Review: Qantas Perth-Paris business class

Join Executive Traveller on the 17-hour trek to Paris as the ted-tailed Dreamliner becomes a Seineliner...

By David Flynn, July 16 2024
Review: Qantas Perth-Paris business class

Paris is back on Qantas’ network map, joining London and Rome as the Flying Kangaroo’s third non-stop route from Australia to Europe, with Perth once again serving as the launchpad for these globe-striding Boeing 787 flights.

And make no mistake, this is a long journey.

Like its London-bound sibling, the Perth-Paris flight QF33 clocks in at around 17 hours.

Our Qantas 787 flight to Paris saw the business class seats adorned with celebratory touches.
Our Qantas 787 flight to Paris saw the business class seats adorned with celebratory touches.

But this doesn’t feel like a 17-hour flight, and the continuity of boarding the 787 at Perth and stepping off it in Paris makes for less ‘stress’ than having the journey broken part-way with a stopover where that second leg still lies ahead of you.

Of course, there are plenty of people who for many sensible reasons prefer a stopover which breaks their flight from Australia to Paris at Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha, for example.

However, there’s also much to be said for the direct approach.

This has nothing to do with the notion of saving a few hours, because the overall time for flying Qantas from Sydney or Melbourne to Perth and onto Paris is pretty much the same as with any competing airline via their own hubs.

Instead, the upside is that you can enjoy all of those 17+ hours without interruption, to spend them however you want.

There’s ample time for eating, sleeping, working, watching some movies or binging a boxed set – and you can do those in whatever order works for you, and not losing big chunks of that time due to faffing about with transit stops. 

Just one sleep and one long flight now gets you from Australia to Paris.
Just one sleep and one long flight now gets you from Australia to Paris.

Sydney-Perth-Paris

And yes, we’re aware this is really only a non-stop flight if you start from Perth, which represents a minority of passengers compared to those trekking over from the east coast.

Sydney-siders have it best, with QF33 actually beginning from Sydney, where it departs from Sydney Airport’s T1 international terminal at 1.55pm (to reach Perth at 5.05pm).

This delivers a bonus for Qantas Platinum, Qantas Platinum One and Qantas Chairman’s Lounge members headed all the way from Sydney to Paris – they’ll be able to begin their journey at the superb Qantas First Lounge.

Not so lucky are those consigned to the Qantas Business Lounge at T1, which is still awaiting a long-promised “complete refurbishment and expansion” with upgraded dining and 40% more seating to ease the capacity squeeze.

And before you ask: yes, the domestic Sydney-Perth and Perth-Sydney legs of QF33/QF34 are available to book on their own, and as these are classified as ‘international flights’ you get upgraded meals and drinks from the international menu.

Anyone joining QF33 at Perth has to check in at Terminal 3 and find their way to T3’s poorly-signposted international wing (look for the corridor sandwiched between the Pronto bar and WH Smiths bookstore).

Finding your way to the International wing of Perth's Qantas T3 terminal.
Finding your way to the International wing of Perth's Qantas T3 terminal.

Once through the security and immigration checkpoint, business class passengers, Qantas Gold and Qantas Platinum-grade frequent flyers and Qantas Club members can head to the Qantas Perth International Transit Lounge before QF33 wings its way to Paris.

Qantas' Perth International Transit Lounge.
Qantas' Perth International Transit Lounge.

The Qantas Perth International Transit Lounge has a decent spread of hot and cold buffet dishes, with nods to the new French route including French onion soup, beef bourguignon and baguettes of double-smoked ham, gruyere and cornichons.

Delicious baguettes of double-smoked ham, gruyere and cornichons.
Delicious baguettes of double-smoked ham, gruyere and cornichons.

Or you can go for the reliable pork sausage sandwich with caramelised onion, rocket and barbecue or tomato sauce.

This pork sausage sandwich plays into the lounge's 'outdoor BBQ' theme.
This pork sausage sandwich plays into the lounge's 'outdoor BBQ' theme.

