Airlines Reviews

Review: Qantas Business Class A330 Melbourne to Sydney

a inside of an airplane with rows of seats

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I was VERY excited to experience Qantas’ new business class aboard their A330. It’s fitted with all aisle access, Vantage XL seating ( very similar SAS business class ) and we chose to sit in the mini cabin between the main business class cabin and economy. Since this is a domestic flight, it’s sort of a taster course to see how the seat and cabin feel, but with barely over an hour in the air – there’s no time to get a full business class experience. Here’s our review of Qantas Business Class A330 from Melbourne to Sydney.

The Deets:

  • When: April 2018
  • Route: Melbourne to Sydney
  • Flight Time: 1h 25m
  • Aircraft: A330
  • Seat: 8E
  • Loyalty: This was part of our LAX-MEL-SYD redemption of 70k Alaska + $45

Boarding:

We lined up first, scrambled ahead, and luckily we entered the plane between the front cabin and cockpit, grabbed a great main cabin business class photo, and I thought it was super handsome. As you can see the seating is 1-2-1 with alternating seats to the aisle vs set in a bit.

a inside of an airplane with rows of seats

The very best seats for singles are set in against the window. These give you maximum privacy, window views, and shield you from the aisle.

a tv on the side of a plane

Seat:

We sat in the Mini Cabin. As you can see the screens pivot, there is a small storage area in the center along with seating controls, and tray table.

The seat goes completely flat, however, I found the footwell to be a bit tight. I wear a size 12 shoe, but compared to what you’d find on AA’s 772 with Super Diamonds or the 77W business class of Cathay or AA it’s quite a bit tighter.

Food and service

We had a quick snack and the staff seemed a bit stressed getting it served, and I have no idea how I ate again, but I did. That’s breakfast on the Qantas First Flight, a snack in Qantas Business Class lounge, and now again…I’m stuffing my face. It was tasty and far better than what you’d find on a commensurately long flight in the states, or even a longer business/first flight. Very impressed with the food.

a plate of food on a tray

Overall:

We had under 90 minutes to experience this flight and it was great, no complaints, and I’d happily fly it much further. Is it my favorite business class design? No. I prefer the privacy and space that other reverse herringbone configurations provide, but it’s a big step up from their older business class offering ( which you’d find on the A380 I flew over on.)

a teddy bear in a chair in an airplane

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

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1 Comment

  • GC November 11, 2018

    I’m personally a huge fan of the QF 330 business cabins. The seats positioned closer to the window feel relatively private, and the screens they installed on the 330 have a privacy tint to them as well so your neighbours can’t easily see them, which the new 787 screens don’t feature. It’s a great product to have when flying over to NZ or Perth compared to the 737.

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