#32 out of 94 Airlines A minimum of 10 flight-reports within the past two years is required to appear in the rankings.
176 reviews
Another glorious week well spent in Sydney, but unfortunately it was time to return home.
Having checked out of our hotel in Surry Hills, Mrs Tim84 and I grabbed an Uber to Qantas' domestic terminal and were there within 20 minutes (on a Friday morning, no less!). Side note - the Sydney airport train is a good option but so expensive if you're travelling as a family or a group; probably more cost effective to split a cab fare / Uber from downtown Sydney!
Another super efficient experience checking in on the self service machines and dropping our luggage off at the bag drop area - we were through security and airside in less than ten minutes from being dropped off curb side.
I know I've mentioned this before but Qantas' domestic terminal is probably my favourite Australian domestic terminal - it's clean, modern, bright and spacious and makes sense (one long pier that you don't need to guess where your gate is). Good F&B options as well as shopping (if you're looking for a last minute purchase!).
We would be departing from Gate 3 today.
Our plane - just arrived from another short haul flight from Brisbane and onwards to Melbourne!
Boarding started ten minutes beforehand, this time all through the airbridge which was not an issue as the flight seemed to only be 50% full.
This time we were an older B737 without the Sky interior or any IFE, however still WI FI enabled which was great (have I mentioned that Qantas provide complimentary wi fi on all their wi fi enabled aircraft domestically?).
We were ready to depart right on 11.00am.
Seat pitch was the normal 31" and although the aircraft was older, it was still clean and very well maintained - a comfortable enough ride for the short 1 hour journey back down to Melbourne.
Normally Qantas would provide iPads on their non-PTV aircraft for all their domestic services, however due to COVID-19 this isn't available but I can't wait for normal service to be resumed!
Safety video was played on the old school drop down screens and pretty soon we were off and flying, making a series of right hand turns and tracking across the South Coast before heading inland through country Victoria.
The crew on this flight were noticeably more warm and engaging than on our previous flight up to Sydney (not sure if SYD-based crew are the cream of the crop?) and came around with refreshments and softies / juices pretty soon after take off.
Another tasty morning tea snack!
Pretty soon the pilot came on to announce our descent and the current weather conditions in Melbourne (a miserable 14 degrees and raining… groan), and we touched down right on time at 12.30pm.
So weird seeing our international terminal pretty much empty and derelict :( hoping we can open our borders again and travel freely (and safely).
We disembarked through the airbridge / rear door again and were at the luggage carousel within ten minutes of touchdown - Qantas is definitely highly efficient!
Ahh Melbourne. Back to reality… back to the cold, rainy autumn days…
Thanks for reading - until our next trip report later this year (hopefully overseas? lots of plans in the works) :)
Always curious to know what it's like flying in these unusual circumstances and I must say that Qantas has not disappointed in the domestic flights we've taken in 2021. For me, they'll always be the 'premium' airline in Australia and I can't see Virgin / REX snagging too much of their market share anytime soon! Professional, courteous, well maintained aircraft and highly efficient - all you can ask for on an Aussie domestic flight.
4 Comments
Best, Dani
I find Qantas' cabins to be very good looking, even on these older 738 interiors. Despite the inconsistency with IFE offering, I agree with you that QF have stood out as the only truly premium carrier in Australia since Virgins decline back into a hybrid-LCC model. Though Rex's entry into the market, or rather 2-cabin expansion, seems to be working out well so far, they can't really compete with QF on in-flight service, FFP, lounges, or network, though they do seem to be giving VA a run for their money, funny enough with ex-VA planes with the same exact cabins. What interesting times we are living in aviation!
Thanks again for sharing and giving me by AU aviation fix....I just can't wait for things to get back to normal everywhere and finally go back to Australia!
Thanks again for your comment!
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