I don’t need to tell you Dear Reader that there’s a vast difference between flying Business Class and Economy Class. In economy, you cannot wait for the flight to be over and you simply envisage yourself at the destination end, walking through the doors. In Business Class, well there’s so much to see and do that sometimes you don’t want it to end (to a point, I will concede 
).
Today I’m testing out Qantas’s business class service to Hong Kong on the A380. My journey starts at the business class check in counter at Sydney airport where there’s a private waiting area. The business class queue is short (and the first class queue even shorter and blocked from view) while the economy queue, well let’s just say I’ve never seen so many people queued up for check in before! Service at the check in counter is adequate although not particularly friendly and we have to ask for Express Path passes twice.
Clutching the Express Path passes allows us to short cut some queues and we make our way through customs and to the business class lounge where Rockpool chef Neil Perry is tasked with overseeing the food here. We have about an hour to kill and I’m quite ravenous as I haven’t eaten so I take a seat at the island table which is where you can order food cooked to order. There are also two buffets but I prefer a la carte.
I spot a man making coffee and tea nearby and am about to order a cup of tea until I see the sign for Valrhona hot chocolate with marshmallows, pearls and white chocolate buttons-hot chocolate made with Valrhona trumps tea I’m afraid so I order one. I inquire about where to order and unfortunately, we’ve hit them at a time where there isn’t island service and we’ll be boarding by the time it resumes. But no matter as he tells me that he can arrange for something for me and asks me what I’d like. I spotted a smoked salmon and ricotta breakfast on the menu when we walked in and when I go to sit down and sit my dark hot chocolate, it arrives a few minutes later. Now that’s service!
I was initially thinking that the bread might be too thick and hard for the smoked salmon topping but it’s very fresh and soft so it is just right. The smoked salmon is good quality with a creamy ricotta underneath it and microherbs prettily presented on top.
A little later, a staff member comes around with fresh ham and cheese croissants and offers them to guests. I am a fiend for a good croissant and I can’t resist. The croissant is buttery and filled with smoked ham, a tomato chilli jam and cheese (although I prefer the bits with just ham and cheese).
Just for research purposes (yes, really!), a nearby display of gluten free chocolate brownies proves too tempting and I split it with my travelling companion Miryana. It’s dense, dark and cocoaey with nuts studded through it. Miryana has some gelato and reports that it is delicious.
We make our way to gate 10 and onto the flight. The queue for business class isn’t marked but business class and premium economy is on the top floor while first class is on the bottom floor where I presume economy class sits too. I just realise that I’ve forgotten to bring my plane pyjamas with me so a request for a sleep suit is made and this is furnished. I change and settle into my seat, 11A, a window seat at the front of the business class cabin and survey surroundings. I’m now using my cute ‘lil retro styled Pentax Q camera for all airline reviews because it’s much smaller and less bulky and conspicuous to whip out.
The onboard lounge
Seats are in a 2x2x2 configuration with a hard shell seat with an adjustable privacy partition between them. There’s a handy pocket down the side for bottles of water and plenty of leg room (although for me, this isn’t usually an issue being short!). I love the two storage bins to the side which can hold your bags and goodies. In front of the cabin is a lounge area with a good selection of magazines. The extremely helpful staff even offer me a bigger selection.
Champagne is either Billecart-Salmon brut or Charles Heidsieck Reserve Brut. Today it is the latter which is offered along with orange juice and water. An amenity kit is offered with a Florence Broadhurst pattern although a new Kate Spade bag is being offered soon. Inside are toiletries by Malin + Goetz including three travel sized tubes of hand and body lotion, lip conditioner and face cream. There are also ear plugs, a sleep mask, socks and a toothbrush and toothpaste. The temperature on the flight is actually quite pleasant-I usually find Qantas cabin temperatures extremely cold but this is ideal, perhaps it is the A380.
Flicking through the latest gossip mags and the Rolling Stone passes some time and before we know it, lunch is being served. We’re offered a menu which has a choice of two entrees, four mains and three desserts, along with a list of snacks. I’m not really hungry at all having had so much in the lounge but of course I need to try everything.
Zucchini, basil and parmesan soup with croutons
The zucchini, basil and parmesan soup has a great flavour and a little texture to it although it could be a bit hotter. The croutons were plentiful, a bit too plentiful and weren’t very crisp so they ended up getting wet quite quickly. It’s served with a green leaf salad and a fantastic merlot vinaigrette. Sourdough and rye bread was offered but I wasn’t hungry enough to try them.
