Information on Qantas Airways Flights

Billing itself as the “spirit of Australia” and carrying the iconic red kangaroo on its tail, Qantas is as Australian an airline. I really love Qantas’s famously friendly crew, Aussie treats and comfortable seats in all cabin classes, but these expert tips will make your journey even better. Here’s what to know when flying Qantas (and yes, it’s pronounced “quantas”).

The Qantas model

Qantas Airways, founded as the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services over a century ago, is a large international full-service airline based in Sydney. It flies extensively within Australia and internationally to all continents except Antarctica. The Qantas network is divided into regional Australia flights (branded as QantasLink), domestic mainline flights, regional international services and long-haul flights.

If you’re connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight within Australia, note that the international terminals in Brisbane and Sydney are in separate buildings on different sides of the airports. You’ll have a faster and easier connection via Melbourne or Perth, so I always choose those airports if everything else is equal.

Qantas also owns Jetstar, a large low-cost carrier in Australia with sister airlines in Singapore and Japan. When booking, double check that your flight is operated by Qantas rather than Jetstar if you’re looking for the full Qantas experience.

Transpacific flights to the US

On the long-haul between Australia and the US in either direction, it’s especially important to choose your route carefully. Routes can offer a variety of layover destinations, and these can change which aircraft you’ll be flying. By and large, I try to fly as much of the trip on Qantas planes rather than its partners because the seats, service, food and overall experience are much better.

To do this from New York, choose the one-stop route with a layover in Auckland. With this itinerary, you’ll remain on Qantas planes for the full journey and have the best experience. Elsewhere east of the Mississippi, or if you’re flying to Melbourne, you’re best connecting in Dallas/Fort Worth. That way, you’ll maximize the amount of time you’re on Qantas.

For the US west of the Mississippi, or if you’re flying to Brisbane, connect in Los Angeles. If you’re flying to Sydney, San Francisco is also an option. Nonstop flights from Sydney to New York and London are coming and will be the longest flights in the world onboard specially outfitted Airbus A350 airplanes.

Flights between Europe and Australia

Qantas famously used to fly a multi-stop route between Australia and Europe, stopping off several times before airplanes gained the range they have now. Today, your choices are to take a layover in Singapore or Perth, or to fly with Qantas’s partner Emirates, via Dubai, to connect with its massive European network.

Qantas flies from Singapore to London, connecting passengers from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and, from 2025, Auckland and Darwin. Flying from A380 between London and Singapore will bring you a more comfortable flight in economy compared with the narrower seats on its 787 on other routes, so take this option if available.

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is a great airport to spend layover time in, but Qantas has its own hybrid international-domestic terminal in Perth that’s a great option for layovers, too. Flights from here also go to London, but include Paris and Rome, making it a more useful connection for European routes.

Classes of travel and fares

Qantas offers economy on all flights, business class on most, premium economy on all its widebody international flights and first class on routes flown by the A380. For most routes, you can choose a Sale, Saver or Flex ticket – these rise in price as you add options like more mileage earned, no change fees, free cancellation, seat selection and upgrading using points. The cheapest Sale ticket will be just fine for most passengers.

Qantas economy seats

Seats in economy class vary widely on Qantas depending on which airplane you’re on, but are fairly standard for a full-service carrier. The best for the long-haul are on the Airbus A380. With its wide cabin, the seats are also wider, while the Boeing 787 seats are narrower by an inch or more. The Airbus A330 seats fall just between.

When flying within Australia, choose a flight on the QantasLink Airbus A220 if you can – it’s a new airplane with roomy seats and a spacious cabin. The old Boeing 717s are being retired but are also comfortable, while the mainline Qantas 737s are just okay. The turboprop De Havilland Dash 8 airplanes serving regional Australia are often the only game in town and they’re certainly better than a really, really long drive.

Qantas premium economy seats

I find premium economy on Qantas to be a great deal. They offer a good amount more space than economy and often for not a lot more money. You’ll find larger recliner seats with fewer passengers in each row, and you’ll also find slightly upgraded meals and service. This cabin class also has its own separate cabin for a quieter and better upgraded experience.

Qantas business class

Business class seats on Qantas differ between short-haul and long-haul flights. The short-haul business seat is the typical reclining seat that you’ll find on most airlines offering a premium cabin on a Boeing 737 – two larger seats on each side of the aisle that come with free food and drinks on most flights.

For long-haul business, Qantas is consistent across the fleet with all planes carrying the same quality seats. These recline into fully lie-flat beds with direct aisle access for every passenger, which is my favorite benefit of this cabin – no need to clamber over the passenger next to you (or be clambered over) in the middle of the night.

Qantas first class

Qantas only offers first class on the A380 planes, and it’s a luxurious experience enhanced by the renowned service the airline provides, blending elegance with approachable friendliness. If you have the budget to splurge with cash or miles, this is definitely a first class experience worthy trying.

With only three seats in each two-aisled row, they’re older seats but still very comfortable. The lack of privacy doors is made up for by the capability to swivel away from the aisle, making them feel very private.

If you’re flying from Sydney, arrive early for the incredible first class lounge and its iconic salt and pepper squid, offered alongside a selection of some of Australia’s best wines. A new, larger and more spacious suite with doors will arrive on forthcoming A350s in the Qatar fleet, elevating the experience further.

Check-in and airport arrival times

The main hub for Qantas is Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), with an additional hub at Perth for European routes. Many Qantas flights fly to and from Melbourne and Brisbane, too. You can check in online via the Qantas app 24 hours in advance, or at the airport, where there are usually expedited bag drop stations for those who have already checked in.

Qantas recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before international flights and one hour before domestic flights. Check with the airline for details if you’re not sure.

There are large, spacious lounges in Australia and some international airports (including LAX), and if you can access a Qantas business or first class lounge (thanks to your ticket or frequent flyer status) you can usually use a partner lounge from a oneworld Alliance airline, like American Airlines or Cathay Pacific, as well. When I visit a Qantas lounge, I always order a proper Australian flat white coffee, and I recommend you try the same.

Qantas in-flight food and drinks

I love the food and beverage program on Qantas – it showcases Australian cuisine, wine, beer and other drinks throughout its experience, whether you’re in economy or at the front of the plane in one of the swankier cabins.

The meals combine international cuisines and modern Australian, with inspiration drawn from the diversity of Australian heritage. Plant-forward options are available, and I recommend that vegetarian travelers order the Asian vegetarian meal in advance.

Try a glass of Aussie wine with your meal, and don’t miss the Bundaberg dark rum, which goes great with a mixer like ginger beer. The famous hot chocolate served on Qantas is absolutely delicious, and you simply must try a Tim Tam.

In-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi

Most Qantas long-haul flights will have on-demand inflight entertainment, but those on smaller planes flying domestically or within the Asia-Pacific region often do not. If you’re on an aircraft without screens, you can use the Qantas Entertainment app to stream free movies and TV shows on your own phone or tablet. I always find something to watch on Qantas, whether that’s a Hollywood blockbuster or an Australian cult classic.

At the moment, Qantas only offers in-flight Wi-Fi on its 737-800, QantasLink A220 and domestic A330-200, although it’s expanding coverage to additional aircraft soon. If Wi-Fi is critical to your experience, be sure to check your aircraft model before booking.