What it’ll be like to fly on the Airbus A321XLR
Airbus wants to close the comfort gap between the A321XLR and the A350.
By David Flynn, September 20 2024
Executive Traveller exclusive
Airbus is counting down to the debut of the A321XLR, with the first of the ‘extra-long range’ single-aisle jets due to be handed over to Spain’s Iberia in the coming weeks, ahead of flights from late October.
Qantas will be the first airline in the Asia-Pacific region to fly the A321XLR, with deliveries slated from April 2025.
Qantas will fly the A321XLR around Australia and across the Asia-Pacific region.
These red-tailed jets will not only replace Qantas’ workhorse Boeing 737 on domestic routes and short hops to New Zealand, Fiji and Noumea – they can take on longer international routes which usually need a larger twin-aisle Airbus A330 or Boeing 787.
Hong Kong, Bangkok, Manila, Tokyo and even India are all within the A321XLR’s reach, depending on which Australian city it flies from.
With a clear range advantage over the Boeing 737, the Airbus A321XLR will reshape Qantas' network.
So whether it’s the 90-minute dash from Sydney to Melbourne, a five-hour transcontinental trek between Australia’s east and west coasts or a ten-hour stretch into Asia, the A321XLR is a little jet with a lot of promise.
But what will it be like to fly on the A321XLR? And more to the point, will passengers feel confined spending long hours in the relatively close quarters of this compact single-aisle jet?
“That’s a concern that we took very seriously,” says Antonio Da-Costa, who heads the marketing team for Airbus’ single-aisle jets… and as it happens, Airbus drew some solace from the mighty Boeing 747
“We did a lot of passenger research, and one of the things that came out was that when you ask business travellers what was their favourite cabin, many came back saying the 747 upper deck… it was perceived to be a very exclusive environment, a more cosy arrangement, more a corporate jet than a commercial aircraft.”
The upper deck of the Boeing 747 has a similar degree of intimacy as the A321XLR, Airbus says.
Da-Costa expects passengers will feel the same on A321XLR jets of customers Iberia and American Airlines, for starters, which will come with a private lie-flat business class suite on either side of the aisle.
Flatbed solo seats are a popular business class choice on the A321XLR.
“You have direct access to the aisle and direct access to the window, so you have the best of both worlds,” Da-Costa tells Executive Traveller.
“And the fact that you’re in a smallish cabin for business class (means) you do have this sense of exclusivity, of being in an exclusive little cabin.”
The inside story
From the outside, the A321XLR looks like any of its shorter-range siblings from the A320neo family – including the long-range A321LR – although an underbelly bulge behind the wings conceals a high-capacity fuel tank to boost its range to a staggering 8,700km, or up to 11 hours of flying in a standard airline configuration.
The long-legged A321XLR can unlock routes that can't support a larger twin-aisle jet, such as from Canberra, Adelaide or Perth into Asia.
But inside, Airbus wants the A321XLR to deliver the same passenger experience as its larger twin-aisle cousins.
“We want to make the comfort experience seamless to the A330neo or the A350,” Da-Costa explains. “We have the same Airspace design in the cabin, so the look and feel of the A321XLR cabin is similar to that of the wide-bodies.”
Even the A321XLR’s slightly wider cabin, compared to the competing Boeing 737, “enables you to have pretty much the same seat width as on a wide-body aircraft,” Da-Costa says.
“If you’re flying in economy, it’s an 18-inch wide seat. And in business, we’re already seeing 321LR customers putting in lie-flat seats… even on the XLR, the lead customer Iberia has already announced that they’re installing fully lie-flat seats at the front of the cabin.”
Iberia's A321XLR will feature these lie-flat business class seats.
(And while Qantas is installing domestic-grade business class recliners on its first A321XLRs, the airline is considering lie-flat beds for a second tranche of jets which will mainly be flown on international routes.)