Roasted barossa valley chicken with rosemary kipfler potatoes, ratatouille and port wine jus
I decided to go for the healthier option menu as I clearly hadn’t when I said yes to a ham and cheese croissant this morning. This serving was enormous and very nicely plated. The chicken was tender and not dry at all, even at the thick of the breast portion and the ratatouille full of flavour-I only wish there was a bit more ratatouille. The chicken sat on a bed of sliced, roasted rosemary potatoes although I preferred to fill up on the chicken and ratatouille.
Seasonal cheese selected by Calendar Cheese Company and sliced fresh fruit
The other dessert offered was profiteroles but I really felt more like cheese. There were two types offered, a gruyere and a blue cheese. They came with crisp water crackers, a juicy, sweet medjool dates and a slice of Pastilla Nash. The fruit plate was full of sweet fruit including some really delicious grapes (I know, is that random to mention the grapes? Props to the grapes!). And to end? Some wrapped Valrhona chocolate batons.
Bathrooms have Malin + Goetz toiletries and proper cloth washers with which to dry hands and appear to be cleaned regularly. There are also sensor activated taps where you can control the temperature of the water.
Onto important things like television shows and movies. I perhaps won’t indulge what I watched…Ok it was The Dictator…in between lots of napping on the bed.
About an hour before descent starts, the flight attendants come around and ask us whether we would like anything from the refreshment menu. As my stomach is on Sydney time, it tells me that I’ve missed dinner so I toy between the mac and cheese with Swiss browns and capsicum jam or the glass noodle salad which wins out in the end.
Glass noodle salad with seared yellowfin tun and lemongrass dressing
The glass noodle salad was seasoned with a lightly creamy lemongrass dressing and pieces of seared yellowfin tuna. The dressing was delicious, the noodles crunchy and the tuna generously portioned and I kept thinking that I’d love to make something like this at home. It was a little messy to eat with the dressing from the noodles and I’m glad that was still wearing my pyjamas!
Coconut ice cream
There was a choice of coconut or raspberry ice cream by Paddington brand Nice Cream and I chose coconut. It had little pieces of shredded coconut and was a little icey but tasted of sweet, pure coconut milk.
We’re touching down before we even know it and perhaps it’s the added height from the top floor but the landing is pure silk.
So tell me Dear Reader, do you change into a different outfit when you fly once you board? And do you enjoy flying or do you just want to be at your final destination?
NQN tested out the flight as a guest of Qantas
Qantas
www.qantas.com.au
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50 Comments | Add your own
Wow, that looks incredible. Only once about 10 years ago we had the lovely opportunity to travel from Toronto to Vancouver in Business Class and never since. I didn’t realize you can fly 5 hours without getting grumpy! Although it wasn’t as opulent as your flight. I generally don’t change (the bathrooms are far too small to do so, and too gross at the end of the flight). I just bring slippers (the fluffy cushiony kind, that can be laundered!). I usually dress up just in case they wish to upgrade us, but sadly it has never happened.
I love airplane food! this looks fantastic! I love flying and wear the same thing
Hi Lorraine, on a long flight yes I always change once on board into more comfortable clothing. I hate flying, just want to be at my final destination. I’m short so have no problem with legroom but I just can’t sit still or get comfortable whereas hubby is over 6 foot and he’s a great flyer.
I fly economy all the time – I can’t afford business class. However, I don’t agree with your generalisation that “you can’t wait for the flight to be over”. I enjoy flying, even if it is in economy. Because I feel fortunate enough to be able to get on a plane and fly somewhere for a holiday, unlike probably billions of other people on this planet. And please Qantas, a first class check-in that’s blocked from view? What rubbish – are those who are privileged enough to buy first class offended at us lowly plebs looking at them? And express path passes? What, so just because I fly economy, I’m not in a hurry to get somewhere too? I love your blog, Lorraine, but not a huge fan of this post.
Coconut icecream!! I have a affiliation with coconut
Business looks much comfier than economy! I haven’t travelled much unfortunately so hopefully when I go overseas next time, I’ll take business (:
That’s fantastic! You were so lucky! I’ve never flown business class, but would love to one day! What a wonderful adventure!
I hate flying, doesn’t matter what class, I just want a flight to be over… (Sigh). I do like that salmon sandwich though!
