GIANT LEAP for the Red Roo
The verdict on Perth to London
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the direct Qantas service between Perth and London has been configured with just 236 seats meaning more room for passengers. Some airlines using this aircraft have over 300.
Fewer economy seats means more in business class — where I was — and premium economy.
Qantas feel passengers on the ultra-long-haul flight need special treatment and that demand for the seats will be high.
The experience starts with airport lounge yoga-inspired stretching classes and light therapy to adjust the body clock for the 17-hour flight. The stretching is both invigorating and relaxing but the jury’s still out on the benefits of the light therapy.
The food and drinks on offer are also designed to benefit the body and make the trip less stressful — fresh salads, fruit, more protein and less carbs. Fruit-infused water, special teas and a hydration station are also available.
You can still get a grilled cheese and ham sandwich if you really want it and even a barbecued sausage in the outdoor terrace. A fully-stocked bar is also at your disposal.
The outdoor area is a big plus, with sufficient shade to temper the harsh effects of the West Australian sun. It’s a pleasant and relaxing way to while away the time before the flight.
Qantas service is top notch: cabin crew are all friendly and attentive and nothing is too much bother.
The plane interior is tasteful and the business class pods offer privacy and utility with phone and laptop charging, plenty of storage and space for books, computers and phones. The fold-out table is niftily tucked into the side of the pod and released by pushing a button.
The headphone jack on this plane is a three-pin, which means you won’t be able to use your own phone without an adaptor. You will need to bring your own to listen to anything on your laptop, tablet or phone.
The plane’s headphones are not noise-cancelling which is a surprise: Air New Zealand have noisecancelling in business class and it makes for a much better entertainment and sleep experience.
The range of entertainment is fantastic with a selection for the latest films, TV box sets, HBO features, documentaries, comedy, kids TV and films, music, spoken word and games. You won’t be bored if you can’t sleep.
The seat unfolds into a lie-flat bed with plenty of room to stretch out. It does, however feel like a seat with all the little lumps, bumps and undulations apparent when you’re trying to find a comfortable spot. Again, Air New Zealand’s lie-flat is more comfortable with a flat surface, spongy mattress and full-sized pillow.
Food is excellent and the Neil Perry-designed menus are tasty, filling and healthy. Alcoholic drinks are always on offer, although Qantas recommend you limit your intake to avoid dehydrating on such a long flight. You eat from china crockery and drink from real glass. The linen tablecloth and even inflight pyjamas are a nice touch.
The Dreamliner is a winner for comfort and reducing the lesspleasant aspects of flying.
Cabin pressure is set below other aircraft and you definitely feel better for it.
The toilets are pretty standard and kept clean and well-stocked. Soaps are anti-bacterial and you can keep your hands and face from drying out with the moisturisers freely available.
Does this 14,500km flight feel any longer? Not really. Once you’re up there the time seems to go reasonably quickly, especially if you can sleep. The biggest bonus is not having to stop half-way.