QantasLink Airbus A220 Discussion

[Vic]

Second A220 flight over the weekend. First flight I sat in 4C this flight 4D.
I'm going to nominate 4D as a contender for the worst seat on the Qantas A220 because:

• Start of different configuration section - stuck in the middle of the aisle.
• Business class seat configuration means only a small gaps under the seat in front, too small to fit a back pack for example.
• Limited overhead locker space due to the second port side locker, above (what?) row 2AC, being completely unavailable due to a life raft.
• Overhead locker space is at a premium for the 10 business seats because of the life raft as well.
• Carry on only flyers are likely to have hand luggage in lockers over rows 5 to 7.

The positives of 4D are good access to the aisle and good leg room.

The "D" seats in business will have the same problem with under seat space. 4F has useful sized space under the seat in front, the same is likely true for the Business F seats.
I'm going to say that carry on only flyers in business will have the least hassle (or most options) in 2F and 3F. 2C likely has available under seat space.

It is preferrable to the E190, where I had 2A on the weekend. But recommend preference for the port side in economy on the A220 and don't mistake 4D and 4E for good seats due to being labelled "economy plus front".

 

[mviy]

Hmmm, I am booked into 4D for an upcoming A220 flight. Seats next to me empty, but would cost $85 to move back to row 4 if I change my mind. Might risk it and put my laptop bag up top if no room under the seat in front.

 

[Vic]

Hmmm, I am booked into 4D for an upcoming A220 flight. Seats next to me empty, but would cost $85 to move back to row 4 if I change my mind. Might risk it and put my laptop bag up top if no room under the seat in front.

If you only have a laptop bag, you'll be fine. I also had an empty 4E. No way to get my back pack in there, but a laptop bag should be fine. Heaps of leg room, a bag under the seat isn't going to be a problem. Just the size of the bag is limited.
4F plenty of space...

 

[moa999]

14th VH-X4N on delivery, now at HNL. Will reportedly fly the remainder via Samoa APW rather than Fiji due to the fuel issues.

So that's almost half-way through the current order of 29.

(Whereas the 321XLRs are at 7 of 48)

 

[clifford]

(Whereas the 321XLRs are at 7 of 48)

Different sources.

 

[moa999]

And 15th VH-X4O on delivery. That's apparently it for CY2026 for Qantas.
Deliveries from next year will reportedly feature the AirSpace cabin upgrades.

 

[cpatters]

Have there been any new routes announced given more A220's are joining the fleet or are they just taking over existing 737 routes?

 

[Harrison_133]

Have there been any new routes announced given more A220's are joining the fleet or are they just taking over existing 737 routes?

The most recent additions mainly replaced some E190 flights out of Brisbane to places like ADL, CNS, CBR, HBA and TSV, with MKY being added at the end of October.

They're encroaching on 737 routes too. The regional route of BNE-SYD will start seeing A220s from the end of October. Frequency of A220s on BNE-MEL also increases quite a bit in December and January. BNE-DRW switches over in February 2027.

 

[SJF211]

And MEL-DRW in February too.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

The most recent additions mainly replaced some E190 flights out of Brisbane to places like ADL, CNS, CBR, HBA and TSV, with MKY being added at the end of October.

They're encroaching on 737 routes too. The regional route of BNE-SYD will start seeing A220s from the end of October. Frequency of A220s on BNE-MEL also increases quite a bit in December and January. BNE-DRW switches over in February 2027.

Remember the good old days of the morning 767 on BNE-DRW

 

[Saab34]

Seems like they would order more A220s to takeover more domestic mainline capacity rather than more Domestic A321s to come in. The subsidiaries have much lower costs and it seems like it’s the future.

Still hate booking a A220 and having a E190 swapped out. Bit risky booking long way ahead it seems.

 

[markis10]

Alliance have forced their hand fleet wise after the company (full of Accountants) realised they got the sums wrong, it was a gift to qantas that stopped giving.

 

[jrfsp]

Seems like they would order more A220s to takeover more domestic mainline capacity rather than more Domestic A321s to come in. The subsidiaries have much lower costs and it seems like it’s the future.

Still hate booking a A220 and having a E190 swapped out. Bit risky booking long way ahead it seems.

Why wouldn’t they - paint the word link on the side and operate the flight for half the cost - regular punters none the wiser, share holders happy. I wouldn’t be surprised if mainline only operates wide bodies down the track.