QF 431, SYD-MEL, C, 3E

Mercifully, I have mainly packed the night before, so I’m not too worried about waking up a little late, a final breakfast in the excellent Executive Lounge, an hour online dealing with email and getting back to people and then off to the airport. I’m obviously far too used to dealing with European airport and check-in queues, the domestic terminal at Sydney is hardly busy. Check-in is managed in about 5 minutes, very swift and very painlessly. I wander back outside for a final cigarette and a chat to my partner and then wander back into the domestic Qantas Pub.

Apart from the non-provision of alcohol before 1pm, I must admit that I am quite impressed with the QP, there is an excellent range of tea, coffee, juices, water, snacks scattered around and lots of nice comfortable chairs. An apple juice, a water and a couple of magazines keep me happy until my flight is called.

Which it is bang on time, it’s a pretty full flight as well in both business class and economy on the 767-300, Business class is rather dowdy and slightly dingy and full of obviously very important people in suits who want all the overhead space and then some more. The lack of priority boarding is also a problem, as it seems to clog the aisles up well and truly.

However, we are underway on time, take off is quite swift and as soon as the dings are sounded the crew leap into action. It’s not the longest flight in the world at a mere hour and ten minutes and I’m always impressed by airlines which attempt to give a hot meal service on such a short flight. There are three attendants looking after the very busy business class cabin. During this short period, they manage to do a full meal service (choice between stir-fried beef and a lamb salad) a bar service, a tea and coffee service and offer seconds on wine to people. They also manage to address passengers by name during this, although crib sheets are in evidence.

I choose the lamb salad, which is small but perfectly formed with lots of tender juicy lamb, red and green peppers and a glass of a tannic but pleasant Shiraz.

Refills of wine are offered and a coffee/tea service and then everything is collected and we are swooping into Tullamarine for a slightly early arrival. My bags come off quite quickly compared to a UK airport and it is off into a taxi and off to the Hilton on the Park.