Flight review: Qantas’ new route from Brisbane to Manila in business class

Qantas has added a direct service from Brisbane to the Philippines’ capital. We take a seat on the inaugural flight.

Our love affair with holidaying in Asia shows no sign of abating and with more than 7000 islands, keen prices and famously friendly locals, interest in the Philippines is high.

The newly launched Brisbane to Manila service, adds another 100, 000 seats to Qantas’ current Sydney-Manila route. Using an Airbus A330-200, QF97 flies four times a week, with a flying time of 7 hours 45 minutes.

While the route may be new, the relationship isn’t – in 2025, Qantas celebrates 75 years of passenger services between Australia and the Philippines.

Check-in

The Qantas business class cabin. Image: Supplied

I’m greeted warmly at the priority check-in after zero wait time. Checked luggage is a very generous 40kg per passenger and up to 14kg of hand luggage.

While I have absolute faith in the airline’s ability to get my bags safely to Manila, I love being able to track my bag from check-in to the baggage carousel via the Qantas app.

The lounge

The terminal and car park view from the Qantas Brisbane lounge isn’t terribly inspiring, but there’s plenty of seating.

Hot dishes at the buffet include a cauliflower and turmeric soup and hearty Greek chicken casserole then there are crudities and humous, crackers and salads. Knowing we’re going to be served dinner on board, however, I limit myself to a glass of Prosecco and a bowl of mixed nuts.

Boarding

A thunderstorm delays our flight by two hours, but I’m grateful to have experienced it on the ground rather than in the air. Boarding is swift and we are greeted by name by the staff at the aircraft door. As soon as we’re settled, we’re offered a glass of Lombard Extra Brut Champagne

The cabin

The spacious cabin on the new direct Qantas flights.

There are 27 business class suites in a 1-2-1 configuration, each featuring direct aisle access. Behind us are 269 economy seats.  There’s plenty of storage space and USB charging and AC power outlets. The temperature is perfect and mood lighting facilitates a gentle wake-up.

The seat

I’m in 2K. The seats have a handful of different configurations, including a massage mode and flatbed.  When I want to sleep, the staff make it up with a mattress topper and a cosy quilt, which add an extra layer of comfort.

The service

Flight manager Olivia and her team deliver professional and solicitous service. My water is replenished regularly without asking and my meal tray pulled out, set and swiftly packed away after eating. If cabin staff noticed passengers were awake, they’d ask if we needed anything but didn’t disturb the sleepers until just before touchdown.

The amenities

A Koskela toiletries bag is packed with an eye mask, socks, hand cream, face cream, lip balm, toothbrush, toothpaste, and earplugs. And, of course, there’s a pair of the collectors-item grey pyjamas.

The entertainment

Operated by both a touchscreen and a handset hidden in the armrest, the entertainment system was easy to navigate. There were plenty of new films, current TV series and documentaries. From December, there’ll be wifi while still in Australian air space.

Dining experience

The much-vaunted Neil Perry-curated menu lived up to the hype. There was a choice of four entrees and four mains, including a plant-based choice in each.  Buffalo mozzarella came with balsamic roasted capsicum and pickled onion with a hazelnut vinegarette and toasted hazelnuts. For a main, I had seared snapper with ginger and shallot dressing, steamed bok choy and egg fried rice.  The drinks list includes 3 Champagnes, Australian wines, beer, sake and dessert wine, along with non-alcoholic drinks. Later, I enjoyed a caramel ice cream sandwich as I watched a movie.

What's hot

For this Brisbane-based traveller, not having to endure an extra leg with a Sydney connection.

What’s not

The punishing arrival time of the flight (1 am.) Unless you have an immediate onward flight, you’ll want to book your hotel room from the previous day.

Verdict: 9/10

Arrival time aside, it was hard to fault anything.

Prices: Brisbane-Manila: Business from $3954 +taxes, Economy $904 + taxes

Natascha Mirosch flew as a guest of Qantas

Originally published as Flight review: Qantas’ new route from Brisbane to Manila in business class