We are inching closer, aren’t we? One direct flight after another, Australians can see the dream of direct flights from Australia to anywhere in the world just over the horizon.
Qantas is playing a huge role in making this dream a reality. Perth to Paris direct, the next cab off the rank in Qantas’ growing international network. This is the second route that connects Australia directly to Europe. And it won’t be long before Australians get to benefit from Project Sunrise flights, which are direct flights between Australia’s east coast to London Heathrow and New York JFK.
I’m invited as part of the media crew to experience Business Class on Qantas flight QF33 from Perth to Paris. I take in the City of Love, and make a quick detour to the Airbus factory in Toulouse for a behind-the-scenes look at the facility.
Direct on the Dreamliner from Perth to Paris
There are many firsts for me when it comes to this flight. A first flying 17+ hours on a single flight. A first flying from Australia to Europe without my traditional stop at Singapore’s Changi Airport. And a first flying into Charles De Gaulle Airport. Your firsts may be different to mine. But whatever they are, I’m sure you’ll love this flight.
I’ve always thought that Qantas knows how to do long-haul. An obvious reason is that the airline has been forced to perfect this type of travel. Everywhere is so far away from Australia. Our medium-haul flights are everyone else’s long-haul. And what do I mean when I say perfecting the ‘long-haul’ process? It’s the small, discreet touches. A thicker, wider pillow, and easy to place cushion mattress for those in Business Class, modern aircraft displaying LED technology that adjusts to the timezone of your destination throughout the flight, and in-flight service that aims to maximise rest.
As I board the flight, I’m immediately welcomed by QF33 Paris-branded amenities. This Perth to Paris direct flight is flown by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, offering Qantas’s standard Business Suites. I love the practicality of these seats. They are so well designed, optimising all aspects of the seat including the storage compartments and footwells.
The in-flight service
Not too long after takeoff, the in-flight service begins. Wanting to immerse myself in my upcoming French experience, I choose the French 75 cocktail to accompany my warm cashew nuts. It is a refreshing drink, but I struggle to pin down an exact description of its taste. It’s a mixture of sweet and bitter, at times tasting more sweet, and at others more bitter, differing with each mouthful.
I choose the pumpkin and ginger soup for my entree. It is tasty and most importantly for me, has a relatively thick texture. I prefer thicker soups myself, but for those that don’t, not to worry – it’s not too thick.
Keeping with my French mood, I choose the coq au vin for my main. I have not heard of this dish prior to this flight, so I take a gamble on choosing it. But what a great bet it turns out to be. It’s a traditional French dish, consisting of braised chicken served with pancetta, mushroom, potato puree and snow peas. A very tasty dish, and one I recommend if you take this flight. And you won’t be left hungry, either. It’s very filling.
I top off my meal with a rum savarin with chantilly cream and berries. And then it’s straight into my Qantas PJs and lie-flat mode. Now I’m not sure whether it’s the favourable flight time – leaving Australia mid-evening – or that I was just tired. But I get nine hours – that’s right, nine hours – of solid sleep on this flight. That is a first for me, but a welcome first.
With that level of sleep, it did not feel long before I’m being served breakfast. I am uncharacteristically peckish, so I order big. Bircher muesli, a crumpet, fruit salad and pancakes that not only look beautiful, but taste beautiful.
Sofitel Paris style
Sofitel Le Scibe Paris Opéra is my home during my short stay in Paris. The hotel is centrally located in the heart of art in the upscale Opera district. Sofitel is part of the Accor group, and you can earn Accor Live Limitless points for each stay.
Sofitel sits in the luxury category of Accor brands, so it’s no surprise that this hotel offers five-star service. And there are definitely touches of old-school Paris as well. The most notable is a striking old black telephone in my room. Very Mata Hari and James Bond vibes there. I’m disappointed to find that my old school telephone is not so old school after all. It is actually touch button. Oh well, it’s the thought that counts I guess.
From old school to modern, I spend a good five minutes trying to find the television in my room. I almost give up before seeing a remote inconspicuously placed in front of my room’s extremely large mirror. I put two and two together and ferociously start pressing the remote’s ‘on’ button while aiming at the mirror. Lo and behold, my mirror becomes a TV. I’m left wondering if this is obvious to everyone but me.
Breakfast at the hotel is a standard affair. But ‘standard’ for Sofitel means great. I have plenty of choices, including continental and hot breakfast options, as well as Western and Eastern varieties. I opt for some cereal, accompanied by some baked beans, crispy bacon and hash browns.
