Before basking under the Hawaiian sun, snorkeling with sea turtles, or indulging in Mai Tais, travelers must first embark on their journey to this vibrant destination. The recent inaugural Qantas flight from Melbourne to Honolulu marked a significant milestone in air travel between Australia and Hawaii, and I had the privilege of experiencing it firsthand.
As someone who has long dreamed of visiting the Hawaiian Islands, the anticipation for the flight itself was palpable. This was not just any flight; it was my first time flying business class, and my expectations were sky-high. From fully reclining seats to the iconic Qantas pyjamas, I was eager to see if the experience lived up to its reputation.
New Flight Route: Melbourne to Honolulu
This month, Qantas launched its inaugural flight from Melbourne to Honolulu, taking over Jetstar’s previous direct route. The service now operates three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The Airbus A330, featuring 28 Business and 243 Economy seats, is set to add more than 80,000 seats annually to O’ahu from Melbourne.
Holly McArdell, a Business and First Flight Attendant, expressed her excitement about the new route. “We have not had the opportunity to travel out of Melbourne to Honolulu before,” she shared. “You really do feel like you are on holiday, even if it is just for 48 hours.” The cabin crew, with a 48-hour layover in Honolulu, seemed to enjoy the route as much as the passengers.
Pre-Flight Experience: Qantas International Business Lounge
Upon arriving at Melbourne Airport, the atmosphere was festive, with hula dancers and performers celebrating the inaugural flight. The check-in process was seamless, thanks to the efficient Qantas customer service team. After checking in, I headed to the Qantas International Business Lounge, a serene oasis featuring a wine bar, buffet spread, and various seating options.
With a glass of shiraz in hand, I relaxed and mingled with fellow travelers, setting the tone for the journey ahead. The lounge offered a perfect prelude to the flight, combining comfort and elegance.
In-Flight Experience: Comfort and Luxury
Boarding the Airbus A330, I was warmly greeted by the cabin crew adorned with leis, setting a festive Hawaiian tone. My seat, 7K, was a spacious window seat equipped with pillows, blankets, a toiletries bag, and a remote for the entertainment system. The offer of champagne and Qantas pyjamas added a touch of luxury, and I eagerly filled out my breakfast menu for the following morning.
The business class seats were equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, offering an immersive entertainment experience. The extensive selection of films, including new releases, provided ample options for relaxation. As the cabin lights dimmed after dinner, I reclined my seat into an 80-inch flat bed, enjoying a restful sleep.
Culinary Delights at 30,000 Feet
The in-flight menu, curated by Qantas and Australian Chef Neil Perry, did not disappoint. My meal began with Tomato and Fennel soup, followed by Red Wine Braised Beef Short Rib with potato purée. Dessert was a decadent dark chocolate mousse with yoghurt ganache, wattleseed strawberries, and macadamia.
A comprehensive assortment of drinks and snacks was available throughout the flight, catering to any peckish travelers. The breakfast service, featuring a cold-pressed green juice, croissant, and yoghurt with granola, was a delightful way to start the day as we approached Honolulu.
Arrival in Paradise
The 10-hour and 20-minute flight to Honolulu flew by, thanks to the entertainment, food, and comfort. We landed at 7:30 am, greeted by the stunning turquoise waters and a new sunny day in O’ahu. The welcoming committee, complete with tropical leis and hula performers, celebrated the flight’s successful arrival.
Reflecting on the journey, I would return to Honolulu in a heartbeat. The Qantas Business Class experience exceeded my high expectations, transforming the flight into a holiday itself. From the moment of arrival to departure, the journey was imbued with the spirit of aloha.
The writer traveled as a guest of Qantas. Qantas operates direct flights from Melbourne to Honolulu three times per week.