Looks lovely. I flew Qantas business class to LA a few years ago (for work) and this brought back those memories….I couldn’t make up my mind whether to enjoy all the toys and snacks and the whole experience or to have a decent sleep (which is the reason they put me business class in the first place). Did about half and half
As you said, the food was wonderful and I was in no hurry to reach LA. Although it was my first time there, and I did get a tad excited when the city came into view and when the guy I was sitting next to pointed out the Hollywood sign, I confess I acted like a tragic. Obviously any attempt to avoid seeming a newb when totally pear shaped at that stage! One day I’ll do international business class again…sigh. Meanwhile, thanks for the pleasant memories.
I see this post is extremely different and has nothing similar to my recent post about my Jetstar experience. Love the idea of express passes to avoid queues! And no, I’ve never changed on a flight because down in economy there isn’t enough room to even change your mind xx
i like the idea of the salmon and ricotta on toast for breakfast!!
You remind me the flight from Lima to Sydney. I had to go Lim-Mia-Lax-Syd…each time I remember it, I hate more and more that trip. Of course, I didn’t do it in first nor business class. Flying on superior classes than enonomic for long trips is the best this to do.
I no longer enjoy flying and can’t wait to get to my final destination! Although, I have a feeling Business Class may help a bit
I flew on the A380 last year and the economy queues are definitely not the quickest!
Oh my, this is a far cry from the Economy that I am always on. A far cry. The food looks terrific. I reemember that in the 70s Qantas did such a great job of promoting the airline using a talking koala bear, that my nephew, who was about 4, thought that koalas were called “qantas.”
You’re business class leg Syd-Hong Kong was a lot more enjoyable than my last one. In flight seat entertainment didn’t work. So they ended up making two seats available in economy for us to watch movies when we wished, as business was full and could not accommodate us there.
Initially they offered us some coupons to apologise for the inconvenience, which I promptly sent back with a complaint letter. Let’s just say after letters too and fro, I was rather pissed off with the compensation offered on two fully paid for business class tickets.
There was also the case of the return leg which my Son was flying, was cancelled. We were flying on to UK. No phone call, nothing and then they wanted to put a minor up in a hotel by himself, in a foreign country, while his parents fly out, but that is another drama.
It seems QANTAS is trying to lift their game, which I am happy about, but only after losing so much business to other airlines which treat their customers much better.
BA impressed me to no end in Business Class for service and comfort and JAL staff will bend over backwards for you.
I am yet to fly Virgin business and am very keen to do so, as their staff are very friends on the ground and in economy, compared to the often surly service from QANTAS staff.
But, as I said QANTAS are trying to lift their game. Which I am happy about, fingers crossed.
Dear Lorraine,
I always have trouble choosing the “healthier” choice but the chicken looks delicious. Cathay Pacific is probably the best airline out of HK for service and comfort.
Hi Lorraine, as much as I’d rather have a business class seat over economy any day, I’ve found that the QF skybed folds out to be on an angle so I am always sliding down, have you found this as well? Perhaps the new and improved mattress and duvet service starting soon will help with that issue – we’ll see in Feb enroute to the US.
Oh and just like you, whether I am enjoying my flight or not is up to the comfort, but also staff friendliness and no turbulence – that really scares me!
Oh boy, that sure was different too my recent eight hour flight on a budget carrier! I could hardly wait for it too be over.
It looks like a lovely experience indeed, and seems well worth the extra cost
I have found both the reading of your blog and other readers’ comments most interesting. For over three decades QANTAS was by far my favourite airline: I began flying it in DC-6s and DC-8s
! Whether one boarded in London or New York or Tokio or Rome, there was an immediate wonderful feeling one was already on home turf 
! Yes, I was fortunate to always fly first: yes, that bought about certain ‘privileges’, but that is what one paid for after all – one did not get there any sooner 
! The Aussie onboard staffs were so wonderful, I remember sending our daughters back to school from London and New York alone by the time they were 6-8: they were loved and spoiled to bits and far prefrerred Mom and Dad to stay on!! So this description is most interesting to follow to note the changes a much busier traffic/unfortunate changes in the airline have brought about. Still looks comfortable. Although I flew about as much as you do Lorraine, I am not a bird by liking and yes, I always carried a thin caftan and changed immediately on board. Thanks for a very interesting blog 
! Oh, and I have never ever seen a dirty QANTAS toilet!!
Lovely post nqn! So lucky that u get to fly around so much!
Airline food has come a VERY long way,
Business class is a luxurious experience to enjoy and stay!
Food, food, food and more, TRUE!
When I arrive at my destination, I wonder what meal I am REALLY up to!
Always remove my shoes for a long flight, get comfy!
Flying is only a means to an end and the appeal over the years and extensive travel is no longer exciting to me!
