the window. Given the seat and aisle width, you’re probably not going to be jostled, but I would definitely recommend the odd-numbered window seats.

The 23-inch wide Business Class seats can be converted into lie-flat mode, with flight attendants supplying a fitted mattress, duvet, pillow and pjs for sleep. The cotton pajamas with the Qantas kangaroo logo are a comfy souvenir that I’ve worn for years. At over six feet tall, I still had room to stretch out and get hours of sleep on the journey.

I think meal service in Business Class is top notch. It has been upgraded with larger-sized entrees and a new menu from chef Neil Perry’s catering business, featuring local Australian items like grilled beef and lamb with paired wines. Dinner is usually served shortly after takeoff from the U.S., while light dishes can be prepared at request at any time.

If you need to arrive at your destination ready to get to work or travel well-rested, then I think it’s worth the upgrade to Qantas Business Class for the benefit of the lie-flat seat and the space to work during the flight, all the while being treated to great food and service.

Qantas Premium Economy

Qantas’ wide and comfortable Premium Economy seats are of a quality similar to business class on most US domestic airline flights, arrayed in a 2-3-2 configuration. The seats are over 22 inches wide, with a decent 38-inch pitch. It’s no lie-flat luxury, but with a headrest with pillow space, and leg and foot-rests, even at 6’3” I’ve been able to get some quality sleep in these seats.

I’d recommend Premium Economy as the Qantas sweet spot in terms of comfort for the price. You don’t have to pay premium Business Class or First Class fares, but still get an elevated level of comfort and service that can make a huge difference on a long-haul flight.

On the A380, Premium Economy is located on the aircraft’s upper deck, complete with its open bar and snack lounge, so I felt kinda special (until I walked by the more luxurious business class pods).

Qantas Economy class

It’s hard to look forward to sitting in an economy class seat for a 17-hour flight, but I think Qantas has made its budget seating and experience about as pleasant as it can be. Decent meals, free alcohol including Australian wines, an open snack bar and amenity kits help get you through the journey, and a well-stocked entertainment system on seatback screens can keep you distracted.

Qantas Economy Class seats in both the A380 and 787 are 17.2 inches wide with a six inch recline and a healthy 32 inches of “seat pitch” (a measurement of leg room). These dimensions are about average for long haul carriers. At over six feet tall, my knees still had a little room between me and the seat ahead of me.

The A380 has nearly 40 rows of economy seats arranged in a 3-4-3 layout, so don’t count on a quick exit if you’re back in row 88. Bulkhead seats are a good call for legroom, as is the coveted aisle seat D71 with an empty space in front of it. The 787s have 166 economy seats in a 3-3-3 configuration. I’;d recommend booking early to avoid that middle seat.

Qantas Wi-Fi

Qantas long haul flights from the US currently do not have Wi-Fi, but the airline is in the process of upgrading 787s with service expected to be rolled out in late 2024. Qantas domestic flights in Australia have Wi-Fi available on select flights.

Qantas frequent flier programs

Qantas is part of the oneworld network, which includes Alaska and American Airlines among others. Points and benefits are transferable between the airlines, with access to lounges dependent on status level. Unless you’re planning a ton of Australian travel, I’d recommend registering with Alaska or American mileage numbers for your flight booking rather than the Qantas Frequent Flier program.

In past years, Qantas had made it more difficult to redeem points for flights, but I’ve seen the redemption program value improving recently, both in terms of availability of seats and upgrades and booking costs.

Qantas lounges

Travelers on Qantas can enjoy preflight access to a network of Qantas and oneworld partner-run lounges in airports globally. Passengers flying First or Business Class get access to lounges, as do certain credit card holders and airline status holders from network airlines.

Qantas partners with the American Airlines lounges in New York and Dallas, the Air France and Cathay Pacific lounges in San Francisco and the oneworld lounge in Honolulu. Check with specific airport lounge websites for access details.

The Qantas US lounge highlight is its Los Angeles First Lounge. I really enjoyed this expansive space. It’s the only lounge at LAX with a sit-down meal service. I sampled yummy menu highlights including salt and pepper squid, seared seabass, Korean chicken tacos, and a rotating Australian wine list.

Comfortable seating is spread across the lounge, with self-service wine and coffee bars as well as a full-service cocktail bar. To freshen up, guests can use the lounge’s showers stocked with airline amenity toiletries.

In Australia, the Qantas Sydney First Lounge is a long-time top-rated airport experience, the airline’s flagship location with stunning architecture and runway views, great restaurant, showers and even spa services.I’ve come to the airport extra early just to take advantage of this lounge. Qantas is also in the process of upgrading its Sydney International Business Lounge and other global lounges over the next few years.

Baggage

For international flights from the US, Qantas allows one free carry-on bag for Economy Class, and two for passengers in premium classes. The allowable size is 45” (the common 22”x14”x9” bag). Technically there’s a 15-pound weight limit per carry-on bag, but I’ve never seen them weigh one.

The checked bag allowance for international flights to and from the US is one bag (weighing up to a hefty seventy pounds) for Economy, two bags for Premium Economy or Business, and three bags for First Class. Extra luggage allowance is given to elevated status frequent flier members.