When skipping across the Tasman, there’s certainly no shortage of ‘flying kangaroos’ in our skies. Qantas has upped the ante this year with a surge in flights across the ditch. For example, from late October, Qantas will start adding more than 175,000 additional seats to its Tasman routes, compared to its current schedule. Brisbane-Christchurch flights will increase from daily to between 10 to 12 services per week from late October. 

Melbourne-Christchurch flights will increase from daily to 12 per week over the December/January peak and continue between 10 to 12 per week through 2025. Qantas already flies 14 flights a week to Sydney from Christchurch. Elsewhere, Qantas has just increased its flights from Wellington to Melbourne to 10 per week. Recently, they launched a Wellington-Brisbane service, while Qantas will add direct services from Auckland to Perth next year, in addition to its existing services to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. 

The Qantas 737-800. Photo / Qantas

Recently I hopped across the Tasman, flying Qantas to Sydney and onto Cairns. It is particularly good to be able to enjoy Business class across the Tasman, without breaking the bank. Why not indulge a little, with reasonably priced fares? My Christchurch-Sydney flight was operated by a 737-800 flight, so the Business cabin is configured in a 2-2 configuration, with no dreaded middle seat anxiety to contend with.  

All Business seats are either window or aisle. But the fun begins before departure time. You’ll enjoy a dedicated premium check-in lane, plus priority boarding lane. Before your flight, chill out in the Business Lounge, headlined by Neil Perry-designed menus in Australia, fine wines, in-house baristas and island dining. 

Upon boarding and taking my seat in 3C, I was quickly offered a drink of still or sparkling water or champagne, by the effervescent cabin crew.  I decided to take the latter, which went down very well. My luxurious wide leather seat (55.9cm) was equipped with an extendable leg rest, adjustable headrest, ergonomically designed and had a comfortable recline. Designed in collaboration with acclaimed designer Marc Newson, it’s super-comfy. 

Business seating in the 737-800. Photo / Qantas

I had an AC and USB power outlet at my disposal to keep my devices charged. Mood lighting on the flight also helps create an agreeable atmosphere, especially when the sun is rising or setting. Noise-reducing headphones are provided by Qantas, which I trustily deployed to soak up endless on-demand inflight entertainment options, which are available from the moment you take your seat. 

From blockbuster movies, TV box-sets, the biggest comedies, engaging documentaries and kids shows, Qantas lays it on thick when it comes to screen-time. In fact, there’s more than 2,500 hours of movies, TV shows and on-demand content at your fingertips, whether you want to watch it on the seatback screen or on your personal device. The biggest variety of content is available via the Qantas Entertainment App. Download it before you fly and you can start watching from the moment you board.  

Food and beverage is another area where Qantas excels. The Qantas Neil Perry Sommeliers proudly showcase a selection of wine from across Australia along with a range of spirits and non-alcoholic options. The spirits selection now features Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin as the standard pour and H by Hine Cognac as a premium cognac offering. The dining experience is enhanced by stylish tableware designed by David Caon. 

The breakfast quiche on Qantas. Photo / Mike Yardley 

The contemporary dining menu is tailored to the time of day, accentuating locally sourced produce. Across all my flights, the dishes were flavourful and nutritious, from the curry chicken and rice to the most magnificent breakfast quiche I have ever experienced. Everything was cooked to precision, complemented with great sides, breads and sweets. Across all four flights I took with Qantas, the cabin crew service was consistently exceptional. They went out of their way to ensure that I had a comfortable, enjoyable in-flight experience. And every flight ran to time. It was a pleasure to fly with Qantas.  For best fares and seats to suit, head to www.qantas.com 

Mike Yardley is our resident traveller on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.