Qantas Boeing 737-800
Qantas 737-800 · 174 seats · Business / Economy
Qantas Boeing 737-800
The 737-800 is Qantas's domestic workhorse: 75 aircraft carrying 174 passengers (12 Business, 162 Economy) on every major domestic route. Let's be honest about the numbers: economy seat pitch is 30 inches and width is 17.2 inches. That's tight. On a Sydney-Melbourne hop it's fine; on Sydney-Perth (5 hours) it's uncomfortable. A cabin refresh program running 2026-2028 will update 42 aircraft with new seats, charging ports (finally), new sidewalls, carpet, larger overhead bins, and mood lighting. If you can, check which aircraft you're on -- the refreshed ones will be a noticeable improvement.
Best Seats on the Qantas 737-800
Business rows 1-4 in a 2-2 layout with 37-inch pitch and 22-inch width are the comfortable option. In economy, exit rows 12-13 and 18-19 are the must-book seats -- they offer significantly more legroom. Rows 5-11 put you close to business class service and forward lavatories. On the refreshed aircraft (from 2027), every seat will have charging technology, which changes the equation for longer flights.
Seats to Avoid
Rows 26-33 combine engine noise, galley traffic, and slow deplaning. It's the worst section of the aircraft, especially on full flights. Wing rows 14-17 transmit vibration in turbulence. The 17.2-inch seat width is the real killer though -- column C (middle seat) on this aircraft is rough for anyone with broad shoulders. If you're over 5'10", budget for an exit row or you'll feel every minute of a long domestic flight.
Cabin Specifications
This Qantas Boeing 737-800 features 174 seats in a Business / Economy configuration. Our analysis has identified 36 seats rated as "Best" or "Good" for comfort and convenience.
Business class offers 12 seats with 38" seat pitch and 21" width. Economy class offers 162 seats with 31" seat pitch and 17.2" width.