Rounding things out are several salads and a cheese board.

There are plenty of healthier options, too...
There are plenty of healthier options, too...

To help prepare your skin for the long flight ahead, I suggest you take advantage of the Refresh zone (between the male and female lavs) with Lagaia Unedited cleansers and hydration gels.

Before setting out on QF33, take advantage of the Refresh zone.
Before setting out on QF33, take advantage of the Refresh zone.

The boarding gate for QF33 is only a short walk away, and before long the red-tailed Dreamliner – or should that be Seineliner? – is wheels up for the 14,250km journey to Paris.

Qantas 787 business class to Paris 

Anyone who’s flown business class on the Qantas Boeing 787 (along with the upgraded A380s) will know what to expect.

Qantas' 787 business class cabin.
Qantas' 787 business class cabin.

Arranged in a familiar 1-2-1 layout so that every passenger has direct access to the aisle, Qantas’ comfortable 787 Business Suites combine plenty of personal space with a long, comfortable lie-flat bed.

Our Qantas 787 flight to Paris saw the business class seats adorned with celebratory touches.
Our Qantas 787 flight to Paris saw the business class seats adorned with celebratory touches.

I’d suggest changing early into the business class pyjamas, which for the first few months of the Paris flights will be special ‘limited edition’ PJs created by Australian-born Paris-based Martin Grant.

Limited edition Qantas Paris PJs and amenity kit.
Limited edition Qantas Paris PJs and amenity kit.

In a similar soft cotton to Grant’s standard-issue Qantas First pyjamas, they’re available only in M/L and L/XL sizes, but they’re cut with a roomy fit (and the main difference between those sizes is length).

Plenty of room to stretch out in Qantas' 787 Business Suites.
Plenty of room to stretch out in Qantas' 787 Business Suites.

Also recommended: dressing your seat with the supplied padded mattress topper as soon as you can.

It not only makes even sitting more comfortable, but you’ll be ready to catch some shut-eye whenever the mood takes you.

The padded mattress topper makes the business class seat even more comfortable.
The padded mattress topper makes the business class seat even more comfortable.

Qantas 787 business class meals to Paris

Mindful that your body clock is already set to dinner time, the cabin crew will typically begin taking dinner orders shortly after take-off.

Qantas’ business class menu on flights between Perth and Paris leans into the ‘French classics’, Qantas chef supremo Neil Perry told Executive Traveller.

“We want to serve really delicious flavourful food that’s representative of French culture, and one of the nice things about flying to Paris is you’ve got an amazing playbook of French gastronomy.” 

The dinner service on this flight from Perth to Paris began with an ‘aperitivo' of a crisp, bubbly and refreshing French 75 pre-mixed cocktail of gin, lemon and sparkling wine, alongside the obligatory mixed salted nuts.

Starting the flight off with a French 75 cocktail.
Starting the flight off with a French 75 cocktail.

And of course, Champagne is available – on my flight the crew were pouring Jacquart Brut Mosaique, but other flights can have Duval Leroy Brut or Lombard Extra Brut.

Then came a choice of business class starters:

  • Pumpkin and ginger soup with chive creme fraiche or croutons 
  • Salad of buffalo mozzarella with balsamic roasted capsicum, pickled onions and hazelnut vinaigrette
  • Confit duck and mushroom vol-au-vent with pickled fennel, roast lemon and radicchio salad 
Pumpkin and ginger soup with chive creme fraiche.
Pumpkin and ginger soup with chive creme fraiche.

For business class mains, passengers could choose between:

  • Angel hair pasta with broccoli, garlic, pine nuts and chilli
  • Bouillabaisse of snapper with Skull Island prawns with potatoes and saffron aioli
  • Coq au vin with pancetta, mushroom, potato puree and snow peas
  • Barrington Hinterland beef fillet with roast pumpkin, snap peas and wasabi butter

 

The tender flavoursome coq au vin was one of the best chicken dishes I’ve enjoyed on a flight.
The tender flavoursome coq au vin was one of the best chicken dishes I’ve enjoyed on a flight.

