We flew onboard the new Qantas Premium Economy from Hong Kong to Australia, read our review of the seat and cabin below.
Qantas unveiled their new premium economy seat in 2017 with the launch of their first Dreamliners. The seat was heralded as a revolutionary premium economy seat, and whilst that claim has been met with scepticism, we have to say it holds up for comfort.
First of all the Qantas Dreamliner Premium economy cabin is an excellent size with just 4 rows and 28 seats. The small size of the cabin adds to the exclusive feel of flying premium economy (You'll also receive prority boarding).
Qantas Dreamliner Premium Economy
Qantas Dreamliner Premium Economy Cabin
Qantas Premium Economy Seat
Qantas Premium Economy Seat Mood Lighting
The cabin configuration is 2-3-2, with the window seats perfect for 2 passengers travelling together.
In the back of the seat you'll find the 13.3 inch entertainment screen, directly below the screen is a small shelf that can be used to hold your tablet/entertainment device.
Premium Economy Seatback
13.3 Inch Personal Entertainment Screen
There are 2 storage pockets in the back of the seat for magazine/devices etc.
Additional Seatback Storage
Below the storage pockets is the footrest release lever. The infamous lever has left many passengers stumped as the natural instinct is to push the footrest down with your foot (it won't work, we might be one of the aforementioned stumped passengers.) The lever releases the footrest which you can then adjust to different heights. the footrest has a unique foot cradle net which allows you to rest your calves on the padded section and dangle your feet in the net cradle. In theory. It reality its a bit more clumsy than that with success seeming to depend on the height of the passenger. It is a nice addition to have though and certainly better than a stationary footrest or no footrest at all.
Footrest Lever
Qantas Premium Economy Footrest
Footrest Net Cradle
The seat has a decent amount of leg space with a 38inch seat pitch.
Qantas Dreamliner Premium Economy Legroom
In the arm rest of your seat is the recline control, as well as headphone jack and USB connection point, a second USB point is located underneath the entertainement screen (convenient for charging devices whilst placed on the entertainment stand). Near the footrest are the power points.
Seat Controls & USB Connection
Qantas Premium Economy Power Socket
One of the best (and the simplest) improvements Qantas have brought in is the pillow case which is designed to hook on to the wings of the headrest. Quite frankly, it's genius. With the pillow in place you can still adjust the headrest wings to your liking, without losing your pillow down the side of your seat after you nod off.
The Qantas Premium Economy pillow case, designed to attach to your headrest
Reclining the Qantas Premium Economy Seat with pillow attached
On this night flight we were also given a very comfortable large warm blanket. The seat also has soft 'mood lighting' embedded in to the side of the headrest that emits a nice soft light.
Premium Economy Warm Blanket
Qantas Premium Economy Amenity Kit
Qantas have teamed up with Country road to provide a stylish amenity kit for premium economy passengers. The kit includes a country road eye mask along with a pair of socks and and a teeth cleaning kit.
Qantas Premium Economy Country Road Amenity Kit
Qantas Premium Economy Country Road Amenity Kit
Qantas Noise Reducing Headphones
Coming Soon: Read our Qantas Premium Economy Food & Drink Review
To book your Qantas Premium Economy flights and maximise your status credit accrual, contact our QFlyer Airfare consultants:
Qantas Premium Economy flights to North America
Qantas Premium Economy flights to Europe
Qantas Premium Economy Flights to Hong Kong