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What can I expect from Qantas econony class??

California
Level Contributor
52 posts
3 reviews
2 helpful votes
What can I expect from Qantas econony class??
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We are so excited to visit our son in Sydney - we will be flying Qantas from LA in economy. I would love to have my own little pod to sleep in, but, alas, that is not to be. I have read mixed reviews on the airline - can anyone tell me their experiences? Fortunately we will be with good friends who we always have fun with. I especially would like to know how much legroom I can expect?

Thanks for any replies!!

gk
Brisbane, Australia
Level Contributor
2,283 posts
47 reviews
115 helpful votes
1. Re: What can I expect from Qantas econony class??
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In my experience, Qantas is a great airline to fly with.

Economy seat pitch is 31" (not the best, but not the worst), but the meals are generally good and the entertainment is excellent.

You can view more opinions here:

http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/qantas.htm

Melbourne, Australia
Level Contributor
6,911 posts
79 reviews
73 helpful votes
2. Re: What can I expect from Qantas econony class??
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I have flown from LA - Melbourne with Qantas and I can't complain. I am not a tall person, so leg room was not a problem, and the meals were ok - I'm not a big rap for any airline meals anyway. The crew were fine and generally, everything, other than the length of the flight, (of course not Qantas' fault)was fine.

Level Contributor
3,773 posts
103 reviews
96 helpful votes
3. Re: What can I expect from Qantas econony class??
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Not meaning to be disparaging here but after flying with many American Airlines I think you will be happy with the total service Quantas provides. Legroom is adequate, my six foot two husband manages fine on long hauls (of course we'd all like more !)

and the meals are fine. Cabin staff.. well that can be a mixed bag.. I've had flights with the most wonderful staff and others where a few individuals could care less (they must have been having a bad day and we all have them) but generally they are lovely. For what its worth I always fly Qantas, my trip to the states a few years ago, my husband had booked United and I later decided to join him but even though I could have flown on his flight I opted to fly solo on Qantas and meet him there!

Sydney, Australia
Destination Expert
for Sydney, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Business Travel, New South Wales
Level Contributor
33,205 posts
2,584 reviews
34,710 helpful votes
4. Re: What can I expect from Qantas econony class??
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Totally agree with Yachtgal here...if you have flown American or United Airlines you will find Qantas excellent.

My hubby is 6'3 and its always a worry for him. We usually get the 2 seaters at the back they have that tiny space between the window seat which helps. Exit row is always excellent but hard to obtain unless you have booked it ahead of time or you are a Platinum member.

The food and entertainment is okay too and I've never had a complaint. Qantas domestic can be a little iffy at times..

Anyway that's just my opinion as I'm a Qantas fan after flying numerous different Airlines and realizing I like my flying kangaroo !!

Have fun in Sydney !

Narooma, Australia
Level Contributor
977 posts
61 reviews
62 helpful votes
5. Re: What can I expect from Qantas econony class??
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Ellemay mentioned 2 abreast seats at the back. This is on the 747s. You may be on a new A380 Airbus. Check what sort of aircraft you have, then go to somewhere like seatguru.com and have a look at the seating configurations, and then contact Qantas (directly or via the net) and try to reserve the seats you want. I've found the 2-abreast seats next to windows at the back (excepting, perhaps, the last row which is right at the toilets) to be very good and generally request them (unless an exit seat is still availaable - but the one right next to the door sometimes has issues with it - seatguru will warn you). Have a great trip - your son will be pleased you're visiting him.

Lismore, Australia
Level Contributor
1,333 posts
59 reviews
85 helpful votes
6. Re: What can I expect from Qantas econony class??
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As others have mentioned, Qantas' long haul economy class product is certainly well ahead of anything you're likely to experience on a US carier, but service and food can be a bit hit and miss at times.

The Q on demand entertainment system is one of the best in my opinion. They may not have the sheer number of channles of the likes of Emirates, but they have a far more interesting and diverse range of programming than mainstream Hollywood, sicoms and cheap travel documentaries. They also don't censor or edit films which i find a mture and refreshing change that more airlines should take on board.

If you haven't done so already, I'd suggest joining the American Airlines Frequent flyer program rather than the Qantas one. As OneWorld partner airlines, you'll earn 100% miles on most Qantas booking classes (read the fine print) and this is a long flight so plenty of miles to earn. Possibly almost enough for a short domestic flight when you get home. The main advantage of the AA program over QF is that Qantas has one of the stingiest programs around in terms of the amount of miles you need to get a free flight or upgrade, whereas most US airlines generally require far less miles.

U.S.
Level Contributor
267 posts
1 review
3 helpful votes
7. Re: What can I expect from Qantas econony class??
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We just flew from SF to Sydney and back during the last two weeks-- I completely agree with all the other comments and advice.

It is disheartening to walk past those nice pods and sleeping areas, but often you will have an empty seat next to you, in economy. The seat backs with adjustable head wings are really helpful.

The entertainment system is great and helps the time go by. Meals are fine too, and come with a bottle of wine or beer. Bringing a few of your own snacks is a good idea, but on arrival, Customs will throw out any fresh food, (even my California walnuts.)

The Aboriginal design uniforms are by the Aussie designer, Morrissey.

It will be extra fun to be with friends, but you might also meet travellers who would tell you more about Australia.

Santa Cruz...
Level Contributor
1,463 posts
172 reviews
346 helpful votes
8. Re: What can I expect from Qantas econony class??
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We flew SFO direct to Sydney last year and found Qantas to be wonderful! They are one of the better long haul airlines IMHO.

Check seatguru.com if you haven't already got a seat assignment. We had seats in the back of the plane, where they go down to the 2 across. Wonderful for my 6'4" husband. If you have got your seat assginments, you can actually spot your seats online.

Have fun. You will absolutely LOVE Australia. It is such a beautiful country and the people..wow!

Clearwater, Florida
Level Contributor
55 posts
4 reviews
9. Re: What can I expect from Qantas econony class??
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Would flying in Australia on Qantas count for OneWorld points?

Austin
Level Contributor
933 posts
12 reviews
34 helpful votes
10. Re: What can I expect from Qantas econony class??
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Make a point to watch the Australian movies on Q on Demand. Good (and even great) movies you will not see in the states. Also enjoyed a documentary about the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Qantas is much better (no comparison, really) than the transatlantic offerings we have endured for my husband's work.

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