Finishing up with dessert:

  • Selection of cow’s milk cheese with accompaniments
  • Rum savarin with Chantilly cream and berries
  • Ice cream sandwich
  • Seasonal fruit selection
Rum savarin with Chantilly cream and berries.
Rum savarin with Chantilly cream and berries.

On flights from Paris back to Perth, some of the highlights will include duck and pistachio pate, tuna nicoise salad, and beef fillet with pommel puree, snow peas and Café de Paris butter.

Soothing sleep-promoting lemongrass tea was served at the very end of dinner.
Soothing sleep-promoting lemongrass tea was served at the very end of dinner.

By the time dinner is done you’re only four hours into this marathon between near-opposite corners of the world, with over a dozen hours to go.

Thankfully Qantas’ inflight entertainment system is packed with content, from recent-release movies to boxed sets.

There's even a selection of French movies on Qantas' inflight entertainment system.
There's even a selection of French movies on Qantas' inflight entertainment system.

A special ‘Paris on film’ collection includes Amelie, Gigi, Midnight in Paris, Mrs Harris Goes to Paris and Before Sunset (although oddly not Before Sunrise or Before Midnight, the first and third movies of this trilogy to make this a bingeable triple-bill).

Perhaps the biggest drawback of Qantas’ Perth-Paris flight is that there’s no WiFi on these 787s – although that’s planned for 2025 – so you can either dial up some viewing on the 16” video screen, watch some shows downloaded in advance on your laptop, tablet or phone, or get stuck into that book you wisely packed.

Sleep your way to the Seine

Given the 7.35pm departure from Perth and 6.55am arrival into Paris, your basic flightplan will be to tuck into dinner as the flight makes its way across the Indian Ocean, relax with a movie or a few episodes of your favourite TV show, and then hit the hay.

If all goes well, you’ll be able to get all the sleep you need and still have time for a mid-flight snack and another movie before breakfast.

There's no WiFi on the Qantas 787s, so make the most of those uninterrupted hours.
There's no WiFi on the Qantas 787s, so make the most of those uninterrupted hours.

The real trick on a flight like this is getting to sleep and staying asleep.

At Executive Traveller we’re big fans of melatonin, a 100% natural supplement that’s both gentle and effective for helping you sleep on a flight or adjust to a new timezone.

After taking a 10mg melatonin capsule I was soon out for the count and managed to clock up eight straight hours of restful sleep.

Make full use of the Do Not Disturb indicator when you're settling down to sleep.
Make full use of the Do Not Disturb indicator when you're settling down to sleep.

As it was now time to get stuck back into some work, I turned to the mid-flight business class menu.

Feeling pecking in the middle of the flight? Help yourself...
Feeling pecking in the middle of the flight? Help yourself...

In additional to a selection of self-serve snacks laid out in the galley – Lindt chocolate, chips, dried fruit and nut mix, biscuits, fruit, cheese & crackers – the crew was able to rustle up any of the following:

  • Toasted BLT sandwich
  • Crudités with wattleseed and beetroot dip, native Australian greens and Persian feta
  • Stir-fried tiger prawns with spicy sambar sauce, snake beans and fried shallots
My mid-flight snack was this warmed BLT roll, with a coconut water to rehydrate.
My mid-flight snack was this warmed BLT roll, with a coconut water to rehydrate.

Around 4am Paris time, some 3½ hours ahead of our arrival, the crew came around offering piccolo lattes.

A very civilised way to start the day.
A very civilised way to start the day.

This was the prelude to breakfast, which was on par with what you’d expect on most other long-range Qantas flights.

There’s solid Aussie representation in the Brookfarm ‘wild berry’ granola with Davidson plum, blueberries, pecans, almonds and Australian blush honey.

