Flight Review: Qantas business class actually delivers
We fly 16 hours from Melbourne to Dallas Fort Worth – the fourth longest route in the world – and have a supremely comfortable experience.
Qantas has been in the news for all the wrong reasons but we test out the ultra long haul flight to the US, landing in Texas. At nearly 14,500km this is the longest direct flight operating out of Melbourne.
Business class is the premium cabin product on the 787 Dreamliners on this route, launched in December 2022. The 42 seats are configured 1-2-1, all with direct aisle access. But not all seats were created equal. The staggered formation means every second window seat benefits from closer window views and enhanced privacy.
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Flight Review: Qantas business class actually delivers
We fly 16 hours from Melbourne to Dallas Fort Worth – the fourth longest route in the world – and have a supremely comfortable experience.
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Likewise, every alternate middle seat is cocooned from aisle foot traffic. The partition between middle seats can be raised or lowered.
The seat in my capsule reclines to any angle, including fully flat, which is essential on this mega long-haul route.
There’s ample storage space, including a convenient shelf to stash my laptop when it’s time to ditch work for dinner (or a seat massage).
A smart amenities kit spruiks sustainable credentials, with a bamboo toothbrush and Li’Tya hand cream, face cream and lip balm in FSC-certified packaging. Socks, an eye mask, headphones, plus Qantas pyjamas complete the swag bag.
Depending on their frequent-flyer status, passengers in this class can check in between two and four bags, weighing up to 32kg each.
The 40cm (16-inch) high-definition touchscreen is sharp and responsive, with a bunch of Paramount Plus box sets, audiobooks and a vast – if mainstream – selection of movies. I still can’t make my mind up about Triangle of Sadness, and I definitely prefer the actual menu to the comedy-horror screen version, The Menu.
Passengers are welcomed with a glass of Duval-Leroy Brut or Jacquart Brut Mosaique Champagne (in a miniature highball rather than a flute).
Lunch service starts with an aperitivo of pumpkin and mozzarella arancini, with a refreshing white wine Sky Spritz infused with finger lime and Davidson plum.
There’s a choice of four starters, such as potato and leek soup. Mains include seared snapper or beef, with baked eggplant as a vegetarian option.
My chicken Kyiv is crispy and tender, and comes with a delectable potato puree. Neil Perry’s vinaigrette adds zing to the accompanying green leaf salad.
A caramel pecan ice cream sandwich hits the sweet spot; others enjoy dark chocolate cream and hazelnut cake with poached pears. A variety of pies and quiches is offered as midnight snacks, and a tray of piccolo lattes does the rounds soon after we wake.
I choose a bacon, egg and cheese roll for breakfast and find it uninspiring, although in hindsight what was I expecting? I eye off another passenger’s wild berry granola.
There’s an Aussie version of the full English, or a healthier option of eggwhite omelette on sourdough with a glass of “cold pressed green juice”, whatever that is. Curiously, there’s no wine list. Passengers are offered an all-Australian selection of two reds and two whites (too bad if you don’t like riesling or chardonnay).
There’s a handy USB-A and regular power outlet. Although this flight doesn’t have wi-fi, Qantas has since begun rolling out the service on some routes (but not this one) on the A330 and B737-800.
Cabin crew address passengers by name and sustain their warm and personal service throughout the 16 hours. My query about the nature of the satellite issue that led to our late departure is referred to the flight deck, and I receive an honest and detailed response.
Business-class passengers can access the Melbourne international business lounge, and in Dallas the American Airlines flagship lounge, plus get priority check-in and baggage.
At nearly 14,500km this is the longest direct flight operating out of Melbourne, and the fourth-longest route in the world. Flights depart Melbourne early afternoon on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving early afternoon Texas time, with the return flight departing Dallas in the evening and arriving in Melbourne early next morning.
Ricky French was a guest of Travel South USA, and upgraded by Qantas.
A supremely comfortable capsule, revamped menu and wonderful crew make the 16 hours fly by.
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