Big bins for the win
However, Da-Costa cites the A321XLR’s generously-sized overhead bins as “my favourite feature.”
“The extra large bins enable every passenger to take a roller bag on board. That’s always my bug bear… today you’re always fighting to make sure that your bag is not that far from you.”
While these plus-sized bins are optional – airlines can also choose standard-sized bins – Da-Costa notes that most airlines are specifying them for the A321LR or XLR.
“On long-haul flights, it’s very common that everybody brings some relatively large pieces of luggage by cabin standards.”
There's enough room for every A321XLR passenger to bring a full-sized cabin bag on board.
Nor will passengers on the A321XLR have to put up with the loud droning thrum of engines, with Da-Costa proud that “this is the quietest single-aisle in the market.”
“When you’re spending up to 11 hours inside the cabin, you appreciate having a lower noise level which is again comparable to the wide-bodies.”
“Another feature which is also very important for a long flight is the LED mood lighting.”
Full-width economy seats, large luggage bins and LED lightscapes are all part of the A321XLR experience.
Customisable across 16.2 million colours, it allows airlines “to programme the intensity and the colour of the light according to the flight segment” and help take the edge off jet-lag.
Airbus also altered the shape of the frame or bezel surrounding the A321XLR’s windows, which makes them seem slightly larger “and brings a sense of extra space into the cabin.”
“Now you have a more curved shape around the window itself, which makes it easier for passengers to look outside the window,” Da-Costa explains.
“In fact, it gives the perception that the window is bigger just by the fact that you now have more space around the window frame.”
More room for more meals
Another concern voiced by many frequent business class travellers is how the limited kitchen galley space on this single-aisle plane will impact meal service – especially the provision of a second full meal closer to your destination.
“That’s a fair concern,” Da-Costa admits, “so we’ve made sure that we have galley space that’s adequate to serve the two full meals that you expect on an 11-hour flight.”
This includes a more efficient galley design which can also “take advantage of extra space that was unused between the galley and the bulkhead.”
On a 10-hour flight, business class passengers will be expecting two full meal services.
Airlines also have the option of an additional galley in their cabin layout, and without naming names, Da-Costa says “we’ve seen some customers electing to increase the galley space.”
Even the premium layout of the A321XLR’s business class cabin for long-range flights can play a part, “because you end up with less passengers on board relative to a domestic flight.”
“When you’re talking of the 321LR or XLR, we’ve been seeing seat counts between 170 to 190 seats. On a more conventional A321 domestic configuration we tend to see 220 seats and north of that. So by that natural effect of having less passengers on board, you have more galley space per passenger.”
31 May 2013
Total posts 27
Thanks David - any chance you could confirm, QF want to introduce an enclosed F seat, ala EK- but CASA won’t let them. A rumour I’ve heard, but can’t find a source. Given CASAs previously restrictive ETOPS requirements not a surprise if true!
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
16 Oct 2017
Total posts 157
New business seats great. The rest of it is a "Claytons".
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Apr 2013
Total posts 390
They better give the PE more pitch and (in time) refit the 787 PEs too.
29 Jan 2012
Total posts 180
PE pitch - lets get serious and increase it by at least 5 inches to make it functional and comfortable, wanting passengers to come back for the next flight with a smile. After all this aircraft flies for 14 to 15 hrs on some non stop legs, let alone AU to UK in one go. The current arrangement will not sell seats. QF knows the legroom is tight, but relies on its reputation and marketing engine to numb the pain.
Even the pictures in this editorial make it look uncomfortable and not wanting to pay the asking price. Points upgrade maybe, but actual funds, I don't think so.
