Qantas’ flat-bed seat means business
It’s a beautiful sight. It’s my Qantas boarding pass for a morning flight from Sydney to Perth.
QF 575, seat 3A – the pointy end of the sleek A330, in the new business suite!
Relaxing in the business lounge in Sydney is comfortable enough but it’s what’s on board that I’m excited about.
Truthfully, what I’m most looking forward to is LEG ROOM. I mean, having enough so you don’t have to shift uncomfortably from left to right about every 30 seconds. It drives ME crazy, so I can only imagine how the passenger next to me feels.
But here’s the thing – in seat 3A in the new A330 business suite – there is no passenger next me. I can relax in my window seat without having to (a) make small talk and (b) climb over my irate neighbour every time I want to go to the toilet, which usually happens at the most inconvenient time – dinner time.
The 1-2-1 layout offers “direct aisle access” for every business passenger – which is a polite way of saying you don’t have to make that undignified scramble over the top of your neighbour when nature calls.
So, back to the leg room situation. There is more than enough for the longest legs to s-t-r-e-t-c-h out.
But wait, there’s more! For those so inclined, the ergonomically designed Vantage XL seat transforms into a fully flat bed – the world’s first seat allowing passengers to recline from take-off to landing.
That’s what I call progress. It’s fitted with a mattress, a proper poofy pillow (not the usual piece of cardboard disguised as a pillow) and a real cotton quilt. In other words – it’s an actual bed that you can actually sleep in.
The A330 business suite is the work of Qantas Creative Designer Marc Newson, who paid particular attention to privacy and comfort in response to customer feedback indicating passengers want more time to rest and sleep.
“The design was based on a real understanding of what Qantas business class customers needed on longer domestic flights and overnight international flights from Asia, with practicality, comfort, privacy and style in mind to create a relaxing environment to work, dine or sleep,” Newson said.
I think he’s nailed the brief. It feels like you’re cocooned in comfort, able to enjoy the on-screen entertainment, read, work or sleep as you choose. And there’s actually sufficient room to put your stuff – papers, books etc.
There’s also the Rockpool inspired fine dining menu to be enjoyed courtesy of Neil Perry.
The welcome breakfast juice is suitably on trend: cold pressed green juice with kale, silverbeet, celery, apple, cucumber and lemon – hipster heaven!
Greek-style yoghurt with pear, apple and cranberry compote was the starter, followed by the tasty and hearty Huevos rancheros – Mexican-style eggs with spiced sausage, spicy tomato red capsicum ragout, soft tortillas and Tabasco.
For those craving a sweet treat there was also a “warmed love chocolate cookie” on offer which I’m happy to confess I did not resist.
After being so well fed the only thing left to do is recline, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment – with larger seatback touchscreens showcasing a vast range of new-release movies.
Those so inclined can take advantage of the Q streaming technology to stream content from the extensive entertainment library directly to your own device.
This is a luxurious flying fantasy that has so far existed only in my imagination.
Who knew flying could be so enjoyable that you’re disappointed to be back on terra firma seemingly so soon (before you’ve even finished the second movie)?
The experience conjures up nostalgic images of vintage photographs from the 1950s of stylish women dressed to the nines relaxing on board in spacious surrounds – like they’re enjoying a night out at a chic restaurant.
It was a far-away time when flying was to be savoured not endured.
I guess it just proves that time flies when you’re having fun.
IF YOU GO
ROUTES SERVICED BY QANTAS A330
Sydney-Melbourne
Sydney-Brisbane
Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane to Perth
Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane to Singapore
Sydney/Melbourne, Brisbane to Hong Kong
Sydney-Bangkok
Sydney-Jakarta
Sydney-Manila
Sydney-Honolulu
Sydney-Shanghai
* The writer flew Sydney-Perth courtesy of Qantas
Latest News
TTC’s hosting a masterclass series for Aussie agents unlocking the secrets of its five brands
TTC Tour Brands is hosting a Masterclass series this May and June to make it ‘easy-as’ for agents to unlock all the tips and tricks of selling across its five brands. Across weekly Wednesday sessions TTC Tour Brands is shining a spotlight on selling its brands and Groups. Each Masterclass will provide a 15–20-minute key insight session […]
Dorsett Melbourne appoints new director of sales Maggie Wong
This top female team at the Dorsett Melbourne aims to take the hotel to new heights - even the lucky eighth floor.
Western Sydney Tourism unveils fresh board ahead of ’26 airport opening
'Connect-Stay-Experience', that's the Western Sydney's tourism taskforce's motto. We sort of prefer 'West Is Best'!
From Olympians to mindset coaches, Helloworld’s OMC conference wraps in style
Say hello to a good time and make sure you're at 2025's edition!
Bunnik Tours welcomes KJ Phillips as the new BDM for QLD
We apologise in advance for winding Karen up as our State of Origin sledging begins to ramp up.
Drifter to usher in new age of affordable hybrid accommodation in Christchurch
Sort of like a hostel, but far, far ritzier!
Icebergs restaurateur Terzini joins Mangan at Sydney International Airport
Forget McDonald's or the sushi that's been there all day, dining at Sydney Airport just got a whole let better!
