Qantas Introduces Dine on Demand in First Class

A few months ago, I flew Qantas First Class for the first time – an experience which I reviewed on Australian Frequent Flyer. It was a great flight, mainly because the bed was supremely comfortable and the cabin crew were top-notch. But, as a said in that review, there were a few things about the experience that lagged behind what you’d expect when flying First on other world-class international airlines.

Qantas is now addressing some of these points, launching a series of improvements to the soft product in its international First Class cabin. These changes are long overdue and will no doubt be welcomed by frequent flyers.

“Our customers fly First because they value the quality in every detail. On longer flights, a fine dining experience, premium amenities and complete comfort really matter, so we’ve focused on improving each of these areas,” Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said.

“Our incredible Cabin Crew have been undergoing inflight trials and an intensive training program. It is great to welcome new premium partners onboard and we look forward to delivering this new experience for our First customers.”

Here’s a look at exactly what’s changing…

Dine on Demand in Qantas First

Other top international airlines, such as Qatar Airways, have offered “dine on demand” in their premium cabins for years. This admittedly creates extra work for the cabin crew, but it’s very popular with passengers because they can choose to eat whenever it suits them.

Dine on demand is especially useful on long-haul flights that traverse many time zones. It lets passengers plan their flight in a way that works for them. For example, some may prefer to sleep immediately after take-off and eat mid-way through the flight. And now, Qantas is offering this service in First.

Australian Frequent Flyer understands that scrambled eggs will still only be available during a designated breakfast service time, as these need to be prepared immediately prior to being served using a specific technique. (In Qantas First, the crew makes fresh scrambled eggs rather than reheating frozen powdered eggs.) Other menu items will be available any time.

New Aesop amenities and pyjamas

Qantas has also partnered with Australian brand Aesop to stock Aesop amenities in the Qantas First lounges and amenity kits. The new Aesop amenity kits in Qantas First contain Aesop hald balm, hand wash, lip balm and toothpaste, as well as perfume, an eyeshade, toothbrush and 3M earplugs.

The fairly basic contents of the previous Qantas First amenity kit was one of my criticisms of Qantas First Class a few months ago. So it’s great to see this improving.

Qantas has also redesigned its First Class pyjamas and slippers.

New champagne and menu items

Qantas is introducing a wider selection of cocktails and two new premium champagnes in First: Bollinger La Grande Année 2015 and Pommery Cuvée Louise 2006.

This is of course welcome. Hopefully, Qantas also increases the number of premium champagne bottles it loads onto each flight! On my recent flight, the crew ran out of the First Class champagne when we were only halfway to Johannesburg – an experience that many AFF members say they’ve had as well.

Hot towels and premium headphones

In my recent review, I commented that there were no hot towels in First Class, and that the “premium” headphones provided were the same as in Business and not particularly high quality.

The good news is that hot towels are now provided again in Qantas First.

We understand that the airline will also introduce new, noise-cancelling headphones in First Class next year.

How to book Qantas First Class

Qantas offers First Class on its Airbus A380, which flies to Los Angeles, Dallas, Singapore, London and Johannesburg. If you want to buy a ticket in Qantas First Class, I’ve generally found that the Sydney-Johannesburg route is the best value.

If you’re lucky, you might be able to find a Classic Reward seat in First Class which you can book with your Qantas Points. Upgrading with Qantas Points from Business Class is another possibility, if you’re flying on an Airbus A380.