Is Qantas domestic business class worth it? For this price it is

The airline: Qantas (QantasLink)

• Route Melbourne to Brisbane, flight QF1254
• Frequency 12-15 times daily (Qantas and QantasLink)
• Aircraft Airbus A220-300
• Class Business; seat 2A, window
• Flight time 2 hours, 20 minutes (we arrive 15 minutes ahead of schedule)

Checking in

Melbourne Airport is calmly quiet mid-morning, mid-week. Priority screening whisks me to the Qantas Business Lounge in minutes. I spot today’s plane – one of QantasLink’s newest, strikingly painted green with “Minyma Kutjara Tjukurpa” Aboriginal artwork. Sharing a Dreaming story of two sisters travelling home, the theme resonates with this former Brisbanite.

Baggage

Two checked bags up to 32 kilograms each in business class (three bags for Qantas Platinum and Platinum One). Up to 14 kilograms of cabin baggage across two bags, with 10 kilograms in a single bag, at most. One small item on top (e.g. handbag, duty-free goods or slimline laptop case). Priority check-in and priority boarding skips the queues.

Loyalty scheme

Qantas Frequent Flyer, part of the Oneworld Alliance. Earn from 2625 points and 60 status credits – more for Qantas Silver, Gold, Platinum and Platinum One, and on flexible fares.

The seat

This cosy 10-seat section comes in a 2-2 configuration, but it’s peculiar. The third row puts business class on one side of the aisle and economy class on the other. Business still gets its own toilet, and I’m in 2A, avoiding that row with the identity crisis. With 23.9 inches (60.8cm) of width and 37 inches (94cm) of pitch (legroom), it’s roomy enough. I raise the calf rest, sample the five-inch (12.7cm) recline, and get the headrest into the perfect spot. I’m geared up for a nap, but alas, it’s work time. I discover a foot net closer to landing. There’s also a water bottle holder and an extendable cocktail table for the obligatory bubbly.

Entertainment + tech

Goodbye, fixed screens. Bring your own device to access a vast array of free streaming content. Mount your tablet on the seat back or use the tray table’s new tablet holder. Wi-Fi is free and fast: video plays with barely a stutter. Dual USB-A and USB-C charging ports replace AC power. I’m ecstatic to find wireless charging – exclusive to Qantas’ newest aircraft – on a day that I’ve forgotten to pack my phone charger. What are the odds?

Service

We’re off to a good start when my jacket is promptly whisked into the cabin’s closet. Crew address passengers by name during the meal service and are personable and efficient as they come through the cabin. That’s all you can ask for on a quick hop.

Food

I wasn’t expecting breakfast at lunchtime, but here we are. I skip the muesli dish in favour of potato rosti with beef sausage, mushroom and spinach. It’s palatable but reminiscent of a hotel buffet. Evidently, Neil Perry only caters Qantas’ international flights. There’s also a raspberry muffin, a muesli bar and the typical drink options. Get in fast on the fresh orange juice – once that bottle runs out, it’s Just Juice from here. Knowing there’s only filtered coffee, I bring a latte from the lounge.

Sustainability

Qantas Green Tier rewards sustainable activities such as buying carbon offsets, with the airline targeting net zero emissions by 2050. In 2017, Qantas transitioned to lighter-weight cutlery, crockery and glassware – seen on this flight – to save “up to 535 tonnes in fuel” annually.*

One more thing

This seat can also be found on Qantas’ new Airbus A321XLRs, and from 2027, on many of its Boeing 737s.

The price

Fly business class from $1138 return, or for about 58,000 points plus $156 as a round-trip Classic Reward.**

The verdict

Given business class costs barely $200 more than flexible economy, the trade up is worth it in my book. An extra $100 per hour to fly like a boss? Done deal.

Our rating out of five

★★★★

The writer flew at his own expense.

*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.