25 Oct 2013
Total posts 10
Totally agree. I fly to the US on a regular basis in economy and United Economy plus seats, which you can easily get if you are GOLD status, are a joy (787) 34in pitch 17in wide. Economy on Qantas is not a joy (A380) 31in pitch 17.5in wide and even if you are GOLD (as i am) its hard and expensive to upgrade to economy plus from standard economy, so that is not an option. I even prefer economy on Singapore air (A380) to Qantas, 32in pitch, 19in wide, so always fly singapore air to asia. But nothing beat 777 emirates economy seat for pain, A380 is ok.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 Oct 2017
Total posts 97
Sorry Chris PE pitch is going from 42 down to 36 inches.Grrrr
18 Sep 2018
Total posts 5
For those of us not always travelling in the fancy seats, it's a real shame to lose the economy mini-cabin upstairs. Nice and quiet up there, and speedier food and drinks service. Hope QR keep theirs.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Mar 2018
Total posts 11
Agreed, very annoying.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Nov 2018
Total posts 1
I totally agree. That cosy, although bumpy, little upstairs economy works wonderfully well when not in the fancy seats
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
17 Jan 2012
Total posts 173
In terms of trying to damper the noise from the mini Business Class Lounge area at the front, Qatar Airways do this on their A380 with a heavy/thick curtain which is quite amazing at blocking noise from their bar area.
03 May 2013
Total posts 678
Qatar actually have a double curtain set up with the lavs in between the cabin side curtain and the bar side curtain-so a space of about approx 70cm between both. It's actually Emirates which has the lead heavy noise stopping single curtain between rear J class cabin and bar area. Unfortunately the EK crew are very selfish and always pin this open for their convenience. I have seen some cabin managers shut it and make sure its stays shut however.
03 May 2013
Total posts 678
Sorry meant to add the best curtain system I think is a curtain which is essentially one piece with both ends pinned to the wall panel or there is a slight recess in the wall which the ends pin into making it failsafe for light penetration(and noise) and the middle split but attached at the top an inch or two with magnets sewn into the split edges which require a teeny bit of force to open but immediately 'lock's' back up the centre split once someone has walked through. I often find it extremely selfish when cabin crew and other pax simply pay token gesture, if any for that matter, to 'shutting' curtains properly to avoid light and noise disturbing the 1st row or last row-if bar is behind, pax.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Sep 2017
Total posts 163
Heartily agree with the need for increased pitch in PE seating.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Sep 2017
Total posts 163
Pardon the predictive typo - Jukebox, that should have read.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Feb 2017
Total posts 15
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Oct 2013
Total posts 114
me too - when they lost the 4 midcabin loos and went to 2 at front and the 2 shared at back they lost me
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1202
I would guess that the loo at the rear of the top deck becomes the only seat available for W class whilst the loos currently between J & W and shared between both become J only. My experience is very few W class pax currently use the rear toilet and it is only used by those in the soon-to-be-deleted small Y cabin.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Nov 2018
Total posts 3
How long does it take to refit an A380? Also the 64 into 70 business seats from 2-2-2 to 1-2-1; does this consume the same amount of area or does it creep into where PE started?
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1202
The Business Class area will probably be much the same size. The new seats link in together with the footspace, currently in the open on the existing seat when the seat is upright, tunneled under the table of the seat in front on the Vantage XL.
Qantas
19 Apr 2012
Total posts 1425
Upgrademeplease it seems it will take a little under two months to do each one if all 12 are to be done by the end of 2020 and they have full use of the fleet over the busy summer months for the extra HK and elsewhere flights.
30 Jul 2015
Total posts 105
The QF A380's will likely do their C or D checks during this time that can take weeks. I also suspect the one frame that suffered tremendous damage over SIN probably requires extra love. (probably, but who knows, perhaps not).
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 385
Given that QF has stated that the refurbishment will commence in July 2019, if it is to finish by December 2020 that is roughly 78 weeks, so if we assume that only one is undertaken at a time, that means about six weeks on average, bearing in mind that each aircraft has to be flown to and from the location where the work is occurring. That alone takes a day in each direction.