More substantial plates on offer were:

  • Free-range scrambled eggs with potato rosti, bacon and cherry tomato salad
  • Buttermilk pancakes with spiced orange compote, mascarpone and pecans
  • Herbed ricotta and egg white omelette with sunflower seed romesco, spinach and cherry tomatoes
Herbed ricotta and egg white omelette, served with fruit salad and a croissant.
Herbed ricotta and egg white omelette, served with fruit salad and a croissant.

By the time breakfast was cleared away, flight QF33 was barely 60 minutes’ away from Paris – and thanks largely to the solid rest and the jetlag-minimising design of the Boeing 787, I arrived fresh and more than ready for my first day in the glorious French capital.

One non-stop flight from the Swan River to the Seine...
One non-stop flight from the Swan River to the Seine...

In summary: this ultra-long flight is not for everyone (many travellers will still prefer a stopover) and of course it’s best done in business class, but there’s no denying the appeal of flying from Australia to Paris in one mighty stress-free leap. 

David Flynn travelled as a guest of Qantas

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 1217

I find it amusing that Qantas continue to say they offer Box-Set TV series when, in fact, it is typically just a couple of episodes rather than an entire series so it is not a box-set at all.

JD1
JD1

03 Aug 2020

Total posts 22

Hi Reeve35 .... just last week I watched most of season 1 of the Righteous Gemstones going from Sydney to Perth and the rest of season 1 and some of season 2 on the way back.  Is that not a box set.  There is also season 3 available (the most recent) but didn't get to see it

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 Aug 2015

Total posts 56

funny show hey !!  :) Watch Eastbound & Down if you get a chance....

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

23 Apr 2019

Total posts 4

Yeah, nah. I've binged to completion great recent series such as White Lotus (1 & 2), Euphoria (1 & 2), and more. I noticed they had multiple series of Succession, which I'd seen already.

Etihad - Etihad Guest

06 Apr 2012

Total posts 124

Love those sneakers, David.  Very french chique 

24 Oct 2010

Total posts 2562

Thanks wdeguara, they're my current faves and being slip-on is extra convenient for flights.

Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club

20 Jun 2013

Total posts 63

A well noted comfy option.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

10 Jul 2013

Total posts 35

What brand are they?

24 Oct 2010

Total posts 2562

Simon - they are Zegna.

Emirates Airlines - Skywards

19 Jan 2018

Total posts 25

Great article David. Not meaning to pry into your personal affairs, but I couldn't resist doing a search for those Zegna slip-on sneakers (they look very comfy), and at A$2,295 a pair I have to say Executive Traveller must be paying you quite well! Ha ha! :) 

24 Oct 2010

Total posts 2562

Hahahah, I wish I could afford $2,300 for a pair of shoes LOL (well, no, even if I was that well off I'd hate to be the sort of person who'd casually drop $2k+ on a pair of shoes, having been brought up with mode modest approach to life). These are more of a 'tribute' to the Zegna style, shall we say, in the same way my favourite chair at home is a tribute to the Eames chair & ottoman.

13 Nov 2018

Total posts 2

Sacrificed the QF9/10 MEL-PER vv.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

09 Feb 2015

Total posts 387

QF are still a long way off their competitors on the F&B front it is concerning. I flew back last week on QF 12 and the presentation, quality of food, Neil's crap lettuce 'salad' etc. I don't know how QF think they are playing in the top league as from a paying passengers point of view, there is so much room for improvement.

vfm
vfm

26 Jul 2015

Total posts 22

Whoa David, "After taking a 10mg melatonin capsule..." that's double the recommended maximum dosage! Also, be mindful where one sources over-the-counter melatonin; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5263069/

24 Oct 2010

Total posts 2562

Hi vfm - I've actually read of 2mg being the effective dose, but that does zip for me. After trying 5mg, I've found 10mg works for me. As for forcing, I buy through online supplier iHerb, which carries many reputable brands including the Natrol which I used to purchase when I was in the USA.

