Qantas Airways

My wife and I did a trip from Perth to Brisbane (return) on business class because it was 5+ hours. The seating was no better than Economy class only a few rows behind us. Difference being we paid over $7500 for our seats and Economy would have been under $1000 for the same trip. The plane was an A330-200 and had recently been changed from Jetstar (budget airline) according to a steward on board. We do a lot of International trips out of Perth in Business Class now we know why we choose Singapore Air Air NZ or Mauritius Air. Qantas has poor seating and service.

This is a very short flight scheduled time 55 minutes but in practice it's more like 30 minutes so one would expect things to go smoothly. And smoothly go it did. I checked in online on my phone no paper needed had no baggage so it was more like catching a bus than a plane. Literally walked through security had a drink and onto the plane. Everything was on time and worked like clockwork. On that 30 minute flight they managed to serve everyone (about 100+ passengers) with a delicious sandwich and beverage of choice; mine a glass of wine - included in the fare. I noticed some people even got seconds. It's also worth mentioning the service was professional but more importantly very friendly; perfection. I almost wish the flight was longer.

QF1 Sydney to London on August 23. A380 in good clean condition. Seats comfortable with good footrest/net that compensated a little for the 31" seat pitch. Not exactly class-leading for long-haul. Food and drink service was fine. Crew were efficient and friendly. IFE was good. In all it was a pleasant flight on a great quiet aircraft. I had not travelled long-haul with Qantas for some years and while there was nothing particularly wrong with the flight my journey home was QF-ticketed but operated by an Emirates A380. Their little extras highlighted that QF international is not the benchmark.

PER-SYD-LAX. We flew this extremely long flight last week. The service from the time we left Perth until we touched down in Los Angeles was outstanding. The meals were of great quality. We used our frequent flyer points to upgrade us to Business Class and were so glad we did.

DFW-BNE-SYD on 9/8-10/14 in Business Class upper deck of 747. Excellent flight in every respect: spacious seat layout very comfortable seats in all positions but particularly in sleep mode good food especially the late night supper. Flight attendants were experienced and efficient friendly and accommodating. Video selections a bit odd but interesting with plenty of choices. New crew and another breakfast from Brisbane to Sydney equally good. Qantas lounges in DFW and Brisbane were fine. Luggage on the carousel before we arrived after a fast pass through immigration.

Sydney-Dallas QF007 on September 5 2014. Paying a premium for QF Premium Economy and looking at their website - I must say I was expecting something exceptional. This was not the case. 747-400 Seat 36K is said to be one of the best seats but if you are 6ft+ then this is not the case. The wall in front means you actually have less leg room than standard economy. The cabin was 100% full and the single toilet was used consistently especially by QF staff as their rest area was adjacent to it. Meals etc were quite good however it seemed economy passengers were offered ice cream/chocolates etc mid flight - but we were not (minor issue I know but at double the price I expected more). Was never offered a drink (except at meal times). An exit seat in economy would have saved me $2000 and been of better value I feel.

Flew business class Melbourne up to Sydney on 767 then over to Dallas on 747 seat 14A upstairs in the bubble. Then Dallas to Brisbane on 747 seat 3A in the nose then onto Melbourne in 737 again all business. Sydney - Dallas - Brisbane business class was excellent. First time on long haul business - the service the food and the seats were great. The attention that we received from the crew on all legs was good. The holiday started from the moment we boarded even the domestic flight up to Sydney. We travelled on points so got a good deal money wise what would other wise be in excess of $7000 return. It will be hard to return to the back of the bus.

Flew A380 LA to Melbourne night flight economy. Crew polite but disinterested. Food dull - Special K for the cold breakfast. Not enough water offered. Lots of movies but screen scratched so not much fun (this is the third time in a row I have had a dodgy screen with Qantas). No footrests arm rests do not go up completely and do not lock in the up position. Excellent landings (twice as had to divert to Sydney due to fog). Cabin crew did not offer water during 2 hour diversion.

Melbourne - Brisbane 6 August. Departure 4 pm. Economy. Very friendly courteous service. The food was a bit skimpy for a 2 hour flight. Just some dry biscuits. The free wine was very much appreciated.

Brisbane to Melbourne. 10 August. Evening flight. Very friendly service. A tasty meal was also included. I also appreciated the good quality IFE.