Qantas’ ‘flights to nowhere’ tickets sell out in 10 minutes

It appears Australians are even more desperate to fly again than we thought, with tickets for Qantas’ “flight to nowhere” disappearing in record time.

With airlines around the world grounding thousands of planes due to the pandemic that’s resulted in a downturn in travel thanks to COVID-19, airline carriers are looking for other ways to try and generate revenue.

From selling much-loved in-flight PJs, to some airlines even selling their in-flight meals – other have taken the next step by launching flights to nowhere.

Singapore Airlines this week announced they would be allowing customers to relive the typical flight process from check-in, to takeoff and everything in-between.

Now, Qantas passengers will be allowed to experience a similar ‘flight to nowhere’ – and no, you won’t be crossing any borders so you can put those quarantine concerns to rest.

Next month, the Australian airline will operate a special seven-hour scenic joy flight that will soar across the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales to cater for frequent flyer members desperate to experience life at 38,000 feet.

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Qantas Frequent Flyer passengers will have the chance to go on a Qantas ‘flight to nowhere’. Picture: Greg Wood/AFP.

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Dubbed the ‘Great Southern Land’ scenic flight, passengers will board the airline’s famed ‘Emily’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner which is normally reserved for international flying.

Departing from Sydney Airport on October 10, the flight will take 150 passengers on a low-level fly-by journey of some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks including Uluru, Kata Tjuta, the Whitsundays, Gold Coast, Byron Bay and of course Sydney Harbour.

Oh, and you won’t go hungry with passengers dining on a specially curated Neil Perry menu.

But tickets to on board the flight – which weren’t going for cheap – have sold out within 10 minutes of going sale.

There were 150 seats listed for $787 for an economy seat, $1,787 for Premium and a few business class seats for $3,787.

“We knew this flight would be popular, but we didn’t expect it to sell out in 10 minutes,” a spokesperson said.

“It’s probably the fastest selling flight in Qantas history.”

The Qantas Dreamliner called ‘Emily’ will host the flight. Picture: EMMA MURRAY

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said he hopes the flights will “provide inspiration” for future trips when domestic borders – followed international restrictions – begin to ease.

“Just six months ago, we would have never imagined not being able to jump on a plane and visit family interstate or take a holiday internationally,” he said.

“While we may not be able to take you overseas right now, we can certainly provide inspiration for future trips to some of Australia’s most beautiful destinations. We could be on the cusp of a domestic tourism boom given international borders are likely to be restricted for some time.

The border-free flight will take seven hours to complete. Picture: Brendan Radke

“This flight, and possibly more like it, means work for our people, who are more enthusiastic than anyone to see aircraft back in the sky.”

The flight launch comes days after the airline announced it might consider moving its headquarters from Sydney to another state, as the airline attempts to save millions of dollars amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tickets on board the ‘border-free’ flight will be available from midday.