On board Qantas’ new route to Pacific paradise
The airline: Qantas
- The flight QF159, Brisbane to Port Vila (BNE-VLI)
- Frequency Three times a week
- Aircraft Boeing 737-800
- Class Business, seat 1F
- Flight time Two hours, 40 minutes (we arrive 25 minutes ahead of schedule)
Qantas is flying to Vanuatu for the first time since carrying troops and freight during World War II.
Checking in
Qantas introduced Brisbane to Port Vila (Vanuatu) flights in September and I connect on a QantasLink flight from Newcastle Airport. Luggage is checked through and with boarding passes in hand, head straight for security at Brisbane International Airport. It’s chaotic airside with lots of unwelcome yelling by security staff. Thankfully a great coffee in the Qantas Lounge puts me back in holiday mode.
Baggage
A whopping 46 kilograms of checked luggage in business. Carry-on is one cabin bag up to 10kg or two smaller pieces totalling 14kg, plus one personal item (ie a laptop bag).
The loyalty scheme
Qantas Frequent Flyer (part of the Oneworld alliance).
The seat
I’m sitting in 1F, a bulkhead window seat at the front of the plane. The 12 business seats are in a 2-2 configuration. The leather seats are wide enough at 22 inches (56cm) to comfortably relax in. The pitch is 37 inches (94cm) and there’s an extendable leg rest with fold-out footrest, USB port and what feels like oodles of space.
Entertainment
There’s a good selection of movies, TV box sets and audio available on a 10 inch (25cm) touchscreen. I watch The Idea of You starring Anne Hathaway and fast-forward past several cringe-worthy scenes. A documentary on Midnight Oil is a better choice. Free Wi-Fi is usually offered however it’s not working on this flight (or the return one).
Service
The crew are friendly and efficient and there’s a choice of three mains on this lunchtime flight.
The crew are friendly, chatty and efficient. Even though it’s a quick flight, the service doesn’t feel rushed. We’re offered a pre-flight drink (sparkling mineral water for me) and a crew member personally welcomes me at my seat.
Food
There’s a choice of three mains on this lunchtime flight and I opt for the teriyaki chicken with fried rice, which is tasty. It’s served on a white linen tray cloth with plated Brasserie Bread sourdough with Pepe Saya butter, a boxed passionfruit baked cheesecake and Lindt chocolate ball. There’s also a tight but decent wine selection, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks menu.
Sustainability
The Qantas Group purchases carbon offsets to help meet its 2030 and 2050 emissions reduction targets. Passengers can also buy offsets through its Fly Carbon Neutral and Qantas Future Planet programs.*
One more thing
While it’s the first time the red tail has flown to Vanuatu’s palm-fringed shores from Australia, Qantas did operate charter Empire Flying Boats between Noumea and Port Vila in World War II, carrying troops and freight including one tonne of gold bullion. It also flew between Nadi (Fiji) and Port Vila when Qantas owned Fiji Airways in the 1960s. Jetstar also has up to four weekly flights between Sydney and Port Vila from December 12 – helping fill the gap left by the collapse of Air Vanuatu. Hot tip: There is no Qantas Lounge at Bauerfield International Airport (Port Vila) and the departure area gets hot and crowded. Check-in and head for K2 Cafe nearby for a pre-flight cocktail and extend the holiday feeling a bit longer.
The price
From about $1700 return in business class**
The verdict
Departing Brisbane and landing in paradise just over two hours later? It’s a big yes from me.
Our rating out of five
★★★★½
The writer flew courtesy of Qantas. See qantas.com
*For more information about air travel and sustainability, see iata.org
**Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change.
For great deals on Vanuatu holidays, visit myvanuatu.com.au
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