Pretty soon our time in Tasmania had come to an end, and it was time for us to head back to Melbourne, this time on Qantaslink's economy class (again flying the B717-200).
Flight routing
- 1
- 2QF1532 - Economy - Hobart > Melbourne - Boeing 717-200
HOBART AIrport
We arrived at the airport about an hour before departure and check in / security was again swift and uneventful. The small terminal was fairly busy at that time in the morning, with a couple of other Jetstar flights also departing to other parts of Australia around the same time.
Although it was a small terminal, I really liked the wooden hues and the large bar in the middle of the terminal - clearly the departure area had been recently refurbished and there was a lot of natural light to watch the runway / tarmac activity.
Boarding / pre flight
The boarding announcements were made pretty soon after we had cleared security (not that it was a long walk at all!), and everyone began lining up to board the B717-200 through the tarmac.
I risked my life and limb to snap these rather low quality photos of our aircraft as I was told off quite sternly by a member of the ground crew not to use my phone once spotted - sorry!
INFLIGHT
Apart from that minor hiccup, boarding was completed smoothly and we settled into our economy class seats.
Seat pitch was 31" , and felt comfortable enough for a short haul flight - the seat itself was well padded with adjustable head rests and I did not notice any major differences between it and the Qantas economy class seat on the B737s.
Shortly after take off, a light refreshment was served (a delicious passionfruit cookie and a bottle of water), and we spent the rest of the short flight watching the blue and green hues of the Bass Strait flash by.
We touched down right on time again at 11.00am and disembarked from the aircraft in a very timely and efficient manner!
Mrs. Tim84 waiting patiently to get off the plane :)
MELBOURNE AIRPORT
Another very quiet terminal to come home to :(
Our luggage came out around 15 - 20 minutes after we had de-planned and pretty soon we were in our Uber on the way back home after a lovely break in Tassie.
Hoping to grab a Boeing 717 when I get my Australia trip off the ground!
Thanks for the review, it was a good insight into flying on QANTAS domestic service.
Thanks! Any visit to Oz isn't complete without checking out Tassie :)
If you do get on a Qantaslink service you've got a pretty good chance of getting on a B717, otherwise most of the mainline east coast routes are serviced by QF 737s and A330s.
Good luck with your trip planning!