TRAVEL | Qantas operates two flights a day between Singapore and Melbourne. The Airbus A330-200 (“A330”) is currently used on the route, and travellers can choose between Economy and Business Class (the A330 doesn’t have a Premium Economy cabin). The average flight time on this route is 7 hours and 20 minutes.
Check In
Check in very straight forward. You can check in online, or using Qantas’ app. You can enter in all relevant passport and visa information before your flight, and receive an online boarding pass. If you’re using the app, there’s up-to-date notifications about gate changes, flight delays, and the like, and you can use the boarding pass on the app at the gate.
If you have luggage to check in, there are several bag drop off counters with a few Qantas staff walking around the area to assist if needed. There’s also the option of traditional staffed check in counters if you wish.
Loyalty
Qantas’ loyalty program is simply named Qantas Frequent Flyer, which is free to join. Qantas are also part of the OneWorld alliance, which offers the option of points transfers and certain reciprocal privileges.
Qantas have two lounges at Changi International Airport – Singapore Business Lounge, and the Singapore First Lounge. Both are open for eligible Qantas and OneWorld alliance members.
Luggage
Checked luggage is included with all Qantas Economy tickets when flying international. You can check-in one bag up to 32kg, and a carry-on bag (115cm) up to 7kg. You can also carry on a small item that can fit under your seat.
Service
I couldn’t fault the service on the flight from Singapore to Melbourne. Staff were cheerful, professional, and always happy to help if I needed anything.
Cabin
The Qantas Economy cabin on the A330 that flies from Sydney to Honolulu features 271 seats, in a 2-4-2 layout. Colour wise it’s black, white and red – in line with Qantas’ branding. The cabin is very clean.
Seat
The cushioned fabric seat has dimensions of about 79cm x 43cm. Like any economy seat, it doesn’t recline that far back. It does, however, have built-in lumbar support, an adjustable head rest, and softer cushioning than a lot of the competition. Netted footrests provide a sense of more legroom than might usually be the case.
Each seat has a USB port, video input, and AC power outlet. Enough power is provided through the ports to power most devices, including a laptop.
On the back of the seat there’s dual mesh pockets for magazines and other belongings. Inside it, you’ll find the latest copy of “Qantas Magazine”, which is full of interesting articles and destination guides.
Entertainment
The back of each Qantas Economy seat has no screen, but rather a space where you can either affix your own device, or the provided iPad, which you can use to access Qantas’ Panasonic eX3 inflight entertainment system. On it you’ll find around 1,500 entertainment options on demand, including around 100 movies, 500 TV programs, 800 music options, and 18 radio channels. Content rotates regularly to ensure that the content remains fresh and current.
Provided headphones are cushioned over-the-eat style headphones with decent sound quality, and basic passive noise reduction. For me it’s my trusty SONY WH-1000XM3 noise cancelling headphones with an adaptor for the headphone socket.
Food
Meals are included with all Qantas Economy tickets. Both flights leave in the evening, so it’s dinner that’s served.
Menus rotate regularly on Qantas flights, with three main options available, showcasing seasonal Australian produce. Things like Pasta with Pork and Tomato Ragu, Korean Chilli and Garlic Chicken with Kimchi, and Black Pepper Beef with Oyster Mushrooms. I opted for pasta, and was impressed. Some might want there to be a bit more pork, but it’s filling, tasty, and well balanced. You also get a bread roll, and an almond cake.
To drink, it’s a selection of Australian wine, beer, and spirits. There’s also water, juice, soft drink, coffee and tea.
In the morning, there’s unfortunately no full breakfast. You get a pastry, think chicken and leek roll, sausage roll, and your choice of coffee, tea, or juice.
If you’re ever hungry outside of meal time you can just ask one of the flight attendants and they’ll bring you a snack or a drink. Think water, cheese, and crackers.
Amenities
On the seat when you first board is a blanket and a pillow. An amenities kit, featuring a dental kit, eye mask, and earplugs, is available on request.
Verdict
I enjoyed my flight from Singapore to Melbourne on Qantas. I appreciate the decent food, ability to affix my own tablet to the back of the seat for entertainment, and the larger than usual mesh compartment to stash my stuff. Service is friendly, making for an overall pleasant flight.