QANTAS A380 Dallas to Sydney Business Class Review

I booked my round the world trip because of this flight. Premium cabin award space between North America and Australia/New Zealand is rare and it is not a flight to attempt in coach.  It was the longest flight in the world too when I booked QF8, DFW-SYD. Emirates launched a flight to Auckland two weeks before my trip, so it wasn’t the longest flight available when I flew it.  I was still excited for 17+ hours in QANTAS business class.

Upright Seat at Start of Trip

Yes, It Slops Down

Another View

QANTAS launched their A380 service in 2008. The aircraft interior has not been updated (excluding maintenance) since.  Slightly angled flatbed seats were an average offering in 2008, but now feel dated. The TV’s are small and lower definition than newer planes.  The feeling of privacy is also limited in business class.  The seat is firm, the duvet added for flight helps slightly, but the flight was long enough to get 7+ hours of rest.  The pajamas, or sleepy suit in Australian, were a fun touch, but not the most comfortable item to wear.  It also made a rush on the lavatories after breakfast to change (remember to change before landing; wearing pajamas in the lounge is a major faux pas).

Cool Flight Map

This was my first flight every on QANTAS and had high expectations from my brother and his adventures around Australia two years ago.  The service and food were disappointing.  The flight attendants were brief, almost curt, in their service.  My pre-ordered steak was very well done.  I picked at a sandwich later that was ok.  British Airways’ premium economy food was on par with QANTAS business.

View from 19K

Over Cooked Steak

I enjoyed the lounge in the front of the upper deck.  I sipped a beer while reading and spreading out.  I was less interested when chatty people found it later in the flight.  I also went down stairs to stretch my legs and get the blood flowing. 

A380 Lounge

I Love Stairs on Planes

I expected more from a foreign carrier.  The business class experience is 8 years old and needs to be replaced.  Upgraded food service is an easier task that also needs to be done.  It was a good use of 65,000 American miles, but my expectations surpassed QANTAS's offering.

Small TV

Beer With Breakfast

Window View