AFF Review: Qantas A321XLR Economy Class (SYD-MEL)

[AFF Editor]

Canonical URL

https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/qantas-a321xlr-economy-review/

Qantas Airbus A321XLR Economy Class Review is an article written by the AFF editorial team:

Qantas Airbus A321XLR Economy Class Review

We review the Economy Class seat and experience on Qantas' new Airbus A321XLR, flying from Sydney to Melbourne.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

You can leave a comment or discuss this topic below.

 

[serfty]

I flew one in late October, BNE-MEL. I had been booked on a later flight but due to expected weather, Qantas had implemented "Flow Forwarding". I was able to snaffle front row economy.



I took an image of Business seating:

 

[clifford]

I can only imagine that Matt didn't go for an extra legroom seat (free for him), because AFF wanted to publish a review that was relevant to the average flyer.

 

[elanshin]

I can only imagine that Matt didn't go for an extra legroom seat (free for him), because AFF wanted to publish a review that was relevant to the average flyer.

That was probably mh understanding as well. I've been foiled now twice trying to take the 321XLR in Y. Once got a comp upgrade to J. Once my driver decided he wanted me to miss my flight. Time to try and find some more 321 flights.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

The following comment from the article is interesting…

the Qantas A321XLR Economy Class seats are about an inch wider than on Qantas’ Boeing 737-800. This made a noticeable difference, which the passenger seated beside me also commented on.​

That’s the complete opposite of many comments - including mine - in the dedicated A321XLR thread here in AFF.

Somehow… dunno how… these seats seem narrower than their 737 counterparts… and certainly not as wide as a320 seats we’ve normally come to expect!

 

[Rayesfeg]

Totally agree with a couple of points from the article, especially these gems:

- I'm sure we are aware of the passenger-to-toilet ratio fiasco. I’m with Matt—fine for a quick MEL-SYD hop, but on anything longer, it could be a potential disaster unless Economy passengers are allowed to use the J-class lavs. Can you imagine the outrage..
I recently flew an A321 with China Eastern between Shanghai and Beijing (just over two hours). It had three lavs at the back of Economy, and I can confirm, it was quite chaotic during peak “nature calls” time. Passengers were lined up down the aisle. The poor crew, who were friendly and efficient, had to play trolley Tetris just to let passengers through.

- No entertainment screens: For me, it’s not necessarily about the screens—it’s the principle. A full-service carrier removing them feels like a cost-saving move disguised as “modernisation.” It leads to cost savings for Qantas, but does it save us any on fares? I suspect not.

 

[markis10]

I'm sure we are aware of the passenger-to-toilet ratio fiasco. I’m with Matt—fine for a quick MEL-SYD hop, but on anything longer, it could be a potential disaster unless Economy passengers are allowed to use the J-class lavs. Can you imagine the outrage..

All the deliveries now on will have the extra toilet and three less seats

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Totally agree with a couple of points from the article, especially these gems:

- I'm sure we are aware of the passenger-to-toilet ratio fiasco. I’m with Matt—fine for a quick MEL-SYD hop, but on anything longer, it could be a potential disaster unless Economy passengers are allowed to use the J-class lavs. Can you imagine the outrage..
I recently flew an A321 with China Eastern between Shanghai and Beijing (just over two hours). It had three lavs at the back of Economy, and I can confirm, it was quite chaotic during peak “nature calls” time. Passengers were lined up down the aisle. The poor crew, who were friendly and efficient, had to play trolley Tetris just to let passengers through.

- No entertainment screens: For me, it’s not necessarily about the screens—it’s the principle. A full-service carrier removing them feels like a cost-saving move disguised as “modernisation.” It leads to cost savings for Qantas, but does it save us any on fares? I suspect not.

They are going to add a third WC, but conversely to the example above, BA operates 321s on longish routes with just two WCs and a higher ratio of Y pax to WC (potentially 196 or more Y pax to 2 WCs) and it’s not a major issue.

And the longer the flight, the more spread out demand will be.

 

[moa999]

On the seatback without TV screens should be noted that is the QF Domestic standard going forward (BYO device), and refurbed 738s will also have TV screens removed as they receive a cabin overhaul and new seats from 2026.

(And similar for Jetstar 787s)

 

[AFF Editor]

I can only imagine that Matt didn't go for an extra legroom seat (free for him), because AFF wanted to publish a review that was relevant to the average flyer.

Exactly.

The following comment from the article is interesting…

the Qantas A321XLR Economy Class seats are about an inch wider than on Qantas’ Boeing 737-800. This made a noticeable difference, which the passenger seated beside me also commented on.​

That’s the complete opposite of many comments - including mine - in the dedicated A321XLR thread here in AFF.

Somehow… dunno how… these seats seem narrower than their 737 counterparts… and certainly not as wide as a320 seats we’ve normally come to expect!

I've spent a lot of time on Qantas 737s, and the A321XLR Economy seat definitely seemed a bit wider. I found it more comfortable and spacious overall.

Perhaps I should bring my tape measure next time to confirm!

On the seatback without TV screens should be noted that is the QF Domestic standard going forward (BYO device), and refurbed 738s will also have TV screens removed as they receive a cabin overhaul and new seats from 2026.

(And similar for Jetstar 787s)

That's also a shame...

 

[Spamam]

first attempt on the 321 was cancelled as the crew had hit their limits and there were not any replacements available. Second was a business upgrade. I liked the USB C additional power outlet. Everything else was QANTAS domestic as usual.