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge: A beacon of luxury in the Kruger
If the lead image wasn't enough to convince you this is next-level luxury, take a peep inside.
Delegates ready for Africa’s travel showcase Travel Indaba at Durban ICC
How's it? We've requested a bag full of biltong on our reporter's return from this shindig.
APT’s world-first hydraulic-powered restaurant and bar ‘will be the envy of river cruises’
It may have been laughed off at first mention in the APT offices, but now it's here, APT are on top of the game!
Administrators appointed in wake of Air Vanuatu collapse – but there is hope
Another one bites the dust. We hope you sang to the tune when reading that!
South Australian beach crowned best ‘hidden gem’ in the country
Stoked baby! Or was that a typo?
Avalon Airport champions low-cost rail connection from Melbourne CBD
Avalon rail connection? Bring it on! In two years, say officials, but we say they've got Buckley's.
2024 Green Revolution Summit brings travel heavyweights into green fuel discussion
It's almost like the organisers read our article on sustainable fuel this week.
Wendy Wu Tours first China mega-famil for 100 travel agents will be full of Wow!
China travel guru Wendy Wu should have no trouble ordering 100 dumplings for key travel agents on her mega famil.
Oaks Hotels & Resorts gets behind Netball’s Suncorp Super League
So Netball Australia draws its moral line somewhere between Gina Rinehart and Oaks Hotels & Resorts.
Tourism Australia appoints new regional general manager United Kingdom
Expat Aussie Andrew Boxall steps off a Flight Centre gig to plant the flag as UK Tourism Australia GM.
Chef Alessandro Pavoni unveils Cibaria at Manly Pacific MGallery Collection
Only problem is you'll get stuck on the Spit Bridge on the way back, after you finish your meal.
Hotel Review: Atlantis The Royal – Stunning in every sense
You can look but you can't touch. At least that's what it feels like when reading an article on this masterpiece.
Flight Centre’s Big Red Sale starts today
Flight Centre taking inspiration from Qantas' Red tail sale yesterday, someone's gotta change for the next round.
Aurora Expeditions announces savings for solo travellers
Save your money and travel and go solo, just don't spend it all buying friends at the bar.
Etihad and Tourism officials launch free Abu Dhabi Stopover
Etihad's giving you free hotel stays on your stopover while Qantas pays fines for ripping people off.
New MSC Australia boss talks hot topics for local cruisers, including the Caribbean
New MSC Australia boss, Antonio Paradiso, spills the Caribbeans on where he expects Aussie cruisers will go next.
Contiki’s latest campaign inspires travellers to engage with the world around them
Hands off! Influencers invited on holiday and told not to post anything. We can assure you they're back at it now.
Aussies a hit on the conference floor for IPW 2024
Diana Ross on opening night, Keanu's Dogstar band and a dozen lobster rolls. All in a week's work at IPW 2024.
Disney excited about prospects of cruise business as Disney Treasure nears completion
Disney's booming cruising business is set to knock Disneyland experiences out of the park.
Scoot’s first E190-E2 flights take off between Krabi and Hat Yai
When flying's a pitch. Airline lite Scoot offers a standard seat pitch of 29” on its new 112-seater.
Premium hotel operator ERDI launches it’s own academy in heart of Melbourne
ERDI expects to be shaken not stirred with the launch of its ERDI Academy in its Melbourne hotels.
Tropical North Queensland action-packed events calendar for adventure enthusiasts
Sporting enthusiasts and adventure seekers are gearing up for an action-packed year in Tropical North Queensland, with a lineup of sports events and adrenaline-pumping experiences set to take centre stage in 2024. Leading the charge is the highly-anticipated return of the Crankworx World Tour ‘Paradise Edition’ to Cairns from 22-26 May 2024. The mountain biking […]
Singapore Airlines Group first to receive SAF from Neste as AU/NZ play catchup
Singapore leaving many in their green dust. Here in Australia, we're hoping for a tortoise and the hare type outcome
Qantas Red Tail sale discounts more than 200,000 fares
Qantas marketers forever thankful to the team who chose the red and white colours. How else would they name a sale!
Bannisters by the Sea unveils retreat style package for new mothers
Three hours in the car with a newborn from Sydney might be tough, but trust us, it'll be worth it when you arrive.
Nothing Bonza can do to prevent loss of planes, ACCC concerned by latest aviation developments
Going, going, gone. It seems...
APT offers destination incentives to enjoy the Best of Asia
Whether its a cocktail by the beach or a hike through the mountains, APT has you covered. You'll find us at the beach!
Disney Days returns with Inside Out 2 showing in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland
Time is running out for agents to register their Expression of Interest to an exclusive screening of the much-anticipated Disney and Pixar film, Inside Out 2, hosted by Disney Destinations Australia/New Zealand team and partner United Airlines. Places are limited and applications must be in by 17 May. In addition to the screening of the […]
Get ready to roll the marketing dice with Susan Coghill: Travel DAZE EXEC 2024
It's heating up in Cairns and we're not talking about the weather! Get ready for a marketing masterclass with Susan.