Airline review: QantasLink Brisbane to Melbourne
How does this pass as breakfast on a 7am domestic flight from one of Australia’s major airlines?
How does this pass as breakfast on a 7am domestic flight from one of Australia’s major airlines?
Take a seat
It is a surprise to find a Brisbane-Melbourne service being operated by QantasLink, given the route is typically the third-busiest in Australia. Perhaps on a Sunday demand is not as high as other days, which would explain the use of the new 137-seat A220-300, as opposed to a Qantas Boeing 737-800 with 174 seats. The A220s have a 2-3 configuration in economy, and my seat is on the “2” side, which I consider a plus.
Seat pitch is the same as on the 737 at 76cm, but the seats are actually slightly wider at 45.7cm as opposed to 43.7cm. There’s a bit more leg room in the first five rows of economy, with 86cm of seat pitch, and there is also a 10-seat business cabin in a 2-2 configuration. The fabric used in the economy seats is clearly designed to be hard-wearing but it reminds me of the old-style hessian seats in the cinemas of my early childhood – a little scratchy on the legs. It is not the most comfortable seat, with a very rigid back, although the adjustable headrest helps.
That’s entertainment
There is no seat-back screen on the A220 despite Qantas’s plans to use the aircraft on short-haul international routes such as Darwin-Singapore. There are USB-C and USB-A ports for charging devices, and an AC power socket between every two seats in economy, as well as a smartphone or tablet holder. The Qantas entertainment app offers a range of films and TV series, including current releases Anora, Conclave and Emilia Perez. There is no in-flight magazine in my seat pocket, but I spot one across the aisle.
On the menu
You shouldn’t get your hopes up for in-flight dining on a domestic economy service, but given it’s a 7am flight I expect breakfast to be served. Clearly that is optimistic, because shortly after takeoff the cabin manager announces crew will serve a “snack”. This turns out to be a couple of corn fritters in a box. At least that’s what it says on the box, which contains two lumps of salty dough studded with corn kernels and something green. Hot and cold beverages (juice, water, coffee or tea) are offered to help wash them down.
Tech talk
Qantas offers free high-speed wi-fi in its domestic aircraft, and although it doesn’t always work straight away, once a connection is achieved it rarely drops out. On this flight, I connect after a few goes, and remain online until touchdown.
At your service
QantasLink crew are well-presented and professional, going about their job with minimum fuss. There’s not a lot of warmth or smiles, just a sense of getting through the flight relatively hassle-free.
In the bag
Up to 23kg of checked baggage is permitted for economy passengers and up to 14kg in total of carry-on across two pieces, with neither to weigh more than 10kg. It’s worth noting passengers must be able to lift their carry-on into the overhead lockers themselves; cabin crew are not required to assist due to the risk of injury. The new A220-300s have 20 per cent more overhead locker space than the Boeing 717s they are replacing.
Make your points
A Brisbane-Melbourne flight in economy earns 1200 Qantas frequent-flyer points and 30 status credits, whether it’s a flexible or discount fare. Business class travellers will add at least 2100 points to their frequent-flyer balance plus 60 status credits.
On the ground
Brisbane Airport offers three lounges, including a sprawling Qantas Club, a well-positioned business lounge and the secretive Chairman’s Lounge, aptly accessed through a gold door. For economy travellers without lounge access in the Qantas end of the domestic terminal, there are plenty of coffee shops/bars conveniently close to most gates.
In the know
Qantas flies almost hourly from Brisbane to Melbourne, from 5am on weekday mornings and 6am on weekends, with the last service of the day at 8.20pm.
The bottom line
One-way economy flights from $199, based on airline website search two months from date of publication.
The verdict
After so many years of flying on Boeing 737s on Qantas domestic routes, it’s a pleasant surprise to board a new aircraft type. The A220s have a spacious feel aided by larger windows and light-coloured seats, which also appear to have fairly narrow backs, creating wider gaps between the seats and giving the illusion of more space. They’re certainly quieter than older aircraft but I would not like to be subjected to those hard seats on a transcontinental or short-haul international flight of three hours or more.
Robyn Ironside was a guest of Emirates.
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