SriLankan Airlines business class review
On a last-minute flight from Colombo to Melbourne, a business-class upgrade makes all the difference to the experience.
SriLankan Airlines operates a daily service between Melbourne and Colombo. And on a last-minute flight back to Australia, a business-class upgrade makes all the difference to the experience.
The seat
Some last-minute magic at the boarding gate gets me upgraded from 27D to 5D at the stroke of a pen. (I’d bought the one-way ticket earlier that day at great expense to race home to an emergency, so perhaps the upgrade was a reward for my generosity.) Sri Lankan’s business cabin comprises seven rows of 1-2-1 configured seats, with 119cm pitch (47 inches) that convert to 198cm (78 inches) flat beds at the tweak of a push-button panel. Each passenger is furnished with a pillow and blanket, Aigner amenities pack (dental kit, hand cream, lip balm, hairbrush-comb combo, tissues and earplugs), socks and eyeshades. There are stickers in the headphone pack for “do not disturb”, “wake me up for meals”, and “wake me up for duty free” (who actually does this?), which is useful on an overnight service.
Tech talk
The screen is almost 40cm (15.4 inches) and controlled via touch or the seat-side remote, which also functions as a small personal video screen. There’s a universal plug point and USB socket to keep devices charged. Timed wi-fi access costs $US3 ($5) for two hours of messaging, $US10 for messaging the entire flight and $US25 for full-flight connectivity (up to 400MB).
On the menu
There are four meal choices but no vegetarian option left (roti, dhal, jackfruit cutlet and potatoes) by the time attendants reach me. I take lamb pie instead, which is like a hot pocket filled with shredded meat. It comes with grilled vegetables and a tinfoil tub of bland hollandaise. For entree, there’s a mezze trio of dry tabouleh, muhammara and hummus dips. To finish, a cake slice identified as tiramisu and a mini KitKat. The menu promised “flavours to make your senses dance and tingle”. The wines offered are both Australian, an Alkoomi chardonnay and a Yalumba Galway Vintage shiraz. The cabin bar also offers Piper Heidseck Champagne, three whiskies, cognac, sweet liqueurs and a VSOA arrack. Breakfast is better – a cheesy omelette with the usual grilled accompaniments; a delicious bowl of curd with wood-apple puree, some fresh fruit and a decent filter coffee served in fine china. There’s also a Sri Lankan option of idli (rice cake), masala dosa (a crispy crepe) and imbul kiribath, milk rice with coconut and treacle.
Entertainment
There are more than 120 films on demand, from Hollywood to Bollywood. Recent blockbusters such as Fantastic Beasts and Dune vie with Malang – Unleash the Madness and modern classics such as Nomadland and Hidden Figures. The dozens of TV programs span comedy, Hindi variety and live BBC news and AFP sport. The 180 audio channels cater for every music taste from Bach to Bruce Springsteen. The advertised video games are not available on this flight.
How other airlines shape up
Flight review: ‘The best in-flight meal I’ve eaten all year’
Despite an unfortunate start to the journey, this airline impresses with great service, amenity kits and delicious food.
This business class comes with a ‘master sommelier’
LATAM Airlines has just started flying from Melbourne to Santiago, joining daily flights from Sydney. So how does it shape up?
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.
This cabin puts some business class offerings to shame
It was slow to the premium economy game, but with a sleek design, luxurious details and plenty of room, this airline has set a new standard for the cabin class.
Review: Fiji Airways business class
We fly on the inaugural Canberra to Nadi flight and discover why you should consider this airline for your next trip.
‘The best in-flight service I’ve experienced in a long time’
A singing flight attendant … a thank-you note. This airline goes above and beyond on a business-class trip to LA.
How to get to New York without going through LA
We head to the Big Apple via New Zealand on this Qantas business class 15-hour flight from Auckland.
Review: Qantas business class from Hong Kong
Qantas has resumed flights between Sydney and Hong Kong, with a revamped A380 cabin and new-look airport lounge in the mix. How does it shape up?
‘This is the best food I’ve had on a plane’
This Asian carrier impresses with its service but the standout feature is by far the cuisine. Rarely does airline food leave you wanting to ask for more.
‘A galaxy away from business’: British Airways premium
You may not be able to lie flat, but this service presents an economical way to fly in more comfort than cattle class.
Business class review: Bed so comfy, I skipped breakfast
Despite turbulence – and the behaviour of some fellow passengers – Malaysia Airlines nails the basics, offering impressive food, a comfy bed and warm staff.
Review: Air NZ’s business class
Passengers can’t gaze out the window during this trans-Tasman service but they can make eye contact with fellow flyer, as Air New Zealand aims for a social experience. Good or bad?
SriLankan Airlines business class review
On a last-minute flight from Colombo to Melbourne, a business-class upgrade makes all the difference to the experience.
Review: Singapore Airlines business class
Cocoon-style seats, extensive entertainment options and order-ahead dining makes for a streamlined flight.
Review: Etihad Airways business class
Under a starry ceiling twinkling with LED lights, the Middle East carrier gets put through its paces.
Finnair Business Class ‘seriously impressive’
The Nordic carrier is rolling out a major overhaul of business class on its long-haul fleet. Here’s our verdict.
Qantas business class review
With its new direct Sydney to Seoul service underway, the flying kangaroo has its premium service put to the test.
Philippine Airlines premium economy review
Book a seat for the extra leg room and friendly staff; just pray you don’t get stuck in transit at Manila Airport.
United Airlines Polaris Class lives up to its name with star treatment
The airline has reinstated its direct service between Melbourne and San Francisco.
What it’s really like to fly business class on Jetstar
Is the budget carrier’s premium offering worth it? Travel + Luxury boarded an eight-hour flight to Phuket, Thailand to find out.
British Airways business class review
The new Club Suites promise comfort and privacy with cocoon-like pods and hidden design details. Here’s our verdict.
Service
Cabin crew (the women wear beautiful blue sarees patterned with peacock-feather “eyes”) are warmly attentive and thoughtful throughout. Highlights are the glass of champagne and warmed cashews served pre-takeoff, a cup of “finest Ceylon tea brewed to perfection” (it delivers) and – the best bit – a tray of oven-warmed pastries proffered seat-to-seat at breakfast that fills the cabin with delicious aromas.
COVID protocol
All staff wear masks throughout the flight; passengers no longer need to do so. Boarding security at Colombo airport is intense; after running the gauntlet of the most rigorous security screening, passengers are stopped by officials scanning every passport with magnifying rings for counterfeits (passport fraud is a known problem in Sri Lanka).
The verdict
My aim is to get home ASAP and SriLankan delivers, touching down more than 20 minutes ahead of schedule. The business class cabin’s comforts are a brilliant surprise given I am expecting to fly economy. I sleep soundly, eat reasonably well and arrive refreshed in Melbourne, which is what it’s all about. Pity Tullamarine baggage handlers take almost 40 minutes to deliver my luggage despite there being only one plane – ours – to unload on a Thursday afternoon.
Kendall Hill travelled at his own expense.