Additional Coverage:
- We flew business class on one of the world’s longest flights. The perks made me wish our 17-hour trip was longer. (businessinsider.com)
From Ugh to Ahh: 17 Hours of Bliss in Qantas Business Class
My wife and I are practically veterans of the 17-hour Dallas to Melbourne Qantas flight – one of the world’s longest. Usually, we’re crammed in economy, counting down the minutes until we land.
But this time, thanks to years of diligently accumulating Qantas points, we experienced the high life in business class. Let me tell you, it was a game-changer.
The VIP treatment started the moment we stepped into the airport. No long check-in lines, no jostling for overhead bin space – just smooth sailing through priority boarding.
Settled into our seats, we were greeted with celebratory bubbly and premium amenity kits. A pre-order breakfast form, much like a hotel’s room service menu, allowed us to plan our morning meal and maximize precious sleep time.
Our seats? Let’s call them private pods.
Each one boasted a 16-inch HD screen, ample storage, USB ports, and enough space for a small carry-on. And the best part?
They transformed into fully reclining beds. Forget cramped economy seats; this felt more like a hotel room in the sky.
Dining was an experience in itself. The multi-course meals rivaled those of upscale restaurants.
Confit duck salad, seasoned beef fillet, and a curated cheese selection – it was all exquisite. Throughout the flight, we enjoyed access to a self-service snack bar stocked with premium treats and fresh fruit.
The attentive flight attendants also made sure we stayed hydrated with regular water and refreshment service.
As night fell, I slipped into my complimentary Qantas pajamas and returned to my pod, which had been magically transformed into a cozy sleeping haven, complete with a mattress pad, duvet, and a large pillow. I slept soundly for nine glorious hours, a stark contrast to the usual fidgety attempts at napping in economy.
Upon landing, the perks continued with priority baggage handling, allowing us to breeze through the airport and into an Uber within 30 minutes. No post-flight zombie feeling this time – I felt refreshed and ready to explore.
While business class typically carries a hefty price tag, using points for an upgrade is a fantastic value, especially for long-haul flights. It’s definitely tough to imagine returning to economy after this experience, but hey, I’m already saving up for our next business class adventure!