Of course, plenty of French bread is on offer, as well as sweet pastries and muffins. Fruit and juices are also plentiful.
Out and about in the City of Love
Paris is very much an iconic city. Revolving around its icons, the Eiffel Tower and the River Seine, the city oozes charm, romance and cultural diversity. And while I’m there, it also oozes perfection, given it’s just prior to the 2024 Olympics taking place. Everything is spotless. From the streets to the subway, I am hard-pressed to find any rubbish or blemish. Long may that continue.
When visiting Paris, one of my favourite pastimes is to find a great cafe and ‘people-watch’. I love the way that outdoor seating in Paris faces outwards towards the street, actively encouraging my favourite pastime. And if I can recommend a cafe, try Triadou Haussmann. Its outdoor design is quintessentially French, and it has one of the best Vienna coffees I have ever had.
A walk along the River Seine is also a must. Many cities have rivers, but very few capture the imagination as much as this one. Whether it’s the vibrancy or something as simple as its location, the River Seine has a magnetic lure. Once you’re near, you instinctively find yourself following it and not wanting to leave. But this is not hard to understand. From watching riverboats grace the Seine to live performance acts and market stalls, there is plenty to see and do. I’ve still got to get myself on one of those riverboat cruises. Perhaps next time.
Did somebody say Airbus?
A quick trip to the Airbus factory finishes my tour. And what a way to finish. I catch a quick domestic flight to Toulouse on Air France. Remember, as of June 2019, Air France is an airline partner of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program, meaning that you can use Qantas Points to land yourself on one of these flights.
Airbus conducts general Airbus tours for the public, which I highly recommend even if you have only a fleeting interest in planes. The technology that is being used in these aircraft is constantly evolving, and it is a great experience seeing how these aircraft are made.
I’m lucky enough to get a more comprehensive behind-the-scenes tour as part of a media contingent. As such, I’m shown some test aircraft that Airbus uses to put its aircraft through its paces. Every conceivable stress test is done to ensure that the aircraft meets the highest safety standards. It’s amazing to see what is used in these aircraft. Everything from liquid drums, with different liquids used to mimic the weight of different cabin seats, to high-tech computers.
How to fly QF33/34 using Qantas Points
If you are a Qantas Frequent Flyer member, you too can experience the direct flight between Perth and Paris.
For those looking to undertake the 17+ hour flight in style, a Business Class Classic Flight Reward seat will cost you 126,500 Qantas Points plus $450 in taxes, fees and charges. Given that the cash fare (priced on a return cash fare) is around $4,200 in a Business Sale fare, this represents a value per point of 2.6 cents, which is pretty good value when compared to our Qantas valuation of 1.9c.
If you are short on Qantas Points, a Qantas credit card may just be your ticket, with many offering large welcome bonuses that are enough to have you on your way to Paris in no time. But as always, make sure to read our guide and the PDS to ensure that this card is right for you. If in doubt, speak to your accountant or your financial adviser.
Summing up
The launch of Qantas’ Perth to Paris flight is great news for Australian-based travellers, offering another direct option between Australia and Europe. And, of course, more ways to use your Qantas Points. With this new route being Qantas’ second direct flight to Europe after Perth to London Heathrow, and with promises of more direct flights to Europe to come in the future, a clear preference divide is emerging.
No longer will the BBQ debates be over Ford vs Holden, Nintendo vs Sega (clearly showing my age with these two examples!) or NRL vs AFL. No, none of that. It will all be about direct vs connect. With the direct option being 17+ hours, I can see both sides of this debate. The preference for those wanting to get to Europe quicker without the hassle of connections, especially if you have small kids, to those wanting to break their journey and rest up or take the opportunity to see another country and culture along the way.
As for Paris? What a city. Steeped in tradition and history, the city is a mixture of atmosphere and beauty. From the foodie, to the history boffin, the architectural appreciator to the romantic at heart, there’s something for everyone.
So get booking and get there. Walk along the River Seine, see the Eiffel Tower and find your perfect cafe. Order a Vienna coffee, perhaps accompanied by a pastry, and people-watch while taking in the sights of the city. You won’t be disappointed.
All photography by Daniel Sciberras, who travelled as a guest of Qantas.
Also read: Flight Diary: Qantas Boeing 787 Business Class (Perth – Rome launch)
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Plus this route has some of the worst redemption opportunities out there.