Qantas’ new route to Pacific paradise a winner (but Jetstar pulls out)

The airline: Qantas

• Route Melbourne to Honolulu
• Frequency Three flights a week, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
• Aircraft Airbus A330-200 (A330-300 models are also used on this route)
• Class Business; seat 5K, window
• Flight time 10 hours, 20 minutes (on time)

The aircraft have been upgraded: A Qantas A330 landing.Credit:

Checking in

As a business customer, I’m directed to a priority queue, where I race through the formalities for this inaugural flight.

Baggage

Business class allows between two and four pieces (32kg each), depending on your airline status level. Cabin luggage can consist of a bag up to 10 kilograms for first, business and premium economy (7 kilograms for economy) plus an additional personal item. Worth noting for Hawaii – golf bags are considered a piece of luggage, as are surfboards if they don’t exceed 32kg (70lb) in weight and 277cm (109in) in length.

Loyalty scheme

Qantas is part of the Oneworld alliance. Depending on your status (these range from Bronze to Platinum One), members flying business class on this route can earn between 9750 and 15,750 frequent flyer points with 150 status credits.

The seat

The A330 business class cabin.Credit:

5K is a window seat and one of 28 seats in business class of a 1-2-1 configuration. The seat width is 23 inches (58.42 centimetres), which converts to an 80-inch (203 centimetres) fully flat bed. It’s supportive and comfortable. There are handy nooks for storage and the table stows easily. I give the massage button – a seat game-changer – a decent workout. The function, which turns off automatically after a time, kneads the knots in my lower back and helps me to relax. (Hint: to find it on the seat controls, the symbol appears as a partially reclined seat with wiggly lines, indicating vibration).

Entertainment + tech

The high-definition, 16-inch tilting touchscreen is excellent for viewing, and the selection of movies and TV shows is generous. Qantas’ in-flight magazine keeps me happy too. There’s a power outlet, USB ports and lights.

Service

The menu cover for Qantas on its 1950s Pacific flights.Credit:

The flight departs on time. The warm and bubbly staff on this inaugural flight are (understandably) particularly enthusiastic about the new route, and the service is exemplary. The complimentary PJs are an added bonus (though only size L/XL is available on this flight). Drinks and meals are served about an hour after take-off to maximise rest time on this overnight flight. It’s a great strategy.

Food

A dinner and a breakfast meal are served. I can’t decide between the red wine-braised beef or the Humpty Doo barramundi with carrot puree, kipfler-potato salad and olive dressing. I select the latter: it’s light and tender and also gluten-free, according to the menu. Dessert includes a dark-chocolate mousse with yoghurt ganache, wattleseed strawberries and macadamia nuts. We complete our breakfast cards as soon as we board the aircraft; to ensure the maximum amount of sleep, I tick the “express” option (yoghurt, granola and a cup of tea) that’s served one hour before arrival.

Sustainability

Qantas has committed to net zero emissions by 2050. Qantas and Airbus recently set aside $400 million to support sustainability initiatives and, in May, the airline completed the largest ever importation of sustainable aviation fuel into Australia.*

One more thing

Qantas launching Pacific services in 1954. They’re now back flying non-stop from Melbourne to Honolulu.Credit:

Qantas has an interesting background flying in the region. In 1941, Qantas crews ferried 19 Catalina flying boats across the Pacific for the RAAF. In 1954, the company started its first trans-Pacific passenger services on Lockheed L1049 Super Constellation aircraft, flying between Sydney and Honolulu and on to San Francisco. Qantas’ launch of the Melbourne-Honolulu flights follows Jetstar pulling out of the route last month. Jetstar will also cease its Sydney-Honolulu route in October.

The price

From about $6200 return to Honolulu for business class (from about $1300 for economy). **

The verdict

This rapid 10- to 11-hour non-stop flight is a winner. The great service and a restful night’s sleep means that, despite the four-hour time lag and slight fatigue, you can hit the Waikiki shops and beach running. And, with such a speedy trip, I’m almost sorry it’s over so soon.

Our rating out of five

★★★★½

The writer flew as a guest of Qantas. See qantas.com.

**For more information about air travel and sustainability, see iata.org

**Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change.

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