Business class flights in 2018 reviewed without fear or favour
These are some flights I have flown on this year. They include full service to low cost carriers and an assortment of Airbus and Boeing aircraft including the Boeing Dreamliner and Airbus A350.
Qantas (QF) Airbus A330. Melbourne (MEL) – Perth (PER). Upgraded 25,000 QF points at the airport.
It’s hard to go past Qantas as the World’s best domestic airline and my flight Melbourne to Perth is no exception to the high standard I have come to expect. The business class seat is uncompromised, functional and comfortable for both sitting and sleeping. Food was very good and crew were extremely pleasant. In fact they helped me name this website.
Virgin (VA) Airbus A330. Melbourne (MEL) – Perth (PER). Part of an airfare to South Africa. Upgraded on points.
My wife Sonia, who is a hard critic and I never argue with, has said this was the best domestic flight she has ever had. The seat, food, ambience and service was exceptional. Virgin flies into the Perth international terminal, which makes for a very easy transfer to South African and Air Mauritius.
Malaysia (MH) Boeing 737 Perth (PER) – Kuala Lumpur (KUL) A$1700.00
Why did I go Business class at A$1,700.00 for a six hour flight? I had flown from Melbourne in the morning, had meetings, plus dinner in Perth in the evening and had to be in Kathmandu for a workshop/pre-tour the next day, and a flight at 0210 was the only flight that worked. The business class seating on this Boeing 737 800 is 2 x 2 and seats are very dated, old fashion style that really does nothing for comfort in a reclined position. There was only three other passengers up the front, who I hope got an upgrade. Very disappointing.
Air Asia X (D7) Airbus A330 Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Kathmandu (KTM) A$380.00
Having been on Jetstar Star(less) class Melbourne – Bangkok a couple of years ago I was in fear and in trepidation of what this low-cost airline was going to be like. See what happens when you have low expectations, it comes in as amazing. Very clean aircraft with virtually nobody in economy extra or business class. At one stage I thought I was alone. The lie flat seats in business class are good but the one design fault was that the head rest does not extend upwards enough to make full use of the capsule. It’s only a problem if you are over 6’ (183cm), which I am. You have to purchase meals, water etc. I had Butter Masala which was delivered nice and hot, similar to a domestic economy meal Qantas, where you have to peel back the aluminium foil. However it’s all about the price. I thought it was exceptional value but my fellow passengers didn’t and were all down the back.
Thai (TG) Boeing 777 Kathmandu (KTM) – Bangkok (BKK)
I think this was the same aircraft as they were using on the Melbourne – Bangkok flights until recently. Its seating was nearly ok but wasn’t. For the four hour flight I was on, it was adequate. Crew, food and cleanliness was fine.
Thai (TG) A350 BKK – MEL A$1,700.00 from Kathmandu (KTM) – Melbourne (MEL)
At long last Thai have lifted their game and the Airbus A350 was just the aircraft to do it. The business class seat was excellent, staff seemed lifted by the new aircraft and food was good, mind you I chose the Thai option. I have not been on their Airbus A380 but seek out the A350 for your long-haul customers. Oh yes the toilets are more spacious. I could stand up and not have my forehead on the ceiling, thus allowing me to see ……(too much information) A tall man would totally understand what I’m talking about. Great flight.
Etihad (EY) Boeing 777 Melbourne (MEL) – Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Gosh how things have changed at Etihad. Obvious budget restraints in the much heralded lounge opening just 12 months ago, with just a paltry couple of hot choices to choose from. The cocktail waiter gone, Nicole Kidman marketing plan gone. Now no A380 into Melbourne so no 1stclass passengers. The 777s have been around a while and the seat is good with flat bed, the crew and food also excellent. A late note is that the lounges in Melbourne and Sydney have now been taken up by No1 Lounges this month and rebranded as “The House”.
Etihad (EY) Boeing 787 Amsterdam (AMS) – Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Melbourne (MEL)
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an excellent aircraft and I rate it with the Airbus A350. In particular I like the larger windows, the lower cabin pressure and there is more humidity inside the cabin, even if it is only 15% more.
Seats are the same good quality and the crew and food were excellent on both flights.
Emirates (EK) Airbus A380 Melbourne (MEL) – Dubai (DXB). Redeemed on points.
Emirates starts getting the customers in the right mood by their excellent lounges. Only Qantas first class rivals or betters them. The Airbus A380 is a massive aircraft and to get the logistics right is critical. They do it well. On-board the staff were friendly, the seat great but I felt the food did not deliver. On my flight from Melbourne to Dubai there were a number of “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” boys going to the World Cup, who made a bee-line to the bar as soon as the seatbelt sign had been switched off. Boys will be boys! Not sure what it is with men without their wives. Actually the crew did a good job in keeping them in-check. Very good flight.
First class flight review
Emirates (EK) Airbus A380 1stclass Dubai (DXB) – Amsterdam (AMS). Redeemed on points
Yes it was fabulous. Wonderful shower facilities, lay flat bed, privacy, food, wine, service. Huge first class lounge in Dubai. The question. Is it worth it? On points it is. In hard currency? Then I guess it’s up to the individual and what it’s selling for.
For long-haul airfares it really pays to call a travel agent as they are dealing with airfares every day. They know the seasons, the days of the week, if it’s non-stop, the type of aircraft, which all make a difference to the airfare. Plus they often have fares that are not on the web. My favourite is casey@hawthorntravel.com.au
