Bula – Fiji With Air Pacific & Qantas (+ Pics)

[David B.]

“Give me a smile” is the title of Air Pacific’s latest advertising campaign, released December 2009. I was certainly smiling listening to the tune as I began making travel-related bookings back in February for what would my first trip to the much publicised and majestic Fiji Islands.

Before you continue reading, I ask that you please download and listen to Air Pacific’s “Give me a smile” tune as it really gets you into the Fiji holiday feeling and is certain to put a smile on your dial too!

Download - "Give me a smile"
And for further information about the campaign - click here.

Fiji comprises of 322 islands and is located in the South Pacific, a mere 3 to 4 hours flight from the east coast of Australia.


(Source - Claycritters)

As the itineraries started flowing through, the dreaded credit card balance started to swell, however I knew in the end it would all be worth it, and funnily enough, after a number of challenges along the way, it proved to be one of the most enjoyable holidays I have had the pleasure of taking.

Not being the type to fly nonstop, and given this was partially a status run, the following itinerary was booked

Brisbane – Melbourne
Melbourne – Sydney
Sydney – Nadi
Nadi – Sydney
Sydney – Brisbane

Now, enough of the preamble and on to the important stuff – the flying!

Saturday 13 March
Brisbane to Melbourne
QF601
VH-TJR – Boeing 737-400
Seat 1K

This sector was relatively empty, likely given it was Saturday and it was a scheduled OMG departure.

Today, Qantas 737-400 VH-TJR would carry me to Melbourne, and while the aircraft was relatively old, a recent refresh made it look a million dollars.

A hot Breakfast option was made available; however I opted for the Muesli, complimented with hot bakery items. The rest of the flight was uneventful, however an inquisitive friend began talking to the paxing FO also in J class and to our surprise found he would be operating our 767-300 service from Melbourne to Sydney.

Saturday 13 March
Melbourne to Sydney
QF418
VH-ZXA – Boeing 767-300
Seat 5K

With a relatively short transit, a quick visit to the Business Lounge was on the agenda. After a short stop it was time to go to the gate, to board ex-British Airways 767-300, VH-ZXA – the nasty aircraft without directional air vents (brrrrr). Given the much more appropriate departure of this service, it was a given the aircraft would be fuller, with just a few seats spare up the front.

The friendly Flight Attendants offered pre-departure drinks (which is the norm might I add) and we were on our way for a northerly departure from Melbourne. A newly-delivered Philippine Airlines 777-300ER made its presence felt as it rotated past us, on its short flight bound for Sydney (a continuation of MNL/MEL).

Given the departure time, a refreshment would be served – this consisted of a quiche and accompaniments. Honestly, this was one of the nicest meals I have had aboard a flight, even if it was on the small size.

A scenic flight was on offer, passing to the west of Canberra, before flying directly over Sydney Airport, out towards Bondi Beach, parallel with the coast, before a large left turn for a 16R approach – definitely one of the most peculiar, albeit scenic approaches I have had into Sydney. Upon arrival, it was a short walk to the International terminal transfer desk, and before I knew it, I was on the airside bus on my way to T1 (for those that have done this transfer, yes admittedly it can be painful and somewhat of an annoyance, but for the aerosexual, it’s a free airside tarmac tour, with an abundance of things to see).

Saturday 13 March
Sydney to Nadi
FJ910 – ticketed as QF391
DQ-FJL – Boeing 747-400
Seat 1K

After clearing Immigration and security, I met up with a Sydney-based best friend, who would be travelling with me (in Y class on staff travel). I waved goodbye to my two other friends, who proceeded to the Qantas First Lounge. My friend and I made our way to the perfectly adequate Qantas Business Lounge where for about 40 minutes we admired the view, caught up on one another’s lives and made use of the plentiful array of drinks and refreshments.

Our gate was adjacent to the where the Air Austral flight to St Denis would depart, and the cynic in me questioned the viability of this flight, however much to my surprise, added to the stunning and breathtaking flight attendants, was a rather busy gate area (yes, P&Y 101 determines that heavy loads does not necessarily lead to profitable flying).

My flight to Nadi was due to depart full in Tabua (Business) Class (28/28 seats), with about 125 empty seats in Economy. Priority boarding was given to Tabua class passengers, as well as elderly passengers and families with small children – akin to the boarding process of mainly airlines worldwide.

After what was a seemingly long walk to the Aircraft via the aerobridge, I saw the Senior Flight Attendant, flower-in-hair and all, welcoming passengers aboard the 747-400. After being given a loud and courteous “Bula” and genuine smile, I was directed to my seat in Tabua Class, 1K in Zone A. If you have ever had the opportunity to fly aboard Air Pacific’s 747-400 (or Ansett Australia’s/Singapore Airlines’), you would note that Zone A is extremely spacious given the lack of galley near door L1 (see below).



