T RIED AND TE ST E D FL IGHT


The width – 23-24 inches (58-61cm) – is also generous, though you’ll want to lower one of the armrests when lying down to avoid feeling too cramped.


WHICH SE AT TO CHOOS E? Qantas has 42 seats in its business class cabin split across two areas separated by a galley and lavatories, with 30 in the forward cabin and 12 in the secondary cabin. For the space in the footwell alone, I’d say the bulkhead seats are a good option, though perhaps 2E and 2F – or 10 A-K – would be better than 1A and 1K as they are not so close to the galleys.


THE FL IGH T Our flight departed about 20 minutes behind schedule at 1920, but the cabin crew wasted no time in beginning the service once we’d left the gate. Upon being seated, a member of the cabin crew introduced herself and off ered me a glass of champagne – Jacquart Brut Mosaique – along with a set of grey cotton pyjamas and an amenity kit. A little over ten minutes after take-off ,


another crewmember off ered to set up my mattress, while another off ered me a welcome drink. I went for Qantas’s newly conceived signature cocktail – rye whisky and cranberry sour – that was served with a cooked mushroom croquette-like canapé. The cocktail was quite sweet but had plenty of kick. The meals were served shortly thereafter,


featuring a selection of either a soup or salad for starter, one of four mains and a selection of cheeses, fruit, ice cream or caramelised banana crepes with coconut cream – the latter I couldn’t bring myself to choose for fear of being too recklessly indulgent after having already had multiple courses. I opted for the salad, a black bean beef short rib with noodles and a cheese plate, all of which I can recommend. About three hours into the flight, I was


off ered a nightcap of either hot chocolate or chamomile tea. I often have diff iculty sleeping on long-haul flights, so being given an aid was appreciated. Bedding is by David Caon for Qantas and includes an additional pillow and blanket, while pyjamas are from Australian designer Martin Grant. Business class passengers also get a brightly coloured amenity kit featuring an eye mask, earplugs, dental kit, flight socks and Aspar hand cream, face moisturiser and lip balm.


bus ine s s tr a v el ler .c om


I’d be hard pressed to complain about any of these features considering I nodded off almost instantly aſt er putting my head to the pillow and slept uninterrupted for four-and-a-half hours


All in all, I’d be hard pressed to complain


about any of these features considering I nodded off almost instantly after putting my head to the pillow and slept uninterrupted for four-and-a-half hours, waking up only 45 minutes before we were due to land. This did mean I missed the additional breakfast service, though to be honest I was glad to get the extra sleep in. Qantas’s in-flight service is also top notch, with cabin crew being diligent in their duties but also amiable in how they executed them.


A RRIVA L Despite the initial 20-minute delay departing Hong Kong, we made incredibly good time and arrived well ahead of our scheduled 0730 landing, touching down in Melbourne at 0648. Business class passengers get an Express Path pass for expedited customs processing. As an e-passport holder, I passed immigration using the facial recognition self-service kiosks – just remember to keep a hold of your receipt until you clear customs.


VERDIC T The Dreamliner’s bulkhead seats off er a fantastic amount of room and are among the more comfortable business class seats I’ve slept on in recent memory. Combine this with great service and good food, and this is a flight I’d definitely recommend. Craig Bright


BE ST FOR ...


Capacious, comfortable beds. P R ICE


Internet rates start from HK$26,741 (US$3,407)


for a return business class


ticket in mid-May including tax and surcharges.


F L IGHT TIME 10 hours 30 minutes


DEP AR T UR E 1900


C ONF IGUR A TION 1-2-1


S E AT WID TH 23-24in/58-61cm


S E AT P ITCH 80in/203cm


S E AT R E CL INE 180 degrees


C ONT A C T qantas.com.au AP RIL 20 19 61


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