Due to COVID border closures, it's been a few years since I've flown Qantas internationally so thought I'd take this opportunity to do a Trip Report. I flew over on QF1 mid-December and back a few days ago. In all, an enjoyable flight with great in-flight service, but pre-departure and food & beverage could be improved.

Transport to Airport:
For a transfer from central London to Heathrow T3, I opted for Uber. The usual 40 min journey took an hour, due to traffic (mid-week early January). So safest to allow a bit of extra time if travelling by car.

Check-in:
On arrival at T3, the First check-in area was unattended. The agent soon returned. Check-in was not informative - no information on location of security screening, lounge options, etc. I later noticed that my bag also hadn't been tagged priority/First.

LHR T3 security screening:
In a word- shambolic. It took almost 30 mins on "fast track", due to only two of the three lanes being open and the staff then closing a lane when the automated tray delivery stopped. A little common sense to carry over some trays or open the other lane would have been helpful.

Lounge:
The Qantas Lounge is a short few mins walk from security - passing through the main shopping area. Surprisingly, they allow paid entry even when - like during my visit - the lounge was packed. Unlike when Qantas had a single lounge in Singapore, they have no dedicated seating for First passengers. Unable to locate a seat, I spoke with the manager who was able to secure a seat by redistributing some passengers that were spread out. Whilst busy, service in the lounge was good - the table cleared and wiped before being seated, replenishments being offered by table service. The toilets were in need of servicing, noting they also had a large queue (given unisex and no urinals). The ground floor has a restaurant and gin bar, and upper level is a lounge bar

Departure:
As usual, QF2 departed from Gate 1 - around a 5 min walk from the lounge, at the end of the concourse. On reaching the gate you are immediately checked in - noting there are two lines, one of economy and one for all other travel classes. Arriving 10 mins before the scheduled boarding time there was no queue. You are then held in the seating area before boarding commences. Families with infants were boarded, then First passengers followed by other travel classes. A very organised boarding sequence when compared to QF1 from SYD. Given Checking the seat map the day before via Expert Flyer, there were still 2 seats showing as available in First but by boarding all were occupied. Push back from the gate was just a few mins behind schedule, which for QF1/2 is excellent. The cabin crew were very welcoming and friendly (one even recognising me from a previous flight a few weeks prior), and service throughout the flight was excellent.

Cabin:
The refreshed A380 cabin is pleasant - the soft colour scheme has been refreshed, the TV screen and in-suite controls have been improved and the previously drab and cramp upstairs lounge area has been expanded and is now a good option to social if you're travelling in a group. Sleep quality is excellent, and the cabin temperature not too warm. Cabin cleanliness could have been improved - I opted to use some Dettol wipes around my seat.

Supper:
With an evening flight, supper was served following departure. Being vegetarian, I opted for the carrot soup (delicious), pan fried polenta (bland) and a cheese plate (good). In terms of wine, whilst it was a lovely surprise to have Bollinger 2014 Grand Annee as the champagne the rest of the wine list was quite average. The cabin crew were clearly embarrassed by the physical appearance of the wine list also - it consisting of the usual menu which omitted several listings which were appended by several A4 sheets with a huge typeface (including spelling mistakes). Their signature Penfold's Grandfather wasn't listed, but thankfully still available. Spirit selection remains disappointing for First, and they continue to be able to make Bloody Marys even though listed under cocktails.

Breakfast:
Whilst arrival was around 6pm Singapore time, the second meal service was breakfast. Their fruit smoothie was tasty, as was the scrambled eggs and toast. The hashbrowns were on the soggy side.

In-Flight Entertainment:
On both this flight and my December one I noticed a significant deterioration in the selection and quality when compared to pre-COVID times. It's worth considering downloading some films to your own device to watch.

Arrival at SIN:
Landing roughly to schedule, we had a short 5 min taxi on landing. There was a slight delay connecting the skybridge. Arriving at T1 Arrival Hall C, there was quite a queue for the manned desks but zero queue for the egates (located to the left, between the Singapore nationals egates and the manned desks). Be sure to complete your electronic arrival declaration prior to benefit from a speedy immigration experience.

Baggage:
At the efficiency at which disembarkation and immigration had occurred, there was around 15 mins wait on luggage. Thereafter, no delay at customs