After a seemingly lengthy boarding time, we pushed back 2 minutes early and proceeded to 16R for a southerly departure. After a relatively quick rotation, I said goodbye to Sydney and the excitement truly began to set in.

Given I have promised photos, please see below (I will caption all photos and let this tell the story).


Spicy mix with drink – PTV has also been extended and offers loop-based entertainment.


Taken about 30 minutes after the departure from Sydney


Today’s starter – prawns and calamari on a bed of salad. It definitely tasted better than it looked.


Main – Fillet steak with vegetables. One of 3 options available (other options comprised of a vegetarian or chicken filo pasty dish). A wide array of drinks were available, including a select few Fijian alcoholic drinks.


Cheese platter


Cheese platter accompanied by a Fijian Immigration/Quarantine/Customs declaration form


About 1 hour away from Nadi


Getting close to Nadi – we had already begun our decent


The majestic main Island of Viti Levu


Welcome to Nadi Airport, Fiji


Air Pacific 747-400 DQ-FJL – part of a fleet of 2 747-400s


Nadi Airport has excellent, open paths to the aircraft, allowing for pictures such as this

After a short wait, the 747-400 load of passengers were processed by the bare-foot and seemingly sterile-faced Immigration officers (must just be a Immigration thing – happens in AU also!). While waiting, it was interesting to see the abundance of flights due to arrive in Nadi, including the FJ 737-800 service from Honolulu and Continental Micronesia’s new 737-800 service from Guam.

After waiting about 15 minutes for my supposedly “priority” checked baggage I knew the blindingly obvious had occurred – my baggage had been left in Sydney, and I was not the only one! The overwhelmed Air Pacific baggage services officer confirmed it had been left in Sydney and would be sent to my Hotel the following day (Sunday) after arriving on the next Sydney – Nadi 747-400 service. I can appreciate that situations like this do often arise, and as a prepared traveller, I had packed a supply of clothes in my hand luggage.

[David B.]

I then finally caught up with the lovely Hotel driver, who I had been in email contact with prior to the trip. He was an excellent fellow, answering many questions and pointing out landmarks and points of interest along the way. It was a 50 to 60 minute drive to the InterContinental, mostly in dark and at speeds no greater than 40 kilometres per hour (damn roaming pets, including horses!).

InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa
Natadola Beach, Fiji

Wow – easily the best Hotel I have ever had the pleasure of staying at. All staff were consistently friendly, pre-emptive of one’s needs, professional and always showed a willingness to assist. I had long been advised that Fiji was the friendliest place on earth, and after having travelled there for the first time, it wasn’t hard to agree.

The Hotel offers a large number of room types. I was fortunate to experience a Beachfront Suite (thanks to an upgrade as an IC Platinum Ambassador). The complex was extremely spacious, modern and had everything you needed, including a Cleopatra bath (ok, I didn’t need that per se, but it was certainly a welcome addition!). The Hotel offers a number of bars and restaurants and good food, beverages and genuine service was always plentiful.

Check-in was a breeze, with the added touch of being sat down directly with the check-in agent (certainly beats standing as someone taps away at their computer). Pineapple juice and hot towels were also made available as part of the check-in experience, and while it was surprisingly not humid at all, after a lengthy day’s flying it was a welcome touch.

Cyclone Tomas was fast approaching Fiji and had already begun to wreak havoc in the north eastern and outer-lying parts of the Fijian Islands, alas already causing a fatality. There was a sense of the “calm before the storm”, with just a gentle breeze winding its way through the Hotel complex. I have already commended the staff (also advising senior IHG management) in terms of providing regular, in-depth and informative updates on the track of cyclone Tomas and the contingency plans in place for its forecasted arrival.

Please see various photos from the property below, ranging from the view from the room, the room itself and the stunning Natadola Beach and Island.


Natadola Beach and Island from my Room


Natadola Beach and Island from my Room – this time a little more obvious


InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa – beach volleyball court


Natadola Island


Natadola Island


Lovely isn’t it


One of the many man-made pools located within the complex


One of the restaurants


The luxurious King bed – damn it made for a good night’s sleep


Cleopatra bath – located on the balcony


Lots of vegetation = good, but can also = pain in the neck, especially if it has to be secured because of an impending cyclone


Looking towards the main Restaurant


A railway line passes through the Hotel


More of the property


Looking due west towards Australia – what a lovely sunset

[David B.]

