Has QANTAS FIRST CLASS Improved?

Qantas, once the pride of Australia, has seen a decline in its reputation both nationally and internationally. Many frequent flyers, including myself, have had experiences that left us underwhelmed. However, I recently embarked on a journey from Perth to Miami, taking two very different flights with Qantas. This article explores whether the airline is reclaiming its former glory or continuing to sink into mediocrity.

Perth to Sydney: The Domestic Experience

The first leg of my journey began at the domestic airport in Perth, heading to Sydney. Normally, I frequent the standard business class lounge, but on this occasion, I received an invite to the Chairman’s Lounge. This lounge is a significant step up, resembling the styles of Melbourne and Sydney’s lounges with its plush carpet and elegant décor. Typically reserved for super VIPs, the lounge offers a kitchen where you can indulge in dishes like Neil’s BLT sandwich or a signature breakfast of poached eggs. However, I opted for a healthier choice of fruit.

This lounge is undoubtedly the best in Perth, and it’s invite-only. After enjoying the lounge, I boarded my flight on a Qantas Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This configuration represents their least impressive business class offering for cross-country routes. Unlike the wide-body jets that feature lie-flat seats, this aircraft only had a recline of about five inches, which was acceptable for a four-hour flight but not ideal.

During the flight, lunch was served about an hour in. I had a salmon salad with sourdough bread, which was delightful. However, the beef pasta was average at best, earning a rating of 6.5 out of 10. I also watched the movie “You’re Cordially Invited” featuring Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon, which I found to be rather mediocre.

Upon landing in Sydney, I found myself slightly behind schedule with only a 75-minute connection time for my next flight. After a smooth landing, I made my way to the international terminal, which is located on the other side of the airport. A bus at gate fifteen transported me there, and before boarding, I had to answer a few questions regarding my stay in the US, which resulted in a sticker being placed on my boarding pass.

First Class Experience: Sydney to Los Angeles

Upon arriving at Qantas’ first lounge in Sydney, I was taken aback by its delightfulness, even though I only had 15 minutes to enjoy it. I ordered a cheeseburger and a Coke, giving the meal a solid 7 out of 10. My next flight was on an Airbus A380 in first class, a significant upgrade from my previous experience.

The A380 first class cabin is a world apart, offering a spacious suite with an angle that allows the seat to convert into a lie-flat bed. I was presented with pajamas, an amenities kit, and slippers upon boarding. The amenities kit contained moisturizer, lip balm, and face cream, but it fell short compared to what Emirates and Qatar offer.

This flight featured two large windows per suite, and there was plenty of storage space, including a sizable locker above my seat. As we began our journey across the Pacific, I was excited to experience the luxurious linens from an Australian company called Sheridan. The mattress was, in my opinion, the best in the skies, and I hoped they would provide a second mattress for extra comfort.

After takeoff, I took some time to explore the small lounge area available for business and first-class passengers. This area effectively utilized the space on the A380, allowing for a communal gathering spot.

As we cruised at 30,000 feet, I had a six-hour layover in Los Angeles to look forward to, as I was flying to Miami. Although I could have overnighted in Los Angeles, I opted for the overnight flight with JetBlue, which offered a lie-flat seat.

JetBlue: The Final Leg to Florida

Upon landing in Los Angeles, I checked in for my JetBlue flight. JetBlue operates out of terminal five, which is slated for demolition soon due to its outdated facilities. The check-in process was swift, and the staff were friendly. I settled into seat 4F on the Airbus A321, a throne-like seat that goes fully lie-flat, enhancing the comfort of the journey.

The suite came with a pouch full of goodies, including a face peel, eye mask, and hand cream. This was a lovely touch, especially for a late-night flight. Food was included, and I opted for a salad, chilled pea soup, and a Tuscan fried chicken sandwich. The standout item was definitely the vanilla gelato, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

As the flight progressed, I managed to get a couple of hours of sleep, which was refreshing after a long day of travel. Upon waking, I was treated to a breakfast of smoked salmon on cornbread, which paired well with a refreshing juice.

Conclusion: Is Qantas Improving?

After experiencing these two flights, I would say that Qantas is on the rise. The staff were excellent on both flights, and they seem to be making strides in improving their service. However, their food offerings still have room for improvement if they want to compete with airlines like Emirates and Qatar.

In terms of aircraft, the A380 is showing its age, and I would recommend flying on the A350s if given the choice. For domestic travel, it’s crucial to avoid the single-aisle planes and opt for wide-body jets instead.

As I wrap up my travels, I’ve learned that while Qantas may have faced challenges, they appear to be working diligently to reclaim their reputation in the aviation industry.

FAQ

• What is the best way to experience Qantas first class?
  Opt for the Airbus A380 for a more luxurious experience with spacious suites.
• How does Qantas compare to other airlines?
  While Qantas is improving, airlines like Emirates and Qatar still offer superior food and amenities.
• Is there a lounge for business class passengers?
  Yes, Qantas has lounges that cater to business class passengers, with varying levels of service.
• What should I avoid when flying domestically with Qantas?
  Avoid single-aisle planes if possible; choose wide-body jets for more comfort.

 

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