Flight Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Flight No. | QF35 |
| Origin | Melbourne (MEL) |
| Destination | Singapore (SIN) |
| Aircraft | A380-800 (VH-OQA - Nancy-Bird Walton) |
| Booking Class | Economy |
| Seat | 35A (Premium Economy seat, upper deck) |
| Flight Time | 7h 56m |
| Departure | 12:46 PM (41m late) |
| Arrival | 6:42 PM (27m late) |
| Date | May, 2025 |
Background: A Special A380 Encounter
Qantas typically operates two daily A330 flights between Melbourne and Singapore. However, on this particular day in May 2025, a delightful surprise awaited: a Qantas A380-800, the "superjumbo jet," was deployed to replace the usual A330 services. As a first-time flyer on a Qantas A380, my excitement was palpable. The cherry on top? The premium economy cabin on the upper deck was available for economy passengers to select seats, a choice I gladly made. This review will therefore focus on the premium economy seat comfort coupled with the standard economy service. Adding to the jackpot, business class passengers on this flight were also offered the option to select a seat in the First Class cabin on the main deck at no extra cost!
Pre-Flight Experience
Check-In: My check-in was seamless, completed online as I was traveling with hand luggage only.
At the Airport:
My journey began at Terminal 2 of Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL). I thoroughly enjoyed the amenities of the Qantas International First Lounge.
Boarding commenced almost half an hour behind schedule at Gate 11. While group boarding was implemented, the sheer number of passengers made it challenging to enforce effectively, leading to some confusion.
The Seat
Boarding from the front of the upper deck, I walked through the business class cabin to find my premium economy seat, 35A, by the window at the back. The premium economy cabin features an 8-abreast 2-4-2 layout.
My first impression of the seat was its inviting width and stylish all-black design. Upon sitting down, the plush cushioning and good lumbar support were immediately noticeable. As a moderately tall person (1.87m), the legroom was ample, making it impossible for my knees to touch the seat back in front.
The headrest is adjustable for maximum comfort. Directly in front, a 13.3-inch high-definition touch IFE screen is mounted. Below it, a small storage pouch and an eye-catching beige-brown colored literature pocket are neatly placed.
For charging devices, there are two USB ports: one conveniently located under the IFE screen and another under the armrest between the seats.
At the end of the armrest, a shared cocktail table with a tasteful wooden texture is available. A footrest/net in front of the seat is a thoughtful addition. Lighting options include two reading lights – one at the top with higher intensity and a warmer-toned one on the side of the seat, both controllable via the IFE screen. Individual air nozzles are also provided for personalized temperature control.
The seat offers a generous 9.5 inches of recline. Crucially, it's not a "hard-shell" design, meaning you don't slide forward when reclining. However, it's worth noting that your legroom can still be slightly compromised when the person in front reclines.
A significant perk of the window seats on the A380 upper deck (with the exception of the last few rows) are the large, convenient storage bins located alongside the seat.
Amenities
Upon boarding, a water bottle, pillow, blanket, and noise-cancelling headphones were thoughtfully placed on my seat.
Meal Service
The meal service on this medium-haul flight was undoubtedly one of the best I've experienced in economy.
It began with a snack and drink service shortly after take-off. Pretzels and almonds were offered, and I opted for a refreshing gin & tonic, though a wide array of beverages from soft drinks and juices to beer and wine were available.
Soon after, lunch service commenced. The options presented were "chicken, beef, or biryani." I chose the biryani, which was the vegetarian option. It was served with focaccia bread, cheese, and crackers. The biryani certainly didn't skimp on spices; it was flavorful, with a pleasant tingling sensation on the tongue.
For dessert, a Bulla's chocolate salted caramel slice ice cream bar was provided – a perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth.
Following the meal service, the diligent crew offered not one, but two additional snacks: a triple choc cookie and sweet chilli lime flavored Piranha crisps.
The crew's commitment to continuous water runs throughout the flight was commendable. Approximately an hour and a half before landing, the final snack service began. The choices were "pork dumplings or arancini." I selected the arancini, which arrived hot and, surprisingly, with a still-crispy coating.
I was thoroughly and happily fed throughout this flight!
In-Flight Entertainment (IFE)
The IFE system featured a wide, high-definition touch screen. A generous selection of Paramount box sets was available, alongside the latest blockbusters and timeless classics like Harry Potter.
Intriguingly, there was a "wine notes" section that described the premium wines typically offered on board. Unfortunately, these specific wines were not served in the economy cabin on this flight.
The interactive flight map and flight camera views were also available.
Service
The cabin crew demonstrated remarkable efficiency and proactiveness throughout the flight. While not overtly effusive, their professionalism and apparent enjoyment of their work were evident and appreciated. They were consistently willing to fulfill requests when asked. As a Platinum member, I received a personalized greeting from a senior crew member both after take-off and before landing, a thoughtful touch.
The lavatories were meticulously maintained and kept clean throughout the entire flight.
Additionally, the self-service snack bar at the rear of the aircraft was consistently replenished, a great convenience for passengers.
Verdict
Overall, this Qantas flight proved to be one of the more enjoyable experiences I've had with the airline, largely thanks to the proactive and efficient cabin crew. The meals were generous in portion, delicious, and well-presented. Flying on the upper deck of the A380 truly offers a very pleasant way to travel.
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