Qantas Seat Selection: What Is Free, What Costs Extra, and How to Choose the Best Seat

Last updated: July 2026 

Quick Answer: Can You Choose Your Seat on Qantas?

Yes. Qantas lets you choose your seat before your flight, but whether it’s free depends on your fare, cabin class, Frequent Flyer status, and the type of seat you select.

Standard seat selection is complimentary on many Qantas-operated flights, though eligibility varies by route, fare type, cabin class, Frequent Flyer status, and the conditions attached to your booking. Preferred and Extra Legroom seats may require an additional fee regardless of fare. 

Seat availability, upgrade options, and seat selection fees vary by route, aircraft, fare type, and travel date. Always check your booking through Manage Booking for the latest options.

Qantas Seat Selection at a Glance

Seat Type	Typical Availability	Best For
Standard Economy	Complimentary on eligible fares and routes	Most travellers
Preferred Seat	May require a fee	Passengers wanting a forward Economy seat
Extra Legroom	May require a fee	Passengers needing more legroom
Economy Plus	Depends on status and availability	More space and a forward cabin location
Premium Economy	Complimentary within the cabin	Long-haul comfort
Business / First	Complimentary	Premium travel

How Does Qantas Seat Selection Work?

Qantas allows you to choose your seat in three different ways:

• During booking when purchasing your ticket.
• After booking through Manage Booking on the website or mobile app.
• You can select or change available seats through Manage Booking before check-in. Qantas also allows seat selection at check-in, subject to availability. 

If you don’t reserve a seat, Qantas will normally assign one automatically before your flight.

The seats available to you depend on:

• your fare type
• cabin class
• aircraft
• route
• Frequent Flyer status
• remaining availability

Choosing your seat early usually gives you the widest selection, especially on busy flights.

Is Qantas Seat Selection Free?

Sometimes. Standard seat selection is included with many fares, but some Economy fares and premium seat types may require payment.

As a general guide:

Situation	Standard Seat Selection
Qantas-operated domestic flight	Complimentary
International Economy Saver / Flex fare	Complimentary
International Economy Sale fare	May be charged
International Business / First / Premium Economy	Complimentary
Eligible Qantas Frequent Flyer status	Complimentary benefits may apply
Preferred / Extra Legroom seats	May require a fee

If you have Qantas Frequent Flyer status, you may receive additional seat selection benefits depending on your membership level.

What Seat Types Does Qantas Offer?

Qantas offers several seating options depending on the aircraft and cabin.

Standard Seats

These are regular Economy seats found throughout the cabin. They’re suitable for most travellers and are often included with eligible fares.

Preferred (Forward) Seats

Preferred Seats are located in the forward section of the Economy cabin. They are designed for passengers who want to be closer to the front and may help with a quicker exit after landing. 

They don’t offer extra legroom, but they allow you to leave the aircraft sooner after landing, making them useful if you have a tight connection.

Extra Legroom Seats

Qantas requires passengers selecting an exit-row seat to meet specific safety requirements, including being at least 15 years old and being willing and able to follow crew instructions in English. 

Extra Legroom seats may be located at exit rows or in other Economy cabin positions, depending on the aircraft. 

Premium Economy

Premium Economy offers:

• wider seats
• more legroom
• greater recline
• a quieter cabin on many aircraft

It’s a good option if you want more comfort without paying for Business Class.

Business and First Class

Business and First Class include premium seating with significantly more space and comfort.

Depending on the aircraft, these cabins may include:

• lie-flat beds
• direct aisle access
• extra privacy
• premium dining
• lounge access

The exact seat layout varies by aircraft, so it’s always worth checking the seat map before making your selection.

Qantas Economy Plus

Economy Plus offers seating toward the front of the Economy cabin, giving passengers a more convenient position for boarding and deplaning. Whether access is complimentary depends on your Qantas Frequent Flyer status and seat availability at the time of booking or check-in.

How Much Does Qantas Charge for Seat Selection?

Qantas publishes seat selection prices by market and seat product, so there is no single worldwide fee that applies to every flight. The price applicable to your itinerary is shown when you select a seat through Manage Booking. 