We've got an article on melatonin and buying it through iHerb over at https://www.executivetraveller.com/how-to-buy-melatonin-in-australia.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

06 Oct 2016

Total posts 176

2mg is an Australian medical grade with a slow release,  10mg is standard in other countries, US/Canada over the counter. Not saying I have combined them...

16 Jun 2023

Total posts 5

David, just checking on your Melatonin dosage, is the 10mg in your report correct?  Having moved away from Valium for long flights (especially as it is prohibited substance in Qatar), my doctor prescribed 2mg Melatonin capsules. I have been taking two for a long flight (eg Doha to Brisbane) but I haven’t got a hugely long sleep out of them. Perhaps my Melatonin dosage is too low???? Have googled this subject, but not found any clear answers, would appreciate your experience, thanks, Ryan

24 Oct 2010

Total posts 2562

Hi Ryan2 - yes, 10mg is my dosage. There are reports that 2mg can be effective, and I have tried that, but honestly it doesn't work for me. I moved up to 5mg many years ago and it was better, but 10mg is now my go-to, and I know some people whom take 12mg!

However, I think it's also useful to adopt other practices instead of relying on a pill alone - eg take your pill at least 30m before you need to get to sleep, take some type of sleep tea, and also try to make your mind less active by listening to some relaxing music, or even breath control.

We've got an article on melatonin and buying it through iHerb over at https://www.executivetraveller.com/how-to-buy-melatonin-in-australia.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

02 Sep 2015

Total posts 1

HI David. Looks like you're very well fed on QF33. Would you know if the business class menu for QF33 and QF34 would be extended to the domestic leg? 

24 Oct 2010

Total posts 2562

Hi an8id - I asked this of Qantas, who advised the domestic legs  of QF33 (SYD-PER) and QF34 (PER-SYD) are classified as international business class, so the meals are from the  international menu rotation (as are the wines), making them a cut above the normal east-west offering.

01 Dec 2012

Total posts 65

The domestic legs of QF 787 international flights QF33/34 and QF5/6 offer full international catering. It's nice!

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer P1

23 Aug 2014

Total posts 147

vfm & Ryan2

As a medical practitioner, if the dose David is referring to is the 10mg compounded dose prepared by a compounding pharmacy in Australia, it is perfectly safe - the 2mg capsules may be a different preparation

24 Oct 2010

Total posts 2562

Hi ian62, and thanks for sharing your professional thoughts on this. I should add that my take is of course not that of a medical professional, only a 'professional traveller' LOL

For what it's worth, I buy my melatonin through iHerb and before that, would pick it up on trips to the USA (where it's available over the counter at CVS, Walgreens etc in varying dosages and types).

Locally, you can buy 'homeopathic melatonin' over the counter and honestly, it's an absolute scam. You want the real stuff, which you can get from a chemist in Australia if you are aged 55 or over – but the dispensary can only give you 2mg tablets, with a limit of one box of 30 per month and costing upwards of $30.

So you can go to a proper 'compounding chemist' or just buy melatonin online through iHerb, which is way better value.

We've got an article on this over at https://www.executivetraveller.com/how-to-buy-melatonin-in-australia.

25 Feb 2015

Total posts 68

Agree that Qantas needs to lift its game with J catering but one immediate way to improve things would be better/larger crockery and more attention to detail on plating - the dishes piled into these current undersized plates look clumsy and unimpressive.

Great review, thanks David and ET, I especially liked some of the very practical tips such as how to best use that 17 hour block of flying time, putting down the mattress pad very early in the flight and using Melatonin for sleeping.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

16 Jan 2018

Total posts 58

Would be interesting to hear the reviews of those who flew kettle class.

05 Feb 2020

Total posts 31

Was thinking the same, the story would have been interesting to go there in cattle class and return in business. What a reality check.

