I am going to do a couple of posts on our recent domestic flights in Australia between Melbourne and Sydney. These were flown in Business Class (!) as we had some BA Avios that could be used and worked out good value. So here’s a little taster of our Qantas Business experience…
All set!
Qantas 434
Checked in – 1K
Melbourne (MEL) – Sydney (SYD)
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Depart: 1:00 PM
Arrive: 2:25 PM
Duration: 1hr 25min
Aircraft: Boeing 767-300 (Reg: VH-OGI)
Seat: 1K (Business Class)
We arrived at Melbourne Tullamarine airport around 10.45am for our 1.00pm flight to Sydney. This would allow us plenty of time to use the Qantas Domestic Business Class lounge and get some lunch prior to boarding.
We made our way over to the Business Class check-in area where there was just a short queue. Once at the desk we were politely greeted by the check-in agent and dealt with efficiently. She had to go and check something on the booking (as I had expected) since we had added our infant after purchasing our own reward tickets so they were not on the same booking. This was no problem and we were soon checked-in. The agent asked if we were familiar with any of the Qantas lounges and then duly explained where we could find them once we replied we had not been to them before.
Security was speedy as we passed through the dedicated business class express line. A few moments later we went up the lift to the Qantas lounge area. There are two main parts to the lounge, firstly there is the Qantas Club lounge which can be accessed by any Qantas Club member. This is a larger lounge and busier than the other one for which the entrance is situated at the back. This lounge is the Qantas Domestic Business Class lounge which can only be accessed by Business Class Passengers or those with Qantas Platinum frequent flyer(or equivalent OneWorld Emerald) status making it a little smaller and quieter. It also offers a wider spread of food and beverages.
We arrived a few minutes before the breakfast items were cleared away so there was a selection of yoghurt, cereals, breads and fruit which were all very appetizing. When these were cleared away they were replaced with light lunch options such as cold meats, cheeses, salads etc. Later on hot main dishes were added to this including a lovely beef stew.
Cheese, crackers and a zingy onion marmalade.
Breakfast toast and jam.
Cold cuts and antipasto condiments.
Fresh orange, apple and tomato juice was on offer and there was a (very skilled) barista serving coffee who made an excellent latte decorated with patterns in the way she poured the milk – it was perhaps impressive simply because she didn’t seem to put any effort into it and it just looked like she was pouring the milk normally. The ‘bar’ opened at midday, when a selection of red and white wines was presented. The selection was good, mostly Aussie wines including the sparkling white but there was also a delicious NZ Marlborough Estate Sauvignon Blanc. Sadly we couldn’t stay all afternoon in the lounge as it was soon time to board our flight.
Latte art
Bubbles!
One of the reasons we thought Business Class would be a good use of BA Avios for this short flight was the use of the lounge – as it would give us a chance to relax in comfort with our daughter before the flight and get a proper lunch. The lounge was certainly worth it and an enjoyable part of the experience.
We arrived at the gate as the queues had already formed for boarding. Economy to the left and Business to the right. We joined the Business Class line, handed over the pushchair to go in the hold and boarded the aircraft.
Boarding at the front of the aircraft it was great to be able to stop at the first row! Our seats were on the right hand side of the plane and I was pleased to see that they were the updated Qantas Domestic seats on this aircraft. There was plenty of room in front of us for the little one to move around while we waited for departure.
View from our seats which had slightly more leg-room than the middle seats.
Once everyone was seated we were offered a choice of water or fresh strawberry and apple juice before we took off. We both went for the latter which was very tasty.
Per-take off drink.
We took off on time and as soon as the seat belt sign was switched off the crew began to prepare for the meal service on this short flight.
To begin with, hot towels were offered to help freshen up before the meal. The very friendly stewardess working our aisle then approached;
Will you be having something to eat with us today Mr Hayward?
Yes please.
Today we have a choice of a cold mezze plate with prosciutto ham or a cheese board. Which one would you like?
The cold mezze plate please.
And would you like some wine to drink with that?
Some red would be lovely, thank you.
The cold meat platter was excellent – and perfect for a short flight like this one. The red wine washed it down well and we were then offered coffee.
Cold mezze platter.
It wasn’t long before we were due to start our decent into Sydney by this time so we just relaxed and enjoyed the extra room and comfort on offer.
The cabin crew were excellent the whole flight, very friendly and cheerful. We didn’t use the service but iPads were on offer for the in-flight entertainment – including economy class.
Relaxing in-flight. Note the fleecy Qantas blanket.
Upon our arrival in Sydney we were straight off the plane and through to baggage reclaim. Unfortunately it took ages for the bags to arrive (almost in the league of Glasgow Airport but not quite that bad). Additionally, it was a bit frustrating that our bags were not some of the first out as they should have been with the priority baggage tag. Only a small gripe but it is all part of the service that should take place with Business Class.
Over all it was an excellent flight / travel experience. Thumbs up to Qantas for providing such an excellent service – even though this was only Domestic Business Class. Right from check-in, to the pre-flight relaxing in the lounge and then the flight itself. The new seats were comfy for domestic travel and very spacious – even for us travelling with a one year old. We were certainly pleased we used some of our BA Avios for this flight and it proved to be excellent value.
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