09 Mar 2015
Total posts 33
I have flown on the Boeing 787 in premium economy and agree that Qantas needs to give this extra legroom in the A380s. It is better than the original A380 premium economy seat in every respect but if I don't have enough room for my legs, and I am not a tall woman, then I would rather go back to the original premium economy seat.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Apr 2013
Total posts 390
An extra 2-3 inches is what’s so needed
25 Oct 2013
Total posts 10
I agree, compared with singapore air the qantas A380 has less legroom and width. I have not travelled on qantas 787 and i see its the same as singapore air A380 32in pitch 19-width. I may keep an eye out for Qantas 787 flights, they look acceptable.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
06 Sep 2012
Total posts 233
Economy seats on the QF 787 are 17.2" wide, not 19.
05 Mar 2015
Total posts 409
Great news for business class passengers, much better seats plus two better lounges as well. Very happy with this news!
04 Jun 2018
Total posts 24
Great article, Chris. I will also miss the secluded economy rows in the upper-cabin, even though I was only there once on a DFW-SYD flight.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1202
I'll be interested in how the upstairs lounge area works out. I purposely went up there on a recent flight and really can't see how it is wide enough to fit a table with 2X2 seating and have a decent walkway. It really isn't very wide and can't be made any wider due to the staircase.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Sep 2017
Total posts 163
Re: the photo of the chap in the W-class seat - looks pretty uncomfortable with his knees against the seat in front. Pitch was never going to be enough and yet Joyce was doing his Ryanair type beat up of the product before it was rolled out.
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 385
W class is a waste of money, as if the seat next to one is vacant, one can't stretch out on it thanks to the equipment being stored in the immovable armrest. Should a seat - or better two - in Y be vacant next to one, there's more room to lie flat or coiled up than there will ever be in W class.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
11 Dec 2016
Total posts 73
They want to get them all refurbed I'm sure before dumping the 747's.
06 Oct 2018
Total posts 10
It seems there is no need to upgrade from Business to First on QF's A380s anymore - the Business Suite is a comfortable space that as good as it gets. That said, unless accessing First Lounge is important. However, it makes no difference if you are only flying out of Singapore. Then again, Qantas will open a new first class lounge at Singapore by the end of 2019. All in all, I think Qantas values loyalty. It's a rare gesture in the current aviation climate.
QF
04 Apr 2014
Total posts 211
I’m 6’4” and had the opportunity to sit in the premium seat at the 787 launch event in LA. It’s a great seat, but I simply don’t fit. The pitch is too tight.
08 Nov 2018
Total posts 1
I do wish they decided to go further with the upgrade of F but clearly their F product must be working just fine for them. Business upgrade is appreciated, likewise with premium economy. The economy product on QF is already good and comparable to other full service carriers.
The lounges, do people actually use these on flights, from my experience they are always empty?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Jan 2017
Total posts 40
I don't think that QF international economy class is comparable to other "full"service airlines. On QF the seat pitch is less, no separate bar service (certain liqueurs are reserved for premium cabins), no meal trays but rather a poorly presented meal with the juggling bread on top and plastic utensils, no hot towels, no kids entertainment packs and no WIFI in any cabin. Yet QF is more expensive then Qatar, Emirates and Singapore. Sorry but QF does not meet the standards or Qatar or Singapore.
16 Nov 2011
Total posts 585
I don’t mind the way the do and present meals in economy.
27 Sep 2011
Total posts 37
"On QF the seat pitch is less"
16 Nov 2011
Total posts 585
My kids got packs on both flights we did with Qantas in November last year. On the PER-LHR sector they got a book with pencils as well as a certificate for being on the longest flight (assume they printed them before others beat them), as well has a magnetic drawing thingy.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Aug 2017
Total posts 25
Devout QF loyalists struggling with their heads in the sand. QF is a sub par product in all classes. Cathay, JAL, even Air Canada beat them all over.
03 May 2013
Total posts 678
David are there any indications that, besides seat cushions and TV monitor size, seat covers, walls, panelling may be part of the change? New more sophisticated colour palate?