24 Oct 2010

Total posts 2562

Hi Brett132 - that would indeed make for an interesting comparison but you'll have to see if somebody else takes that approach, as Executive Traveller doesn't cover international economy class, only 'premium' cabins.

08 May 2020

Total posts 90

Melbourne via Singapore is hard to beat, why would I bother flying to Perth when I can do 1 hour stop over in Singapore and get to a European City in the same time.

Qantas

03 Oct 2020

Total posts 2

Thanks for review 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

18 Jun 2019

Total posts 4

How was everyone at the back of the bus looking after 17 hours?  

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

23 Apr 2019

Total posts 4

Great review thanks! Looking forward to flying this route in September. A rare occasion to fork out for long haul business, rather than hoping for an upgrade :-)

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1429

Is the majority of passengers from the East Coast. The London flight has 60% from Perth. It would be interesting to see the figures after it is settled in.

Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club

20 Jun 2013

Total posts 63

Great review and oola-la...great timing too, I wish all flights like this left at 7:30pm local time, I may actually get to "enjoy" travelling.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 Aug 2015

Total posts 56

Just waiting for Sydney to London non stop... hopefully thats soon.

23 Jul 2017

Total posts 99

I see a little exaggeration in this review. This may be a new route, but the awful 787 has been flying abroad since 2017. As for "Qantas’s business class menu on flights between Perth and Paris leans into the ‘French classics’, Qantas chef supremo Neil Perry told Executive Traveller." Surely you jest. Time to give that man the heave-ho. Now it's too much the cutesy-pie (no pun intended) with odd accompaniments - too many mushrooms, all sorts of leafy greens, herbs and

spices, etc. Whatever happened to a good meat and two/three veg selection? What happened to plain, tasty, and healthy?

Limited edition pyjamas don't make up for comfort. The business class seats sink almost to the floor. Getting out to go walkies or to the lav is a day's exercise.

Thanks, as I'm from the east coast I'll go to Europe via Singapore, but each to his or her own or try it once to see what happens.

17 Nov 2023

Total posts 45

Awful is my word for the 787 too.

QF

03 Jul 2015

Total posts 23

Wonder why QF left First Class off the 787 long haul flights?

I am sure there would be a market for this.

As an as aside, I fley SYD_PER_FCO last week, never again, A380 to LHR via SIN & then onto FCO much more enjoyable in my opinion.

BA Gold

01 Apr 2012

Total posts 197

I am all for supporting Qantas in its endeavours but the factor that rules me out is no wifi.  No, I am not one of those sad people that can not stay 'disconnected' from Insta or Facebook for a day but as a small business owner it is essential I am contactable at least at a few points during the 17-18 hours flight.

I can not for the life of me understand why Qantas whom operates some of the longest sector in the world still does not have wifi.  Yes, I know it's 'coming' but nearly every other airline in the world has had it for years - even when I flew Ethiopian Airlines and TAAG Angoloan airlines they had wifi on their long haul flights!

06 Nov 2019

Total posts 11

cooper81 

As I'm sure you'd know!!!!

Qantas did have Wifi internationally onboard A380, when they were first deployed.  The technology then was very poor and the connectivity at the time did not meet the standard Qantas desired.  The Domestic/over Australia speed was the minimum speed sought.  

Yes, other carriers had wifi - and I'm sure you'd know - the connection was slow and very spotty  

Qantas decided to wait until technology was available that was at an acceptable speed & reliability.

 So, after years of development, the time has arrived for acceptable/reliable speed and connectivity. So, to provide a better experience to customers, Qantas will install this technology on their A350's to start.  

But, I'm sure you'd know this already!!

So, 'I can not for the life of me understand why Qantas' 'still does not have wifi'.  !!!!!  

I hope some factual insight, sheds some light onto your lack of understanding life.

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/qantas-experience/onboard/wi-fi.html#international-wi-fi


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