Qantas' New A321XLR

[docjames]

Qantas already have 10 A330s with 28 lie flat and one J toilet…. (Yes, a lot of the other A330s have 2 J toilets for 28 seats, but you can never guarantee which on you will get).

With lower cabin altitude, same seat density, same seat, cant see much difference being in J on the A321 vs the 330.……

FWIW in Y the -200s have 208 - 243 seats for 4 toilets (the -300s have 269 with 5) so A321 compares ok with 3 Y toilets (and the two is really only viable for short haul flights). All are better off for toilets than the 738. I agree in Y the wide body is better with two aisles and more headroom making it feel marginally less sardine-can like.

 

[PlaneJoeSchmoe]

FWIW in Y the -200s have 208 - 243 seats for 4 toilets (the -300s have 269 with 5) so A321 compares ok with 3 Y toilets (and the two is really only viable for short haul flights). All are better off for toilets than the 738.

I assume it'd only be two toilets for Y passengers in the back. A fair few J travelers, especially in this forum, don't very much like it when Y passengers use the J toilet up front, though for the prices Qantas charge they're partly justified.

 

[docjames]

I assume it'd only be two toilets for Y passengers in the back. A fair few J travelers, especially in this forum, don't very much like it when Y passengers use the J toilet up front, though for the prices Qantas charge they're partly justified.

First three coming with 2 rear toilets to
Be retrofitted with a third at some unknown date.

Remainder come with three.

 

[Daver6]

I wonder how many J seats QF would plan to have when they go with lie flat seats? Keeping in mind there is going be only one J toilet, it will be a nightmare in the morning prior to arrival and pax getting changed out of their pyjamas.

 

[elanshin]

I wonder how many J seats QF would plan to have when they go with lie flat seats? Keeping in mind there is going be only one J toilet, it will be a nightmare in the morning prior to arrival and pax getting changed out of their pyjamas.

Isn't that the same on some a330-200s right now? 28J with 1 bathroom. (I wonder if newer pilots are briefed as for when it's the quietest to use that bathroom).

I'd be guessing 12-16 if they go for the 1-1 style configuration based off what other carriers are doing right now. Would really be up to what mission profile they see with these planes and if they need to reduce Y PAX to make the range work.

 

[moa999]

I suspect a little less premium than AAs new 321XLR
Which is 20 J/ 12 PE/ 123 Y
(And I hope for window facing or reverse Herringbone seats)

AA Airbus A321 XLR - AeroLOPA | Detailed aircraft seat plans

Hola > American Airlines > Airbus A321 XLRThe American Airlines Airbus A321 XLR is configured 20J 12W 123M. This type is expected to enter service in 2025Please note, the seat plan illustrated here is still preliminary and has not yet been fully scrutinised by aeroLOPA so some variations from...

www.aerolopa.com

 

[RooFlyer]

And the Air Canada version

Post in thread 'Qantas' New A321XLR'

Sep 12, 2025

Just out of interest. From OMaaT

Air Canada Airbus A321XLRs will have 182 seats
Air Canada’s Airbus A321XLRs will feature a total of 182 seats, including 14 business class seats and 168 economy class seats. The planes will feature seat back entertainment, inflight Wi-Fi, and the signature Airbus interiors.

While Air Canada hasn’t fully unveiled its new Airbus A321XLR cabins, we do have a sense of what to expect. The airline has now loaded the seat map for its first A321XLR long haul flight, and it shows business class consisting of seven rows, in a 1-1...

• RooFlyer

• 

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks for that extra info, all good. But I have never, in over 1,400 flights, had a narrow body J meal approaching like I can get on a widebody and I'm not intending to try for the new gen LR narrows.

We know why the airlines are going it, but I'm puzzled at the quiet acceptance if it by some - ?many - here. It simply can't be as good an experience from the passenger point of view, no matter how good the crew are. Even if someone decided they could tolerate it, why wouldn't they shift across to another airline's widebody (likely cheaper), if they could?

For business class? Both SQ and QF can deliver the same meal in their 737s as their wide bodies.

SQ offers 10 flat beds on their 737 and the meal service is identical, including book the cook.

 

[markis10]

For business class? Both SQ and QF can deliver the same meal in their 737s as their wide bodies.

Depends on the chilled storage requirements, which of course the QF 737 does not have

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Depends on the chilled storage requirements, which of course the QF 737 does not have

Sure, but the first meal service MEL-DPS on the 737 is the same as the meal in the a330 ex SYD.

 

[RooFlyer]

For business class? Both SQ and QF can deliver the same meal in their 737s as their wide bodies.

Not entirely business class in all my flights, but yes, I’m talking about long haul International. What you say is all very well but I recall you’ve been critical of the SQ meals as being un-pack and reheat type. and I’m pretty sure the Qantas meals would be the same. So yes, you can get the same meals on wide body and narrow body but they’re not very good in my opinion.

But having said that I have to acknowledge that the meals on TK narrow bodies are very good as well. So I guess it is possible to get a good meal on a narrow body after all.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Not entirely business class in all my flights, but yes, I’m talking about long haul International. What you say is all very well but I recall you’ve been critical of the SQ meals as being un-pack and reheat type. and I’m pretty sure the Qantas meals would be the same. So yes, you can get the same meals on wide body and narrow body but they’re not very good in my opinion.

But having said that I have to acknowledge that the meals on TK narrow bodies are very good as well. So I guess it is possible to get a good meal on a narrow body after all.

All meals except for a couple of elements like rice, eggs and toast - which can be prepared fresh in first class - are all unpack and reheat. My comments about SQ was in terms of the speed of the meal services… their starters are cold and pre-plated… saving a lot of time in the meal duration.

Quality aside, SQ delivered the exact same offering on the 737 to cairns as it did on its a380 to LHR.

 

[moa999]

'Some' interior video from QF on Facebook page.

Seems to confirm nothing special. Basic black floor on entry, no Airspace ceiling.

I also see a floor to ceiling divider but no curtain between J and Y at about 5secs.

343K views · 4.8K reactions | Come behind the scenes with our crew as we gear up for the first passenger flights of the brand new Airbus A321XLRs! Just one week to go until our first commercial flights of this next generation aircraft. | Qantas

Come behind the scenes with our crew as we gear up for the first passenger flights of the brand new Airbus A321XLRs! Just one week to go until our first commercial flights of this next generation...

www.facebook.com

 

[kpro]

Seems to confirm nothing special. Basic black floor on entry, no Airspace ceiling.

The Airspace interior isn't standard like the BSI is? Seems like a missed opportunity on Airbus' side for a standardised passenger experience.

 

[moa999]

Seemingly parts are standard (like the Airspace bins and general LED lighting) but the hero lighting must be an option.

Airbus photo.

 

[RooFlyer]

Airbus photo.

I've never seen anyone look so happy in the middle, non reclining seat in the last row of an aircraft! With what look like a toilet immediately behind them.

 

[Daver6]

I've never seen anyone look so happy in the middle, non reclining seat in the last row of an aircraft! With what look like a toilet immediately behind them.

Is that because you've never been to that part of the aircraft, so of course you've never seen that

 

[RooFlyer]

Is that because you've never been to that part of the aircraft, so of course you've never seen that

I speak from (bitter) experience

 

[markis10]

Bit surprised that QF retro roo for this family will be in the old TAA color scheme

 

[moa999]

Bit surprised that QF retro roo for this family will be in the old TAA color scheme

Source?