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 385
Good question. Perhaps Chris, David or SId could make some enquiries and answer it?
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2558
Hi Joe – no more indications about the first class refresh at this stage, all we have to go off is what Qantas has shared. We expect to know more as the first refresh approaches in March and will of course report all that we can.
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 385
Or approaching July 2019, as it's now become.
08 Feb 2018
Total posts 166
I wish they would alternate the inner seats in business, so one row the seats are together and the next apart (like Thai A350), rather than the staggered all apart arrangement. It would make some seats (every second row) more suitable for couples.
21 Oct 2011
Total posts 7
"A decade after the Qantas Airbus A380 took to the skies, the airline’s 12-strong superjumbo fleet will soon head into the hanger for a mid-life makeover."
09 Nov 2018
Total posts 1
Any ideas what might be the first routes to see the refurbished A380?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 May 2016
Total posts 3
Interested in this too. Flying J to LA in April, would love to have the new business cabin!
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 385
If QF adopts a similar roster for its A380s as now, the aircraft would rotate between all the offerings, such as MEL - HKG, MEL - LAX, SYD - LAX and MEL - SIN, and so on.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Sep 2012
Total posts 382
Fantastic!! Can’t wait for new QF A380s. Saying that I flew up to Singapore on A380 with Skybed and cabin service, meals, etc where outstanding. QF at its best.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Mar 2013
Total posts 171
First Class Whinge (I know, uppercut needed), and...
23 Sep 2017
Total posts 5
No menton of upgrades to the seats in in economy, I fly regularly Sydney to Dallas and the economy seating is last century.
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 385
Agree: on my small number of trips, that was apparent even four years ago. So many Asian airlines are way ahead of QF. The colour Qantas chose for its economy seats on the A380 dated very quickly.
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
14 Jan 2014
Total posts 340
I still think Qantas are missing a trick not moving First Class upstairs, as it makes for a much more economical use of the main deck real-estate to have this space PE or Economy. 🤔
16 Nov 2011
Total posts 585
If qantas wanted to get rid of theirs so quickly they wouldn’t be investing money in upgrading them!
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
14 Jan 2014
Total posts 340
They are doing the bare minimum. Current Skybed II is awful and can’t go on.
12 Feb 2014
Total posts 229
They're not awful. I've had many great and comfortable flights in them and met many interesting people thanks to their more open nature. I'll miss them as I'm not a great fan of the current fad for enclosed suites.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Oct 2014
Total posts 695
Bear in mind that with First being on the lower level, it enable the most profitable customers to be unloaded on arrival as First egress. A great courtesy to your most valuable customers.
18 Nov 2015
Total posts 118
Any potential to retrofit WiFi on the A380?
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
14 Jan 2014
Total posts 340
There definitely is the possibility, however, Qantas is doubtful to take up this opportunity to do so.
16 Nov 2011
Total posts 585
Think it will come. The issue they have faced is getting the right service outside of Australia. Hence why there is a wifi solution for domestic but not overseas.
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2558
"Any potential to retrofit WiFi on the A380?" Not during this mid-life refresh, Qantas doesn't expect international WiFi for a another few years yet because its desired high-speed satellite infrastructure is not in place. See https://www.executivetraveller.com/qantas-to-launch-high-speed-international-wifi-by-2021 for more.
09 Jan 2016
Total posts 44
So economy, the vast majority of qantas’ passengers, treated with contempt as usual. Look elsewhere.
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 385
The majority of Australian travellers as well as overseas-domiciled passengers already 'look elsewhere.' Self funded travellers particularly look to other airlines, and win by saving money yet travelling on aircraft that are more up to date.
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
19 Jul 2014
Total posts 29
The lounge area looks so inviting and comfortable...NOT .
