When traveling on Australian domestic flights, the quest for comfort without breaking the bank often leads passengers to the question: which are the best economy class seats? Several factors come into play when determining the most desirable spots in the economy cabin. These factors include legroom, seat width, proximity to amenities, and overall cabin service.

Qantas is known for its exceptional service across the board. On its Boeing 737s, which form the backbone of its domestic fleet, the best economy seats are typically located at the front of the cabin. Exit row seats offer additional legroom. For example, on a Boeing 737-800, seats in row 13 or 14 provide some extra space due to their location at the exit. However, these seats are often classified as ’Extra Legroom’ and may attract an additional fee.

Virgin Australia is another major player in Australian skies. Similar to Qantas, exit rows and bulkhead seats in their Boeing 737-800 aircraft offer more legroom. Seats 3C and 3D are notable for giving passengers space due to their position behind a bulkhead.

Jetstar’s Airbus A320 family aircraft have what they call ‘Up Front’ seating – usually the first few rows of the plane that allow quicker boarding and de-boarding for a fee. Exit row seats here also offer enhanced legroom – for those willing to pay extra – specifically rows 12 and 13.

Regional carrier Rex (Regional Express) operates a fleet of smaller turboprop planes; on these planes, passengers often prefer seats toward the front for quicker disembarkation and to reduce noise from the propellers.

It’s important to note that optimal seat choice can be subjective and depends on passenger preference regarding window versus aisle seating, with window lovers appreciating scenery and isolation while aisle aficionados value easy access egress without disturbing others.

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that many airlines charge additional fees for selecting preferable seats like those at bulkheads or exits. Frequent flyers might enjoy these benefits as part of their loyalty rewards program, but occasional travelers will need to weigh up the cost against comfort when booking their tickets.

In summary, for extra legroom and comfort on Australian domestic flights, look towards exit row or bulkhead seats, remembering they might come with an added cost. Otherwise, aim for seats at or near the front of economy class cabins to balance convenience with a relatively peaceful journey.