THE excitement is when you are coming down the tunnel onto the plane!
I become 5 again and the EXCITEMENT then is insane!
I’ve never been one to change on a plane but I do take a little pair of hotel slippers so I can change into the socks and not walk around in just them.
I dress comfortably (not in a tracksuit though!) but nicely.
Qantas has been slipping a little lately so I hope they are picking up their game!
That croissant looks delish!
OH wow! I’d love to fly business class! But I’m afraid it’s all economy for this student
Even going to Europe next year is economy and super cheap flights 
It’s going to be super tough on that flight 
I wish I could go business to Europe! Oh dare to dream hha
If the airline offers a sleep suit it would depend on the time of day and length of flight as the whether I’d put it on, I worry about awaking after landing in it though!
After hundreds of QANTAS flights around the globe [and quite politically incorrect] one of our fave greeting comments by the onboard staff at Heathrow was [to my husband]: ‘Oh, welcome Sir – not allowed to serve drinks ere takeoff. Shall get you a VB as soon as allowed after all that warm Brit p . . .’! Well, darling husband did not drink beer, but felt of so at home after the comment!!’ And, oh, and am so sorry for publishing even now
!
Wow! That definitely looks a lot better than what I usually experience. I have had a short first class trip, oh the luxury!!!
My recent trip to Singapore was on a budget airline, flying economy class. The food (extra$) was inedible and the experience less than pleasant. However the meal I had a Waku Ghin once in Singapore was the most amazing experience, even if it cost per person the same as my return Sydney to Singapore flight!
I have been doing this flying stuff ALL WRONG! Wow, the food looks amazing…and you were treated like royalty! Such fun.
It’s been a long time since I went cattle class. I think I’m too old to fold up like a pretzel and fly for hours. I much prefer first class but I can’t afford it any more. I like the doona, bed sized pillows and pyjamas and waking up ready to go.
Qantas has good service and friendly down-to-earth people.
There is a disconnect between my brain and my memory. I can’t help but get excited about flying somewhere, Its only when I’m crammed in economy that I remember its not much fun x
That looks lovely. I try to wear something that is stylish but that still can be turned into something comfy enough to sleep in, for example, by removing a jacket. It’s hard to find THE perfect outfit though, particularly if you are moving into different climate zones!
Looks like a great flight.
I always change into something comfortable and warm as soon as I board and then back into my regular clothes before landing. I feel just a little bit fresher that way.
I get excited about flights, the in-flight entertainment and the food but do get restless if I’m not comfy.
I still use my Qantas pjs from business class though I do t fly as often so can’t use points for upgrades or have a happy employer willing to fly me to meetings overseas business class.
I’m lucky as my hubby is a Qantas pilot and we fly business class all the time. Can’t wait when we will be eligible for first class. Best dessert I’ve had must be the creme brûlée with burnt fig although I don’t see it in the menu when we went to LA last month.My son loves the pajama bottom and wears it all the time at home. Qantas may have got a few things wrong along the way, but in issuing the PJs, they definitely got it right.Flew with many other airlines but when it comes to business class, Qantas wins hands down… Not being bias here.
The food looks really lovely, and yes it has come a long way over time. I think too that in business class you are served on better quality crockery and utensils, and this makes quite a difference to the enjoyment of the food. I know it shouldn’t, but it does. Presentation does count. I have flown countless times in cattle class, and have always prepared mentally for the long hauls as well as taking lots of things that I can do to amuse myself. I have only flown one long haul on business and it really was delightful. I flew Melbourne to London with Emirates to a new job OS, and it has really spoilt me for all economy flight since, which I inevitably compare to the comfort of business – but – you do what you can, and spend what you can afford to get to where you desire to be. I have never changed when on board, but I usually dress in a longer skirt that is stretchy so that I can squirm about, comfortable top, and take slipper socks/bed socks with me to wear. I then generally use the shower facility mid-way, say Singapore and/or Dubai, and then again in Britain or Europe and change at that end into street clothing.
Love your posts!
2012 BusiClass sounds and looks great, but for most of us, economy is reality that gets us somewhere more interesting. My Dad was an occasional plane spotter. I can well remember marvelling at the arse-view of a jumbo ascending at Mascot and with hopeful clenched teeth and scrunched eyes, never heard of airlines made lift off from now inaccessible places that between uni jobs could fund us.
Our global world and how we access it has changed.
So glad to still be on the journey.
