Airline Profile: Qantas

Featured Image: A Qantas Airbus A330-300 (Photo Courtesy of Qantas)

The Facts:

Analysis:

What to Avoid:

Airbus A380/747-400 Business Class: Business Class on most Airbus A380s and 747-400s feature Qantas’ Skyped IIs, which feature flat bed seats in a 2-2-2 configuration (A380) or in a 2-2/2-3-2 configuration (747). While they do feature flat bed seats, there is no all aisle access due to the configuration, which is needed to have a pretty competitive business class in this day and age. I have personally travelled in 747 business class on Qantas (long story, see below in the business class section for more information), and even though the cabin was pretty new, due to the old-fashioned finishings, the cabin felt extremely dated. While you should not avoid it for a direct flight, if there are any other options with all aisle access, take that instead of the Skybed II on the 747 or A380.

What to Fly:

Airbus A330-200 (251/271 Seats)/Airbus A330-300/Boeing 787 Business Class: Business class on most Airbus A330s and on all 787s features flat bed seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. Qantas uses Thompson Aero Vantage XL seats on most A330s or 787s (see picture below). Because the seats are newer and have all aisle access, take business class on the A330 or 787 over business class on the A380 or 747 if possible. 

Travel Classes:

Economy: Economy class on Qantas features personal entertainment screens on all wide body jets and on select Boeing 737-800s. Personal Device entertainment is available on Boeing 717s and on all 737s without personal entertainment screens. On domestic Airbus A330s, personal device entertainment is available in addition to tablet rentals. Meals and beverages are free on both domestic and international flights. Seat pitch is pretty average, with 30-31 inches of legroom on short haul flights and with 31-32 inches of legroom on long haul flights. Foot nets where you can place your feet (kind of like a foot rest) are available on long haul flights. On some long haul flights, Qantas offers light amenity kits, and on all long haul flights, passengers receive standard blankets, pillows, and headphones. There is no section of extra legroom economy, although premium economy (see below) is offered on long haul flights. Wifi is available on select Airbus A330s and 737-800s.

Premium Economy: Premium Economy is featured on all Airbus A380s, Boeing 747-400s, and Boeing 787-9s. It features recliner seats with leg rests, wider seats, more recline, headrests, and footrests. Amenity kits are provided on overnight flights. Superior dining is provided which is better than what you find in economy class, but still not as good as in business. Is it worth it? On a flight from Los Angeles to Sydney, regular economy costs around $1,050 while premium economy costs around $2,200, although on some days it can cost up to $2,700. My suggestion is that if you like a bit more comfort than economy class and if you get a pretty good deal ($1,700 – $2,200) go for premium economy as it is not that crazily priced, although if you can’t get a good deal, stick to check-in economy.

Business: On Airbus A380s and on most Boeing 747s, Qantas features flat bed seats without all aisle access; on the 787 and on most A330s, Qantas features flat bed seats with all aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration; on a couple of A330s and 747s, Qantas features angle flat seats (see more about each seat above). The 737s and 717s feature recliner seats with leg-rests. Domestic passengers (not on Qantas Link) have access to the Qantas Club, and international business passenger ave access to the International Business Lounge, which has more facilities such as shower suites and private work areas. All business class passengers have access to dedicated check in areas. Amenity kits are featured on all international flights (excluding New Zealand). As is on all airlines, business class passengers receive better meals than in economy in business.

In 2015, we flew to Australia on United R Class, which means that we paid the economy fare and then paid a bit more miles and money to get an upgrade. We booked tickets from Los Angeles to Melbourne and back (although we did some more traveling within Australia). On the way back, our United flight on a Dreamliner was cancelled due to engine problems. We then got rebooked on Qantas from Melbourne to Sydney to Los Angeles in business (the SYD – LAX segment on a 747-400). Now, I have to say, I actually had a better experience on the flight from LAX – MEL on United than the flight from SYD – LAX on Qantas. Honestly, the seats on Qantas on the 747 were really not that competitive. Not all seats had access to the aisle, and while they advertise them as having fully flat bed seats, they are at an approximately 178/179-degree angle instead of having fully flat seats. The service was better than on United, but the food was not as good. Was I satisfied? Yes, because I got to fly on the Queen of the Skies at least once in my life. Was it world class? Definitely not. What do I take out of this? Do not book the $7,000 from Sydney to Los Angeles if you want to fly business class! Try and upgrade with miles if possible.

First: First class on Qantas is on all Airbus A380s, and on one or two Boeing 747-400s. On the A380, first-class features open suites in a 1-1-1 configuration on the lower deck. Honestly, in this day, an open suite in first class is really not that competitive. Some airlines even have suites with closed doors in business class (Qatar, Delta, and JetBlue), so one should expect at least a closed suite in first class. What is even more ridiculous is that while Qantas is retrofitting their A380s in a couple years, they are not adding updated suites to first class; they are only minorly improving the entertainment system! First class passengers have access to chauffeur service to and from airports. Dedicated first class lounges are also available to first class passengers. Is upgrading to first class ever worth it? For seats that are definitely not world class and for not the world’s best soft product, I would recommend that you save some money and stick to either business class, if you have the money for a premium experience.

Have you ever flown on Qantas? Share about your experience below in the comments section!