12 awesome things about the $13500 Qantas first class suites

FROM the huge lie-flat seat to the massages, pyjamas and being able to watch movies even while at the gate, here are 12 awesome things about flying first class.

I have to say, the pyjamas were really comfy. Picture: Kate Schneider

FINALLY, it's happened to me.

My dreams have come true. I've been upgraded to first class.

I couldn't wait to begin my 13-hour flight from Dubai to Sydney on Qantas. With the suites upwards of approximately $13500 return on the A380 jets, I knew I was in for a treat.

So was it as good as it sounds?

Well, yeah! Here are 12 awesome things you should know about the Flying Kangaroo's first class suites.

1. The space

My first class "pod" takes up the entire middle section of the jumbo A380 plane. That's the equivalent of four economy seats wide, and at least two in front. There's just a massive amount of room.

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Oh, and there are no overhead lockers above me. This makes the cabin feel more spacious.

Don't worry, with a maximum of just 15 people in first class, you won't be short of room for your belongings. You can even keep them next to your seat.

There's a lot of space. Picture: Kate Schneider

Put your feet up. Picture: Kate Schneider

2. The pyjamas

You can spot the flying pros a mile away. As soon as the flight attendants hand them the coveted pjs (charcoal dark grey for first, light grey for business) they're out of there like a flash, changed, and back in their seats before the plane has even taxied away from the gate.

They are very comfortable, so I can see why they are popular.

Oh, and you get your own socks and slippers too. The slippers even say "first" on them.

I have to say, the pyjamas were really comfy. Picture: Kate Schneider

3. The service, and food

You won't find yourself twisting your neck around in search of the elusive flight attendants. In first, they will cater for your every whim. Well, almost. They're very attentive.

First has an a la carte menu designed by Neil Perry. I requested a special meal and dined on roasted eggplant, potato cakes, capsicum, mushrooms and beans; gluten free bread with clear vegetable soup, and fruit. And some champagne, of course.

Not your typical airline food. Picture: Kate Schneider

4. I'm outta here!

First class peeps are the first to get off the plane. So you don't have to deal with the shoulder-barging as people throw off their seatbelts, grab their luggage and race towards the exits, only to end up packed in like sardines, which often happens in economy. It's all rather relaxed in first and you have plenty of space to get organised without risking holding up the impatient hordes behind you.

As well as the headstart, you also get to cut the queues using the "express passes".

5. The seats. They swivel around, lie flat and offer massages

It's pretty nifty. One moment you're facing the front of the plane, with limited legroom. The next moment you're being turned to the side and reclined into a lie-flat bet. They are ridiculously comfortable and spacious. There are also several massage settings.

Fancy a massage? Picture: Kate Schneider

When it's time to sleep the flight attendants will make up your bed for you including a large cotton pillow, bolster pillow, duvet and woollen blanket, and a fitted cotton sheet over the top of a sheepskin-covered foam mattress.

The only downside I found was that when people walked down the aisle it really thumped around, shaking me from my sleep. Perhaps it's because the pods are much lighter than the setups are in economy.

The seat is now a lie-flat bed. Picture: Kate Schneider

The pods. Picture: Kate Schneider

6. Stretch it out

You can watch movies from the moment you get on board, to the minute you're ready to grab your luggage and disembark the flight. No more missing the end of a film you're engrossed in by just a few minutes. The screen is also quite large, at 17 inches.

7. Charge 'em up!

There's a mobile phone charger in your suite, so you won't have to worry about getting a flat battery.

8. The "time to destination" counter

Ever woken up from a mid-flight slumber curious to know how long you have until the plane lands? Well you won't have to reach for your phone - there's a small screen that displays the time you have left. I'm a fan.

The ticker. Picture: Kate Schneider

9. Privacy screens

Want to pretend you're not surrounded by strangers? Well just pop up the privacy screens and you'll be able to zone out.

10. The amenity bags

When you're facing a long-haul flight, it's nice to zip open the amenity bag and find SK-II products such as facial treatments, ear plugs, a toothbrush and toothpaste, mirror, tissues and even deodorant waiting for you. With the current liquid restrictions, many of us can't carry most of these rather essential items with us on board.

The amenity bag. Picture: Kate Schneider

11. First class lounge access

The treats waiting in the first class lounge can often help soften the blow of a long stopover. Relax, charge your phone, grab some food, surf the net and read some magazines while you wait for your flight.

The Qantas first class lounge in Sydney. Picture: Kate Schneider

12. Double up

There's an extra seat, just in case you're travelling with a companion and they'd like to come by to eat with you. Why wouldn't they! If you're flying solo it also doubles as a foot rest.

The writer travelled as a guest of Qantas, Dubai Tourism and VisitBritain.

Getting there:

The Qantas A380 aircraft operates services from Sydney and Melbourne to Los Angeles and Dubai; Sydney to Hong Kong and Dubai to London with its codeshare partner Emirates.