Qantas Perth-Paris: Marathon Economy Review

We review economy class on the Qantas launch service of the Perth to Paris nonstop and find its excellent value, particularly for those with children.

Excitement level: sky-high

Imagine my delight at boarding the first-ever Perth to Paris direct flight with Qantas! Born in Paris but raised in Perth, this direct connection is like a dream come true. With family in both cities and frequent trips to the Moulin Rouge for work, this flight is an absolute game changer.

Pre-flight lounge experience: worth every penny

I was lucky enough to snag a lounge pass for this special flight. Usually, I wouldn't have access, but if there's any way to get in, I highly recommend it. The atmosphere was electric, and the food? Absolutely divine!

Boarding and first impressions

The boarding process was quick and efficient, a great start to the journey. All Qantas staff were incredible (as always!) The no Wi-Fi situation was a bit of a downer—no, you can't even buy it—but knowing this ahead of time, I pre-downloaded a ton of content. Pro tip: Do the same, or you might find yourself in a mid-air boredom crisis!

In-flight comfort and entertainment

Settling into my economy seat, I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, it's a long haul (17 hours, if you're counting), but the bulkhead legroom wasn't bad at all. even just the little touches of having lady products in the toilets (shout out to Libra) were a nice touch, even if I didn't need them.

Meals and sleep strategy

Dinner service was quick, and the lights were dimmed soon after—clearly, they wanted us to sleep. The beef dinner was actually great, which was a nice surprise. The food was surprisingly good, with a hot breakfast of bacon and eggs being a winner. The mid-flight pizza was a nice touch. The subtle lighting changes really helped adjust to the new timezone, reducing jetlag.

Service and amenities

Qantas nailed the service. The crew was attentive, and despite some light turbulence, the flight was relatively smooth. The crew managed the 17-hour marathon impressively, likely taking turns for breaks. Hats (and Berets) off to them; they must have nerves of steel and a bottomless supply of coffee!

Entertainment system

While the movie selection wasn't mind-blowing, it was sufficient for the 17-hour journey. The high-definition touchscreen had everything you needed, from movies to music to an interactive flight map. Blankets were average but the pillows were huge and fluffy enough to make me forget about it.

READ our Business Class Review

Pinch me, I’m in Paris!

Leaving Perth at night and waking up just in time for breakfast in Paris felt surreal. I had to pinch myself a few times to make sure it was real. Arriving in the City of Light, refreshed and ready for a croissant, was an experience I won't forget. It's a bit like magic, really—one moment you're in Perth, and the next you're seeing the Eiffel Tower through the aircraft window.

Arrival in Paris: A pleasant surprise

Landing in Paris was a breeze. The customs lines at CDG were the quickest I've ever seen, and baggage arrived within 10-15 minutes—rare and amazing for CDG! We were greeted by a big kangaroo and quokka mascots, French accordion music, and Qantas staff handing out jus d'orange pressé and croissants. Though this was likely a special touch for the inaugural flight, it was a delightful welcome. Nothing like a bit of Parisian flair to say, “Bienvenue!”

Why direct is a game changer

Let's talk about the real hero here: the direct flight. No more juggling kids, carry-ons, and sanity during those stopovers. Forget trying to find a decent meal in a crowded airport while watching the clock. Now, you board in Perth, get cosy in your seat, and wake up in Paris. It's like teleportation but with more legroom and much better food. Setting up once, plugging in devices, and settling into movies—all done in one go. No more disembarking and reboarding with half your energy and double the frustration. This direct flight is the ultimate convenience, especially for those with kids - Final verdict: 100% worth it

Pros of economy class

• Efficient and friendly staff

• Half the flight is spent sleeping, thanks to the smart lighting

• Waking up in Paris without the layover hassle is amazing

• The direct flight saves time and reduces stress, especially for families

The Perth to Paris direct flight is a game changer. The overall convenience and comfort far outweigh any minor issues. So, if you're planning a trip between these two fabulous cities, this direct flight is the way to go.

EDITOR Note: Airlineratings.com paid for Sandy West's flight, she was not a guest of Qantas.