The rear of the economy cabin has no overhead luggage compartments above the middle seats.Credit:
58D. Seats are arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration, with a pitch of 32 inches (81.28cm) and width of 17 inches (43.18cm). I’ve selected the second-last seat because the back of the plane is often quiet, but this day’s flight is jam-packed. There are no overhead compartments above the centre seats in the last four rows, and though storage space is expansive on this aircraft I can’t find space for my modest-sized day pack. It doesn’t squeeze beneath the seat in front of me, either. Aisle access somewhat relieves my discomfort, and the seat easily accommodates my average-sized frame. A side note: on the return leg I’m moved to the last row, seat 59D, to make way for a family. Contrary to my fears, the seat reclines, and the absence of rear neighbours affords a sense of spaciousness.
Entertainment + tech
The lights are dimmed after take-off despite this being a daytime flight. Credit: Craig Platt
This is a daytime flight but the Dreamliner’s windows are immediately dimmed, making for easy viewing of a surfeit of content on the 12-inch entertainment screen. The Oscar contenders are all there, along with classics, family favourites and niche genres. I love the audiobook selection, with works by Australian writers like Hannah Kent, Sally Hepworth and Markus Zusak, and the meals menu, which negates the need for inaudible announcements. The nifty cubbyhole with a USB is the perfect spot to store my phone while it’s charging.
Service
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I get the distinct sense that Qantas flight attendants’ morale has lifted, that they’re making an effort to re-establish trust with jaded passengers. The service is warm, attentive and enlivened with a dash of that quintessentially Australian jocularity.
Food
A snack pack of olive dip, veggie sticks and lavosh is served with drinks after take-off. Sitting at the back is risky at mealtime: I bag the last chicken schnitzel parmigiana with sweet potato mash for lunch, followed by a chocolate ice-cream. Copious snacks are available in the galley, and attendants bring around a light meal of a Portuguese chicken sandwich. Supper service begins at the back of the plane and I select the plant-based lemon herb pearl couscous with vegetables and toasted almonds. Vegan meals are the most frequently requested dietary choice on Qantas flights, and plant-based options are now standard on all international flights.
Carbon emissions
0.622 tonnes for flying economy class. Customers can earn points when offsetting their flights with Qantas’ Fly Carbon-Neutral program; the airline will match customers’ offset contributions.
One more thing
Good news for regular passengers on this busy route: from late September 2024 the flight will operate on the far-larger A380.
The price
From about $1800 return from Sydney*.
The verdict
This non-stop flight is by far the best way of reaching Johannesburg and it’s good to see that, after a shaky few years, Qantas is getting its rhythm back.
Our rating out of five
★★★★