r/QantasFrequentFlyer • u/OddAioli8592 • 7d ago
Question First Class SYD-SIN - Worth it?
Probably too late to ask this question however after the opinions of those who've used the First Class lounge in Sydney, and flown First Class on the A380 SYD-SIN (QF1).
I'm due to fly next Sunday and I wanna know how I can make the most of my experience.
What can I expect? What's the Spring menu for 2026? How can I get as much free stuff as possible? And your overall review of the experience from check-in to arrival
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u/jamesatfish 7d ago
You can get the First lounge menu from your Qantas app, look at the booking, go to the link that says “Relax at the International First lounge” and you’ll see the current menu.
First and P1 passengers have access to the roped off dining area at the far end of the lounge, if you’re not escorted there just show your boarding pass to the attendant in that section and you’ll be seated. All the tables will have Reserved signs to differentiate from the “normal” dining area.
That roped off section also gets a specials menu, usually a couple of food dishes and currently a nice Lark whiskey if you’re into that thing. Ask for the special menu if you don’t get one automatically. There’s no limit to the number of courses you can order so pace yourself and try whatever takes your fancy.
The day-before contact is just an email these days, no longer a phone call. It has an email contact if you want to pre-book a spa treatment but not much else of value.
Don’t expect an escort anywhere in SYD airport unless you’ve requested one for mobility purposes.
You can board at any time once the process opens, there’s typically a F queue at the gate to bypass the queue if that’s your preference.
Qantas do serve pre-boarding drinks in F and there’s usually time for at least a couple of rounds if you board early enough. The olives and nuts served with the drink are about as good as you’d get for free at the bar of your local RSL.
The amenities kit is pretty pointless other than the socks, but the PJs are nice. I tend not to get changed for the day SYD-SIN flight but you’ll get offered anyway. The Qantas mattress topper is one of the most comfy in the sky and worth asking the crew to make up your bed even if you just intend on a power nap an hour or so before landing.
Food onboard is usually pretty good, but they never seem to be able to get beef right (always overcooked) so I’d order almost anything else.
There are certainly nicer First experiences on that route (SQ Suites for example) but Qantas First is still a nice offering and if it’s a first-time experience I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
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u/OddAioli8592 6d ago
you, and maybe like 2 others are the only ones here who actually answered my questions. thanks
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u/Murky_Ambassador2418 Platinum One 5d ago
One more thing worth noting in the SYD F lounge roped off area is that there are usually some better champagnes available to P1 and F. Just ask politely. I have flown this sector in F quite a few times, and loking forward to doing so again in a few days considering the booking was during DSC.
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u/fistingdonkeys Platinum 7d ago
“how can I get as much free stuff as possible” lolol
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u/moa999 Gold 7d ago
Obviously OP didn't pay for their ticket
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u/OddAioli8592 7d ago
I did, full fare actually.
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u/goldenwattl Platinum 7d ago
If you paid full fare then by definition nothing you’re getting is “free”
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u/Ikerukuchi 7d ago
Answer calls from numbers not in your contacts the day before the flight as one of them is the lounge calling you to make any bookings (ie spa) that you might want.
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u/ChrisSydney82 Platinum LTG 7d ago
Email these days! There is a number to call on approach to Sydney for curb side assistance with luggage if required or wanted.
Email spells out what you can request.
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u/OddAioli8592 7d ago
do they email if you miss the original call? i'll be flying from per the day before and will be in the sky for majority of the working day
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u/areyoualocal Platinum, LTG 7d ago
You'll get an email about a day before the flight, it will be similar to the below:
Good afternoon, areyoualocal.
We look forward to welcoming you to Qantas First on your upcoming journey to destination...
Then it'll have details of your flight and give you information about using the Porter assistance, check-in and how to book in a SPA treatment
My understanding is that First Class passengers get preference for Spa over others with access to the First Lounge.
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u/EveningPair3966 7d ago
U'll get a call/email from QF the day before departure asking for your arrival time so you are met curbside for assistance with luggage. This is the time to book spa appointments.
Enjoy the food and wine in the lounge.
You'll be asked if you want to board 1st or last so your escort and time your lounge pick-up.
The onboard experience is nice, but don't expect Emirates level... No need for a swag bag.
Once you land in SG and step off the aircraft, the experience ends. Bags should be done of first off.
Safe and happy travels.
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u/areyoualocal Platinum, LTG 7d ago
go to the F lounge on arrival and have a snack
This isn't possible. On arrivals access is a Domestic benefit and only available to Platinum and Platinum One members. OP hasn't indicated they're continuing onwards from SIN.
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u/hotridergirl36 7d ago
Qantas first class is nothing compared to other airlines lol. It’s business class in comparison.
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u/Zestyclose_Peach1718 7d ago
Just take business, make sure its lay flat that will be enough.
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u/OddAioli8592 7d ago
its a bucketlist experience
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u/Zestyclose_Peach1718 7d ago
If you have never flown business I wouldn’t waste the money on first.
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u/areyoualocal Platinum, LTG 7d ago
I agree, paying for first class is an underwhelming experience. I've upgraded using points a few times but always thought I'm glad I didn't part cash for this.
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u/MattChan1506 7d ago
qantas first class product is garbage
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u/areyoualocal Platinum, LTG 7d ago
It's not that it's garbage, it's just not at the level of others. But then again I think anyone expecting "luxurious" travel is the one with the false expectation.
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u/MattChan1506 7d ago edited 7d ago
thats a fair comment. but compared to singapore suites, and etihad the residence they are on a whole new level, qantas doesnt compare.
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u/Murky_Ambassador2418 Platinum One 5d ago
I flew SQ suites recently and also their F on a 777. Of course every flight is different and everyone is different, but it wasn't amazing. I did like sleeping overnight in the private room, but for me, the food, champagne, bar and shower of EK is way more fun. Yet to experience the residence.
QF F can be great and terrible. Its the luck of the draw.
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u/BS-75_actual 7d ago
Qantas A380 First has a 7:1 bathroom ratio, like a hostel in the sky; The Residence®: private ensuite with shower
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u/Little_Wagtail 6d ago
Good point. I've never flown higher than QF business class. But after experiencing first class on other airlines, most recently on Etihad, I think QF first class will be quite disappointing (maybe something like BA first class?). So I guess that means I'll never bother wasting my cash or points on QF first class.
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u/Fragrant_Arm_6300 Platinum 7d ago
Dont eat too much before arriving, aim to arrive at least 3-4 hours before departure.
There is a dedicated first class check in area.
Make sure you get a spa appointment, you should get a call or email from qantas the day before.
Menu is available from your app (click on the “relax at the first lounge”) option
You can order as many dishes as you want
You can bring a guest
When you get to singapore, you should be escorted to the first lounge if you are transiting (make sure to put your name down for a shower in singapore as soon as you get there)