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
12 Jun 2018
Total posts 3
but the question on everyone’s lips - “like the QF dreamliner, will they be installing all-you-can-eat, RSL style bain-marie’s for J class guests?” 🙊
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Jun 2013
Total posts 7
Sadly I rekcon that Qantas won't be able to resist the temptation to squeeeseee all the PE seats as close as they can,and ruin the current 380 & 747 experience for PE, after all its all about the $$$$$$$$$$ :(
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Jul 2013
Total posts 36
I’d love the idea of PE at the front of the lower deck. I haven’t travelled the new PE yet, but found the older one quite good. The idea of increased recline, but less legroom worries me. At 6 foot and of a larger size it sounds like even I would struggle. Improved interactive “lounge area” for biz is a good idea, but unless there’s a reason for you to go there (bar, snacks, larger screen) I think it’s still unlikely to be a draw card. As a “not too often” biz class traveller - how often does the current one get used?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2014
Total posts 468
The 787 PE doesn't work for taller passengers, unless you can get into the front row. In the 3rd row, I could not sit with my legs straight once the passenger in front reclined. Front row was great (on an upgrade MEL-PER).
16 Feb 2016
Total posts 31
I think with the Airbus Cabin Flex upgrade removing the need to have access to the emergency exits on the upper deck in Premium will allow QF to give enough space to give an extra 2-3in of legroom on the seat. A seat count of 60 which has been reported is 8 rows of 7 plus two more pairs. With this I would expect that instead of the rear lav on the side, they will put two lavs in the middle with pairs of seats either side. The removal of the bulkhead between the current econ/premium also provides space.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
19 Aug 2011
Total posts 167
Last upgrade of the A380s before they are replaced with 777X, or maybe one more to go? Hopefully not, the big driver for this upgrade is more premium seating and to bring the business class up to spec with the A330s/787s. First hangs on, but if the next iteration of business is to have sliding doors ala Qatar/Delta, First will need a leap upwards or out to be anything more than an upgrade to Business.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 1376
I'd see this as a mid-life upgrade, still plenty of life left in the A380s.
16 Oct 2015
Total posts 5
777X? Hope they are quieter than the 777s now - so noisy! Recently did SYD/NRT/LAX/NRT/SYD J in three 787s and one 777.
QF
04 Apr 2014
Total posts 211
I actually prefer the Qantas first setup over say Emirates. The sliding door is all very well but it can make things feel a little claustrophobic. If Qantas just upgrade the IFE system that’d be fine.
04 Jan 2019
Total posts 2
The so called 'suite upgrade' is misleading. It benefits the airline as they can squeeze more seats into the plane. It is of no value to the passenger as it means there is less legroom to wriggle in. I travelled on the Dreamliner to/from UK a couple of times in Biz Class and found it very uncomfortable when reclined (fine when upright). The problem is that when reclined your legs are in a narrow coffin like tunnel. I'm 180cms tall & when I went to roll over, I couldn't do this as my knees hit the bulkhead of the seat in front. Most uncomfortable. This seat configuration is now one that I will avoid - which means that I now fly other airlines. Pity really.
23 Jul 2017
Total posts 100
05 Dec 2018
Total posts 147
Economy seats I’m sure is all about how what can can we get away with at minimal cost. Most economy passengers are price sensitive and not willing to pay for extras (until they experience the torture). Also when doing a price comparison most passengers are not looking at seat pitch and width but the $$$. If this was not true economy would not be in the dire state it has now become.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 Feb 2014
Total posts 20
Never likes the cocoon beds in business on Qantas, they were hot and uncomfortable, especially the window, which missed the airflow. So avoided Qantas A380 business and went first when I had to. Qantas should copy Emirates Business Class bar area, cause what they propose is silly and unworkable.
03 May 2013
Total posts 678
Qantas seem to huff and puff but never reach the standards of SQ QR EK etc...always lagging then by the time they 'enhance' they are behind again. So much "research and planning" and certain things still don't meet pax expectations. One wonders what actually happens at QCC. It's clear that every idea/decision is founded on least cost, max profit. It's never really about the pax.
