Fiji Airways Airbus A350 Business Class (Dallas-Fort Worth – Nadi)

Dallas-Fort Worth is now the furthest pin on Fiji Airways’ network map. With the return westbound journey hitting around 14 hours, this flight is the perfect opportunity to experience the airline’s flagship Airbus A350 Business Class at its best.

After flying to Dallas in Economy, I spend a few days immersed in the city’s vibrant history and flavours. The Sixth Floor Museum is an intriguing window into the past, while the rich, smoky Texan BBQ is every bit as indulgent as expected. At the airport, I’m happy to see the same Fiji Airways crew from my inbound flight, fresh from a three-night layover of their own.

Check-in and lounge

With little to do that evening, I arrive at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport just after Fiji Airways check-in opens, three hours before departure. At this point, lines are non-existent for both the Priority and Economy counters.

At the desk, I notice a sign offering upgrades for US$2,560. Now, I like Fiji Airways’ Business Class a lot, but that’s a steep price to pay – you might as well buy Business Class outright when it’s on sale.

Fiji Airways uses the American Airlines Flagship Lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth. I’m greeted with a glass of chilled Piper-Heidsieck Champagne – off to a great start already. Inside, the tempting hot buffet includes salmon fillets, short ribs, fresh tuna sushi, a ramen station and a vibrant selection of salads.

It’s quite a high standard for a Business Class lounge compared to what we get in Australia. After dinner and a refreshing shower in a spacious shower suite, I’m relaxed and ready for the long journey ahead.

During my leisurely stroll to the gate, I also duck into the American Express Centurion Lounge (thanks to my Australian-issued Amex Platinum Card, which allows entry). It’s another elegant space to unwind in and enjoy a cocktail at the bar – a feature the Flagship Lounge lacks.

Cabin and seat

Fiji Airways uses a familiar Business Class seat on the Airbus A350s: the Collins Aerospace Super Diamond. With 33 seats in a standard 1-2-1 layout, the best seats to choose are in Rows 15-18 as you’re reasonably far from the galleys and lavatories. But in all honesty, almost any seat in this cabin is a good one.

I’m in 20A, which is missing a window, but it doesn’t bother me on this wholly nighttime flight. Inside the adjustable aisle armrest are headphones and a water bottle.

On the window side, there are two storage areas with lids – one flatter for things like passports and the other deeper for your tech gadgets. The AC charging point and headphone slot are inside this second space.

This seat design strikes an excellent balance between comfort and functionality. The footwell is spacious and doesn’t taper too much. The tray table folds out of the way when not in use, which increases knee space. It’s also easy to adjust the seat with the touchscreen controls.

My only wish for future versions is to incorporate a door. Some might argue it’s a novelty, but when lying flat, the openness of the seat is noticeable. A door would provide that extra layer of privacy, making the experience feel even more refined. That said, the two-metre-long bed is a dream. Spacious and supportive, it’s the catalyst for a restful sleep across the Pacific.

Food and beverage

Before departure, there’s time for a round of Champagne (G.H. Mumm) or orange juice. It comes with a pineapple-scented hot towel that smells exquisite – it’s my new favourite. The bubbly top-ups don’t slow down once we’re in the air, but this time, they’re accompanied by a bowl of savoury snacks.

It’s past 11pm once we’re at cruising altitude, but Fiji Airways still serves a three-course supper for those who want it. With the table dressed in crisp linen, the appetiser and main come together on a tray. The crew won’t hear of me asking for just one piece of garlic bread. I settle on two, and they still deliver three…

My starter, grilled prawns with pineapple salsa and spiced coconut sauce, is beautifully plated. The tangy sauce adds a Fijian flair to the sweetness of the charred prawns. Next is the signature Fijian BBQ chicken accompanied with cassava croquettes. Tender and smoky, the chicken is cooked well, and the whole dish feels relatively healthy.

That means there’s room for an indulgent dessert. If you ever see the pineapple and mango sorbet with diced mango, Chantilly cream and mint, choose it! They say your taste buds dull in the air, but this vibrant mix of sorbet and fresh mango wakes them straight up. The presentation is also perfect – a mint garnish might not add much taste-wise, but it elevates the dessert’s appearance.

Soon after, I settle down with a warming chamomile tea and get ready to sleep the night away. In between meals, Fiji Airways offers some ambient snacks in the galley, including crisps, Oreos and M&Ms. There aren’t any more substantial snacks such as sandwiches available, so plan accordingly if you get peckish.

To maximise rest, breakfast is ordered through a hotel-style card. The continental starter course is precisely what I need – a light fruit salad and chia bowl, along with a decently-sized croissant. I also try the cheese and onion omelette, but it’s a bit too heavy for my liking.

See the food and drinks list from this flight in the image gallery above.

Amenities and service

Fiji Airways’ service is remarkable even in Economy, so naturally, it shines brighter in Business Class. The crew are friendly yet efficient, greeting passengers by name and happy to chat when time allows.

Wi-Fi is complimentary with one connection per passenger in Business Class. The speeds are better than on my previous flight to Dallas – maybe because not as many passengers are connected. The 17″ touchscreen shows the latest movies and TV shows clearly, but there’s still room to improve with the catalogue.

Each seat comes with a thick blanket, mattress pad and pillow. The full bedding is only offered on these long-haul journeys. There are also a pair of slippers at the seat, but no pyjamas (as usual, I bring my own when this is the case, and it’s a long overnight flight).

Inside the amenity kit are the essentials, such as a dental kit and an eye mask, plus a body cream from Italian brand Teaology.

How to book this flight with points

If you’re frustrated with how difficult it is to use Qantas Points on long-haul Business Class, I’ve got some music for your ears. This flight has decent availability throughout the year for two seats. I’m not saying you’ll easily find seats on the day you want, but you should unearth a few options with some flexibility.

Here’s some more good news: you only have to pay 94,900 Qantas Points + US$29 per person for a one-way reward. There are no carrier charges, which is a refreshing change in this day and age (ahem, Emirates). Fiji Airways flights are charged at the same rate as Qantas flights instead of the more expensive partner pricing.

Even better, Fiji Airways is now a full oneworld member. You can include this Dallas-Nadi leg in your round-the-world itinerary with Qantas Points.

On the other hand, Fiji Airways partners with American Airlines. If you have a stash of AAdvantage miles up your sleeve, this flight only costs 80,000 miles + US$5.60 to book. That’s excellent value.

Our verdict: FJ891 Business Class

It’s great to see Fiji Airways stretching its wings and flying even further from Nadi. With comfortable seats, friendly staff and delicious dining, there’s very little to complain about on this flight.

If I ever fly back from the US to Australia again, I’d happily book Fiji Airways Business Class with Qantas Points. Even with the transit in Nadi (perhaps an excuse to switch to Fiji time for a few days), the low fees and preferential points pricing make this an excellent choice for Qantas Frequent Flyer members.

Photos and words by Brandon Loo, who travelled as a guest of Fiji Airways. All opinions are his own.

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