Travelling in style with signature touches along the way, Travel Associates advisor Jo Kennedy reviews her recent experience of flying from Brisbane to London via Perth on Qantas’ new Kangaroo Route.
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On the ground
Chauffeur Service
Although I was starting my journey in Brisbane, with a domestic flight to Perth, I still enjoyed the complimentary chauffeur-driven service to the airport. I was very impressed that the car arrived a few minutes ahead of schedule, and even a little surprised when I came out of the house to find my luggage had already been loaded into the car, and the chauffeur was waiting to help me into a brand new Mercedes sedan, a real treat!
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Airline Lounges
Brisbane
Premium lounge entry at Brisbane Airport saw me fast-tracked thanks to a dedicated team. The check-in process, bag drop and security screening lane for premium travellers, was sensational. I then enjoyed the first of three lounge experiences on my journey.
Perth
On arrival, it was just a short walk across the concourse to the glass doors to the international area and from there, less than a minute to the brand-new Qantas Lounge. The layover between flights is just over two hours, just enough time to stretch your legs (made even easier with a choice of yoga/stretch classes) and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the onsite chef. The staff were very attentive, even offering to charge my phone before my flight.
London
Arriving into London Heathrow, I made my way to the business class lounge for Qantas passengers, where I had a quick shower and a coffee before my onward flight.
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In the Air
Seat
The first thing that struck me was that the seat felt very private – I couldn’t see anyone when I sat back, and no one could see into my space either. In fact ,the cabin was so quiet it almost felt like you were travelling alone.
Laid out in 1-2-1 configuration, my window seat also offered direct aisle access and had plenty of storage, so there was no need to get up and down to retrieve items from the overhead locker.
Waiting for me when I sat down were a colourful amenity kit and a pair of Qantas pyjamas, which I hopped into straight away. The seat itself was spacious and easy to operate, and when I was ready to sleep it was laid flat and fitted with a comfortable mattress, doona and soft pillow.
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Service
The service throughout the flight was attentive but unobtrusive, and I had no need to press the call button, as someone always appeared just as I decided I needed something.
The longer than average flight time meant that the refreshment service was not rushed, but rather a leisurely, relaxed affair, which was a welcome change from the norm.
Towards the end of the flight, the pursor approached me with his iPad to ensure I knew which gate I needed to go to for my onward flight. He also seemed genuinely interested in how I enjoyed the flight, and what I was doing on my trip away – a pleasant surprise!
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Dining
The menu options are wide enough that you are sure to find something you feel like eating. They include the usual Neil Perry-designed dishes as well as lighter, healthier offerings developed in conjunction with the Charles Perkins Centre, which aim to help reduce jet lag.
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Entertainment
The size and position of the screen made it easy to see from all angles and the system was simple to navigate with a host of options to keep you entertained for the entire flight if you choose.
Overall experience
I enjoyed the new plane, but for me the best thing was the longer journey itself, as it gives you ample time to sleep when you want without having to be interrupted. We were lucky enough to have a tailwind, so our total flight time was just over 16 hours. This means it's only slightly longer than flying via Dubai, but without the concern of missing your onward flight.
To experience Qantas Business Class on your next long-haul flight, talk to a Travel Associates advisor and book now.