I never used to mind the flight but now with 3 kids I’m pretty happy when it’s over. We flew Qantas to Hong Kong earlier in the year, although as mentioned with 3 kids……and economy – bit of a difference to your review and experience, but none the less I could not fault Qantas.
Hi Lorraine,
I enjoy reading your blog and had to comment on this wonderful post. I am a first and business class flight attendant with Qantas – have been for 24 years and I have seen many changes over my working life. (Including 3 uniform changes – soon to be a fourth next year!)
I am proud to be a part of such an iconic airline – my mother flew as a true “hostess” in the fifties and still tells many wonderful stories about her flying days. I have witnessed a massive change in customer service and all for the better – along with all our competition comes the need to culturally change and be aware of what passengers need in this rapidly changing environment. The BEST product I have ever had the pleasure of serving onboard is the Pastilla Nash Prune and Walnut log. It is handmade in Paddington and suits every cheese which has been carefully chosen for our first and business passengers. Well done Pastilla Nash. Note to Qantas – please dont be tempted to replace with cheaper imitation brands such as Rolada – it is too sweet and sickly and far inferior to Pastillas!
Wow! I am jealous it is so breathtakingly luxurious! I had the luxury of flying business class only once and it wasn’t quite THIS luxurious. I am curious as to what “plane pajamas” are and to see the outfit they provided you – on you, of course.
Have not had the pleasure of flying Business Class but hope to one day!I always dress neatly /smart casual in the hope of scoring an upgrade but it hasn’t worked and now I’m convinced that it’s not a way of achieving said perk.I wish someone *nudge,nudge,wink,wink,Lorraine* would give me some clues so I can achieve this at least once in my lifetime!
I don’t see the point of changing clothes only to have to change back again,der…especially if wearing comfy clothes in the first place. I walk around the plane every hour or so as I’m s**t-scared of DVT and also to have a sticky-beak at all the other cattle class to see how they’re coping or more often not coping,lol. I totally enjoy the experience of flying and classify it as part of the journey and not solely a means to a destination but I’m sure I would enjoy it even more if I were flying Business Class.
Ohhh so lucky to fly business Lorraine
it sure makes that long flight to HK so much more enjoyable and bearable hehe
I’ve done that a couple of times when I was upgraded and I felt like a princess being able to lie down hehe ~
I don’t usually change in another set of clothing simply because I’m lazy but I never wear make up or will take it off and re apply it just before landing hehe
I LOVE LOVE LOVE flying! I know so many people are scared of flying but I love it hehe would do it every week if I could!
Great post Lorraine, I think airlines reviews are really important especially if someone is considering splashing out on Business Class – just like in Economy not all BC is the same! I fly BC for work EC for personal trips and so totally accept what BC passengers get over EC ones – including Express passes which all add to the non-stress, non-queue experience which is part of what you are paying for. Also many upgrades are awarded to frequent flyers so when you have done your fair share of economy queuing you deserve the reward! Whilst I think it’s is a priveledge to travel for work it is definitely NOT a holiday so anything that makes the journey easier to get off the plane and get your job done is what BC is really all about : )
My issue is, if I eat in business class, it still needs to…err…come out of the other end. Are the business class bathrooms also cramped and horrible? You should take photos of the bathroom next time:) I would pay extra for a better bathroom!!!
If it’s a short domestic flight, I’ll just wear normal street clothes, but for anything longer than 5 hours I choose comfy (yet hopefully not sloppy) clothes! Maxi dresses, thongs, yoga pants etc.
I used to wear jeans no matter what the flight but then I realised that wasn’t comfy or practical!
Love your airplane series
xox Sarah
I have never been in first class and I am never likely to. I keep the same gear on because it is so crowded in cattle class that you can’t do much else.
Oh yum! I am so amazed and totally famished now!
Wow, business class sure does look amazing. I wonder what first class would look like? I am one of those people who bring “plane clothes” on board. It’s much more comfortable especailly if it is a long haul flight. Nothing worse than being uncomfortable for 10+ hours.
hehe….I LOVE my business class pj’s and cant wait to get into them. I wear them at home now too when I feel like I need a holiday and I feel much better for some reason. The amenity kit bag makes a great daytime makeup bag for your hand bag….just to show off that you have flown BC too
So nice that you had a lovely trip. It’s a shame that more people cannot experience business class, qantas club and all the trimmings – it really is such a different experience.
Matilda, you do need to be very well dressed to be offered an upgrade to business class according to my daughter’s friend who works for a very large international airline. This is to ‘fit in’ with business class users (not my words). But there is a huge amount of luck involved too.
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