Trip I’ve made numerous times, ATL – DFW – SYD – CHC. Flight from ATL arrived at DFW only ten minutes late. QF flight pushed back on time but did not start the engines for 40 minutes. Captain said there was a technical problem, but nothing to worry about. Landed at SYD at 0601. Technical problem – SYD doesn’t open until 0600. Of course the Captain’s haste to push back meant that my baggage did not make it. Showed up four days later.
Tips on using QF:
You must be awake when the food is served, they make no attempt to wake you despite a 15 – 17 hour flight. Have other passengers wake you, QF staff will not even wake you if you asked them to in advance;
For long layovers in SYD, one of the crumbiest airports for long layovers, if not a club member, take a 30 day membership with AA and get use of QF’s club lounge where meals are served in a relatively quiet and comfortable environment. QF does not offer an equivalent membership;
Be aware AA club membership is not honored by QF in CHC, but this is a much more civilized airport than SYD;
Be aware QF long haul passengers often switched to Jetstar for short flights from and to SYD, despite original reservation being on QF
Home Qantas review by Hugh 2016-06-21