02 Dec 2016
Total posts 91
How does the QF First class product on the 380s compare to VAs The Business on the 773/A330s? They look almost identical.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Mar 2014
Total posts 132
not even close... QF F miles in front!
03 May 2013
Total posts 678
Qantas first is business deluxe-
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 385
The most annoying thing about Qantas is the way that an uncritical Australia media, including business-related publications, republish all teh publicity and rarely if ever criticise this airline. Agree 100 per cent with your comments.
16 Aug 2017
Total posts 22
Bit of a fizzer
01 Sep 2018
Total posts 26
Very disappointing. I flew J on a QF A380 last month and the "flat" beds are so saggy they drop more sharply than angled lie flat beds. This refresh can't come soon enough.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1202
Sort of weird given OQA (Nancy Bird-Walton) is already in Abu Dhabi supposedly getting the update as part of a major maintenance check. Something must have gone wrong.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Dec 2017
Total posts 51
There are rumours of OQA and OQB (possibly others) requiring extended downtime due to wing issues.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 1376
Appears that Abu Dhabi is just regular maintenance, and the refurb will be done in Dresden
19 Nov 2012
Total posts 45
Etihad won a A380 maintenance contract over the previous provider which was Lufthansa Tech in Manila.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Sep 2012
Total posts 382
Ok so it’s pushed back 3 months....yeah? Big deal.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Aug 2014
Total posts 168
Terrible news about the PE seat pitch. I'm out.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Apr 2013
Total posts 390
Who is Qantas listening to think that the PE seat pitch is close to adequate?
Qantas
22 Oct 2012
Total posts 318
The information on SeatGuru for the pitch for Qantas Premium Economy seats across its fleet is 38". Yet everyone hates the PE seats in the 787. How did Qantas get it so wrong?
07 Oct 2012
Total posts 1252
Evidently, Qantas got it wrong with the PE seating and don't care about customers enough to acknowledge it and rectify it for A380. Very disappointing approach from Ms Webster.
15 Jul 2016
Total posts 6
David how does July mean that they will still meet their first half goal?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2014
Total posts 468
If Qantas put more legroom in the A380 PE they would be acknowledging that they got it wrong on the 787s. I am not sure how short you have to be for their new PE to be comfortable, but I concluded I was better off with an extra legroom seat in Y and that comes cheaper on other carriers.
KLM - Flying Blue
05 Feb 2019
Total posts 38
In my opinion, all aircraft toilets should be large, comfortable and very clean
Inside a long-haul plane, the toilets should be updated with state of the art lighting and appliances
An average A-380 has 10 lavatories for 427 economy class passengers, that means one toilet for every 43 people
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2014
Total posts 468
I sat in an exit row on an SQ A330 last week, which means having a direct view of the toilets. I was surprised to see cleaning start just an hour into the flight. It would be interesting to see the cleaning policies of the major airlines we use. Does QF even clean the toilets on a PER-SIN flight?
KLM - Flying Blue
05 Feb 2019
Total posts 38
Reduced seat pitch is a worry for all passengers, but especially for
Pregnant women
Elderly people
Passengers with reduced mobility
Passengers with any disability
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
25 May 2017
Total posts 78
This is why I fly SQ. Last week I did fly CX and QF. The QF was supposed to be be 787. Many of us could not believe they dusted off the old 747 that was sitting at the QF museum to do the HKG MEL flight. I would rather fly via SIN to any destination than travel on QF By the time they do the upgrade the product is already out of date.
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 385
You're right - SQ is way better - but QF may still have had a B787 inoperative that needed repairs after some incident to which I haven't seen the fine details.
