Qantas brings back first class lounges with spa treatments and Neil Perry menu

It’s the part of the plane some airlines around the world have decided to ditch, but Aussie carrier Qantas has chosen instead to make it better than ever.

For the first time in two years, Qantas will resume its A380 service and reopen the airline’s ultra-lush first class lounges in both Sydney and Melbourne.

Since the pandemic began and brought flights from Australia abroad to a standstill, the first class product from the airline took a back seat.

But from March 27, the national carrier will resume its full first class product aboard A380 flights from Sydney to Los Angeles, followed by Sydney to London via Singapore from June.

For those few who are accustomed to all the luxe features enjoyed at the pointy end of the plane, passengers can look forward to a refreshed product with new seat materials, Neil Perry menu, Martin Grant designed PJs and even a hot stone massage in the Qantas First Lounge Spa before you set off.

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Qantas A380s have had a refurb during lockdown.

In addition to the first class revamp, the A380s have reconfigured the business class cabin, with 70 updated business suites, and an extended premium economy section with 60 seats, up from 35, as well as a refreshed economy cabin.

Passengers in economy will have bigger screens, while those in premium seats are now able to enjoy 10 per cent more width and a new self-service snack bar.

Qantas chief customer officer Stephanie Tully said the return of airline’s premium offerings is a welcome sign of travel continuing to take off.

The new-look first class cabin.

The spa treatments in the first class lounge will make a return on March 27.

“We know that our customers have missed the Qantas A380 travel experience as much as our team has missed being able to provide it for them so it’s fantastic that we’re back in the air with our premium full service on these newly refurbished aircraft,” she said.

Along with changes in the air, the airport first class lounges will also reopen – with eligible customers able to enjoy the Neil Perry curated a la carte dining menu, champagne

and fine Australian wines before takeoff.

Self-serve snack bar on board … yes please.

Enjoy some fine dining before you board the plane.

The First Lounge Spa will also reopen, offering guests bespoke pre-travel treatments such as hot stone massages and mini-facials.

The decision to bring back the top-tier of flying goes against a number of other international airlines such as Delta and United, which have opted to ditch the perks of the pointy end altogether.