Qantas Plans Extra-Legroom Seats on A380s as British Airways Cuts Seats
Qantas will add Economy Plus seating to its 485-seat A380s before retiring them from 2028, while British Airways rebuilds its A380 cabins with fewer seats.
Qantas plans to change the cabins of its 485-seat Airbus A380 jets. Part of the standard economy cabin will become extra-legroom seating. The airline aims to attract passengers who will pay more for added comfort.
The changes come before Qantas starts to retire its A380 fleet in 2028. Simple Flying reported that the retirement plan will begin sooner than earlier expected.
British Airways is doing a bigger A380 makeover. Its total seats will fall from 469 to 421, according to Aviation A2Z. Simple Flying's headline gives a different figure for the economy seats removed, so the exact economy cut is unclear in the notes.
AirlineGeeks reported that British Airways will replace every seat on its A380s and add new carpets, galleys and stairways. The airline says its new Club World business cabin, with 106 seats, will be the biggest business class anywhere.
What it means for travelers
Both airlines are giving more room to passengers who pay extra, so there may be fewer standard economy seats on these planes. Travelers who want more legroom may soon have more paid options on Qantas A380s. Seat layouts can differ by flight, so check your exact aircraft.
What to watch next
Check your airline's seat map when you book, and confirm the aircraft type and seat details with Qantas or British Airways before you travel.
How the story unfolded
- AirlineGeeks British Airways Unveils New Cabins for A380
- Head for Points Five takeaways from the British Airways A380 refurbishment
Read the original reporting
- Aviation A2Z – Qantas to Reconfigure Airbus A380 Cabins as British Airways Removes 48 Seats ↗
- Simple Flying – Qantas Is Re-Slicing Its 485-Seat Airbus A380 Floor Plan As British Airways Removes 88 Economy Seats ↗
- Head for Points – Five takeaways from the British Airways A380 refurbishment ↗
- AirlineGeeks – British Airways Unveils New Cabins for A380 ↗
Quick questions
What happened?
Qantas will add Economy Plus seating to its 485-seat A380s before retiring them from 2028, while British Airways rebuilds its A380 cabins with fewer seats.
How does this affect trips to United Kingdom?
Both airlines are giving more room to passengers who pay extra, so there may be fewer standard economy seats on these planes. Travelers who want more legroom may soon have more paid options on Qantas A380s. Seat layouts can differ by flight, so check your exact aircraft.
What happens next?
Check your airline's seat map when you book, and confirm the aircraft type and seat details with Qantas or British Airways before you travel.
Where does this information come from?
This brief is based on reporting from Aviation A2Z, Simple Flying, Head for Points and AirlineGeeks. Links to the original stories are listed on this page.
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British Airways shows new A380 cabins, with 106 business class seats
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How we made this brief: RoamSun brings together facts reported by the outlets listed above and writes a fresh, short explanation with the help of AI. Every brief is checked so it does not copy the publishers' wording. The original reporting belongs to those outlets – please read their full stories.
