Qantas’ Premium Economy sits in that sweet spot between comfort and practicality. There’s more legroom, better dining, and a few priority touches. And that’s all without the Business Class price tag. It’s designed for long-haul travel rather than short domestic hops, offering a calm, mid-sized cabin that feels a world away from the main deck bustle.

It’s also where Qantas shines most in a level of service that feels distinctly Australian: warm, friendly relaxed, and quietly capable. But before you hit upgrade, here’s what you actually get with Qantas Premium Economy, how it compares, and when it’s worth the spend.

Premium Economy on Qantas bridges comfort and practicality. It’s a small, quiet cabin with more legroom, thoughtful extras, and that attentive service the airline is known for. Expect priority boarding, a welcome glass of bubbles, upgraded dining, and dedicated crew attention throughout your flight.

Qantas Premium Economy seats are set up in a more spacious 2-3-2 configuration on both the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A380. Each seat has a 38-inch pitch for extra legroom, up to 22.8-inch width, and a leg and footrest for added comfort on long-haul routes.

You’ll find a 13-inch HD screen, USB and AC outlets, and noise-cancelling headphones for the inflight entertainment system. The seats don’t recline fully flat, but the added space and deeper recline make a noticeable difference from Economy (especially on those sometimes painful overnight flights).

Meals in Qantas Premium Economy are plated on stylish David Caon-designed tableware with metal cutlery. Expect a starter, main, dessert, and cheese with crackers, all paired with Australian wines curated by Qantas’ Sommeliers in the Sky. Recent menus have included braised Angus beef with mash, and a dark chocolate and sour cherry fondant.

Between meal services, passengers can visit the self-serve snack bar for Australian favourites like Byron Bay cookies, a Reuben-style toastie, or even ice cream on some longer routes. Drinks include local spirits and wines, from Four Pillars gin to Coopers beer, plus sparkling wine served as you board.

Premium Economy fares include a generous checked baggage allowance. You get up to two pieces at 32 kg each for flights to North and South America, or up to 40 kg total for other international routes. Carry-on allows two small pieces up to 14 kg combined, with one not exceeding 10 kg, plus a personal item such as a laptop or handbag.

Passengers also enjoy priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling. Added up, it all keeps airport time smooth and stress-free before a long flight.

Not by default. Qantas Premium Economy tickets don’t include lounge access. You can still enter if you hold Qantas Club membership, have Gold, Platinum, or Platinum One Frequent Flyer status, or an equivalent oneworld or Emirates partner status.

Qantas Club members can access Qantas Club and Regional lounges within Australia and Qantas International Business Lounges overseas. Selected partner lounges are also available when flying on a Qantas flight number.

Most Qantas Club members can bring one guest travelling on the same flight (children under 18 count as a guest). Lounge access isn’t available through Complimentary Lounge Invitations or Flexible memberships unless specified for Qantas- or Jetstar-operated flights.

As Premium Economy seats aren’t available on all Qantas planes, it is limited to certain routes. You’ll be able to fly to destinations in Asia, Europe, New Zealand and South Africa operated with an A380 or a Boeing 787.

Premium seating isn’t currently available for domestic flights.

Spot-checking Qantas flights from Sydney to Paris (via Dubai) shows a clear price jump from Economy to Premium Economy, especially during the busy end-of-year travel period.

In December, when demand peaks for holiday travel, Economy fares range from about AU$2,573–AU$3,283, while Premium Economy jumps to around AU$5,926–AU$6,984. That’s a difference of roughly AU$3,300–AU$4,000 one-way.

By contrast, in mid-February, outside the peak season, Premium Economy is about AU$1,300–AU$2,200 more expensive one-way than Economy. On those dates, Economy Sale fares sit between AU$1,500–AU$1,669, while Premium Economy Sale fares start at AU$2,963, rising to around AU$3,728 depending on flexibility and refund options.

Across most long-haul Qantas routes to Europe, travellers can expect Premium Economy to cost AU$1,300–AU$4,000 more than Economy one-way, or around AU$2,600–AU$8,000 return. 

It’s a noticeable step up in spend, but still well below the leap to Business Class. For many, that extra comfort, quieter cabin, and glass of bubbles make it worth the splurge on a 20+ hour journey.

If you’re flying long-haul, Qantas Premium Economy hits a sweet middle ground. It’s comfortable enough to feel indulgent, without the Business Class price tag. The combination of generous space, quality dining, and genuinely warm Australian service makes the experience feel polished but personal.