31 Mar 2014
Total posts 391
Qantas had an 787 out of action for quite some time for repairs. Something about runaway Virgin stairs hitting it and causing a 30cm hole(or so I have heard). So yes, you got the 747, instead of the flight being cancelled
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 Aug 2017
Total posts 25
Qantas is too unreliable for international travel and treat customers with increasing disdain. Cascading cancellations across the international network on a daily basis, inadequate response and efforts to make alternative arrangements for impacted flyers and insufficient fleet contingency to comply with consumer law requirements in relation to engineering disruptions. They can do whatever they want to the a380 - not much point if they fail to get you to your destination in reasonable time. I do international with other airlines now.
16 Nov 2011
Total posts 585
Really? Most of those issues apply to ALL airlines.
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 385
Sorry, but Scepticalflyer is on the money. The issues (s)he highlights do not occur on other international majors to the extent they now sadly apply to Qantas' international arm.
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 385
And I forgot BA, that despite only having one flight into and out of SYD each day (and none elsewhere in Oz using its own planes) manages to be punctual almost all the time.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Oct 2014
Total posts 695
David - it would be interesting to see if the policy on A380 WiFi will change with this push-back schedule. Could you clarify with QF, as a result of this delay ?
Given that the QF-eagerly awaited ViaSat-3 product will be available in 2019, surely it would make sense to now install in on all A380 refresh aircraft now, rather than have to pull the A380's out of service again at a later date. Sure, ViaSat-3 mightn't be in full operation till early 2020, but the possibility should be to install it on the first 4 frames refreshed and not activate it on-board until early 2020. Those frames refreshed in 2020 would have a working product installed that should be usable by then.
If this is not done, then surely QF international will be again be WiFi-less until at least 2022, which is untenable, uncompetitive and plainly unacceptable.
Etihad - Etihad Guest
02 Mar 2018
Total posts 10
Wish they would copy the JAP Premium economy. So much room and reclines within a fixed shell, also has leg support which really helped me get some rest on recent trip back from Tokyo
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Aug 2017
Total posts 4
Any ideas as to what routes the first refurbed A380's will fly on?
18 Oct 2015
Total posts 28
Idiots with PE, absolutely a missed opportunity for great improvement.
16 Feb 2019
Total posts 1
But let's just remember that it's called Premium ECONOMY. Not ' Business Lite'.
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 385
Would cannibalisation occur as much as claimed off the record by various airlines?
01 Apr 2017
Total posts 8
The qantas ceo and board needs to fly singapore or Cathay or Emirates or ba first class and see what the competition offers. Recent first class trip on qantas the tv hand set did not work, 30 minutes for a glass of water and still have Paper Towels in the very tight toilets. Not first class. The new updates same old offering. Business class beds are uncomfortable and cant get feet under the bulk head. Qantas need to get serious. As rebuild said paying first class for economy
04 Jan 2019
Total posts 2
Yes it does make you wonder what the Qantas CEO/Board benchmark themselves against with respect to comfort and service offering - it's almost a race to the bottom.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Aug 2015
Total posts 2
recently flew QF A380 business SIN-MEL, the seat was horrible and I didn't sleep at all. It wouldn't lie completely flat and the foot area drooped down more than the usual with my pretty average 78kg frame, I also found the temperature in the cabin to be too hot and the air was a lot dryer than I've ever experienced on a flight before. The food standard was poor for both dinner and breakfast, the hot breakfast (bacon and egg roll) was stone cold more than a centimeter from the edge. When I asked what economy was having and if I could get some of that they chuckled like I was joking but I wasn't...during the flight when I complained about my seat they referred me to relax in the 'lounge'...ummm yeah...I've seen tram stops that look more appealing than that onboard lounge area. I'd say a refurbishment is well overdue, not just the cabin but the whole product in general.
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 385
David, as others elsewhere have suggested, her alleged disagreement with Alan Joyce re future shape of the QF International fleet may have had more to do with Ms Webster's forthcoming resignation as head of that section. Is it possible that published delays with Airbus A380 refurbs also were not helpful to her continued employment?
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