Can You Choose or Change Your Seat After Booking?

Yes. You can choose or change your seat before your flight if seats are still available.

To do this:

1. Open Manage Booking on the Qantas website or app.
2. Enter your booking reference.
3. Open the seat map.
4. Select a different seat.
5. Pay any applicable fee if required.

If you’re hoping for a better seat without paying, it’s worth checking again when online check-in opens, as additional seats may become available.

Can You Upgrade Your Seat on Qantas?

Yes. Qantas offers several ways to upgrade your seat, but availability depends on your fare and whether seats are still available.

You may be able to upgrade:

• from Economy to Premium Economy
• from Premium Economy to Business
• from Business to First (on eligible aircraft)

Can You Upgrade Your Qantas Flight? 

Qantas offers eligible passengers ways to request a cabin upgrade, including using Qantas Points or through upgrade offers that may be available before departure. Upgrade eligibility and availability depend on the fare, route, cabin, and booking conditions. Purchasing a preferred or extra legroom seat is not the same as a cabin upgrade — the two are separate options. 

Which Seats Are Best on Qantas?

The best seat depends on the type of trip you’re taking and what matters most to you.

If You Want…	Best Seat
More legroom	Extra Legroom Seat
Faster exit after landing	Preferred (Forward) Seat
Better sleep on long flights	Premium Economy or Business
Scenic views	Window seat
Easy access during the flight	Aisle seat

If you’re flying overnight or for more than five hours, paying a little extra for additional legroom or upgrading your cabin can make a noticeable difference.

Is Paying for Seat Selection Worth It?

It depends on your journey.

For a short domestic flight, many travellers are happy with the free seat assigned at check-in.

For longer international flights, paying for a better seat can make the journey more comfortable, especially if you:

• want extra legroom,
• prefer a window or aisle seat,
• or are travelling with family.

If comfort isn’t a priority, waiting until online check-in opens may still give you a good choice of remaining seats without paying extra.

Common Travel Scenarios

You’re travelling within Australia

If you’re flying on a short domestic route and don’t have a seating preference, waiting until check-in is often enough. You’ll usually still have several standard seats to choose from.

You’re taking a long international flight

The best Qantas seat depends on the aircraft, flight duration, and your personal preference. Always check the aircraft-specific seat map before paying for a seat. 

You’re travelling with children

Reserve your seats as early as possible. Although if you’re travelling with children, select seats together as early as possible. Seat availability depends on the aircraft, fare and remaining inventory, so advance selection gives you more control. 

You’re planning to upgrade

Before paying cash, check whether your booking is eligible for an upgrade using Qantas Points. Depending on the route, this can offer better value than purchasing a higher fare.

Can Qantas Change Your Selected Seat?

Yes. Qantas may reassign a selected seat for operational, safety, security, or aircraft-change reasons. If the aircraft changes, Qantas will try to assign the same or a comparable seat where possible. Seat selection is not guaranteed and remains subject to these conditions.

Tips Before Choosing Your Seat

A little planning can help you get the seat you want without paying more than necessary.

• Check whether your fare already includes seat selection.
• Book early if you want a window, aisle, or extra legroom seat.
• Compare the cost of seat selection with the cost of upgrading your fare.
• Check in as soon as online check-in opens to see if more seats become available.
• If you’re travelling with family or friends, reserve seats together as early as possible.
• Review the aircraft seat map before confirming your selection.

Related guides

Learn more about Qantas Baggage Fees, Qantas Carry-On Rules, or compare airline seating policies in our Airline Seat Selection.

Key Takeaways

• Standard seat selection is included with many Qantas fares.
• Preferred and extra legroom seats usually cost extra.
• You can choose or change your seat through Manage Booking.
• Upgrade options depend on your fare and seat availability.
• Booking early gives you the widest choice of seats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FlyTripInfo.com provides independent travel information and is not affiliated with Qantas Airways.

The information on this page is provided for general travel guidance only. Seat selection policies, upgrade options, availability, fees, and fare inclusions may change without notice. Travelers should always verify the latest seat selection rules and pricing directly with Qantas before departure, especially for partner-operated or codeshare flights.