QANTAS

FLIGHT NUMBER: QF23 ROUTE: Sydney to Bangkok AIRCRAFT: Airbus A330-200 CLASS: Business Class SEAT: 1E DURATION: 9 hours 50 minutes

From the fast and friendly check-in service and access to Sydney’s Qantas Lounge, to its suite-like flat-bed seats and the glass of Duval-Leroy Brut that’s graciously proffered as soon as

I’m seated, the Qantas A330-200 offers a business class experience that knocks it out of the park for comfort, service and style.

The 1-2-1 seat configuration promises direct aisle access for every passenger with plenty of accessible storage.

There’s a travel pack with the usual eye mask, socks, toothbrush and a selection of ASPAR travel essentials including hand cream, moisturiser and lip balm. The fully reclining flat-bed seats have intuitive controls and the option of a fitted mattress, which makes sleeping, even for this inflight insomniac, a breeze.

But it is the inflight menu that takes Qantas Business Class to the next level with guests afforded the opportunity of tailoring a Neil Perry curated menu to suit. On this flight, there’s a choice of three appetisers, four mains and five desserts, served on white linen with crisp napkins and sparkling silverware.

Rather than being delivered to a timetable, your preferred selection can be ordered at any time throughout the flight, and in whatever combination or quantity desired. There’s also a selection of premium Australian wines selected by the Qantas Rockpool Sommeliers. I select a sauvignon blanc that perfectly complements both my starter, a delightful salad of seared tuna with brown rice and edamame, and a main of perfectly seared Humpty Doo Barramundi served with Asian greens. Dessert is a sublime chocolate malted tart with crème fraiche, which I follow with a Martell VSOP Old Fine Cognac from France.

Once you’ve had your fill, there is space and power for charging devices and plenty of room to work on a laptop if, unlike me, you can resist the lure of the touchscreen entertainment system and its selection of latest release movies.

Flying Qantas to Bangkok is made even more convenient through its partnership with Jetstar Asia, with easy connections to a host of other

Asian cities.

The Verdict: Heavenly flat beds, five-star service and Neil Perry’s incredible menu make this one journey that’s as exciting as the destination. qantas.com