Tuesday 16 March

Cyclone Tomas passed Nadi and Natadola Beach leaving most areas relatively unscathed; however the damage was significantly greater in outer-lying areas and parts of north east Fiji. Given Air Pacific took decisive action the day prior (Monday), they left one of their 747-400s to overnight in Sydney and one of their 737-800s in Brisbane to escape the expected path of Tomas. This caused flights to be delayed and cancelled, and resulted in an itinerary change for myself.

Given I had a planned 09:00L departure from Nadi on the 747-400 service to Sydney; I would have connected to a 15:00L Sydney to Brisbane service with ease. However given most Australia-bound flights had a revised departure time between 17:20L and 17:45L, I would have arrived in Sydney close to 20:00L, breaching the MCT in Sydney and missed the last QF-operated service to Brisbane at 21:05L. Air Pacific kindly placed me on the nonstop 737-800 service due to depart at 17:35L.

Tuesday 16 March
Nadi – Brisbane
FJ921
DQ-FJH
Seat 2A

After a seemingly lengthy time in the refurbished Tabua Lounge at Nadi Airport, my flight was called. The flight was to be relatively empty, with just 4 of us in Business and a light load in Economy (if I remember correctly, there were about 60-100 free seats).


Once again thanks to the open-natured walkways, photos such as this are possible. DQ-FJH is one of two 737-800s belonging to Air Pacific and would be the aircraft that would take me home to Brisbane.

I was once again given a warm welcome onboard by the Senior Flight Attendant and directed to my seat. Air Pacific only has 8 seats in Tabua Class on their 737-800s (it puts the Qantas 737s to shame), and the seat pitch is rather good and PTVs with loop-based IFE are also available. Each passenger in J was given a window seat, resulting in spare seats next to all of us. After a seemingly quick boarding, the doors were shut and we were on our way.


Taken leaving the Fijian Islands (unfortunately)


Lovely isn’t it

The SFA serving the J cabin was one of the best cabin crew members I have ever come across. I don’t think it would be appropriate to mention her name, however if you happen to come across an SFA with a name that is based on a colour, you will be in for a great flight. She was always available to assist, pre-empted passengers’ requirements and was friendly enough and approachable for a quick chat (unfortunately due to Tomas, Air Pacific had been unable to load aircraft models, much to my disappointment. However I have since been in contact and have ordered some – yippee!). Other cabin crew could certainly take a leaf from her book and see how to conduct professional, friendly yet non in-your-face service. I have since been in contact with Air Pacific and they have greatly appreciated the feedback I gave about this particular crew member and have ensured it will be forwarded to her – excellent.


Warm nuts (hehehe) and a copy of Air Pacific’s inflight duty-free sales magazine


The mighty Pacific Ocean


Dinner is served – this time I opted for the Filo pasty chicken and glad I did, as it was delicious


Brisbane-bound


Taken just before our decent into Brisbane

Fiji is easily the friendliest place on earth and certainly lives up to its name. Seemingly random people always made an effort to say hello and there is a great respect for tourists, regardless of where you come from. I enjoyed the laid-back nature of the Country as a whole and surprisingly all requests were actioned quickly – I had been warned about “Fiji time” prior to departure and that it may take 40 minutes just to get essentials such as a cup of coffee!

Air Pacific is by far one of the best airlines worldwide, even with an antique product offering. While the hard product may be lacking, it’s in the area of service where the Airline really excels/shines. With one of the most attractive liveries in the industry, cheap and value-packed airfares and the ability to fly on a 747-400 on a relatively short sector, you’ve got to ask yourself why would you fly anyone else (and yes, I know I may eat my own words since V Australia has commenced 777-300ER services to Nadi). Air Pacific provided me with a wonderful flying experience and I hope to fly with the carrier again soon.

Bula to all the people of Fiji and I hope you have a speedy recovery in the aftermath of Cyclone Tomas.

Not only have I met with some lovely people, had a wonderful flying experience, had a seemingly calm experience with a dangerous cyclone, I have also recently acquired Qantas Frequent Flyer Gold or Oneworld Sapphire status, another added bonus. Interestingly Qantas responded to my query about the delayed baggage, less than 24 hours after lodging the feedback and are unable to explain why the bag wasn’t transferred.


Qantas-issued boarding passes for my domestic sectors on 13MAR


The refreshed Qantas boarding passes – rather nice I might add


The rather bland NAN/BNE boarding pass issued by Air Pacifc – no fruit tingle colours here unfortunately

Vinaka for reading

[Geoff W]

David,

Great stuff.

Thank you for your efforts AND your sharing.

Kind regards,

Geoff

[Paul Hunter]

Fantastic trip report David.

Just relived my holiday as I spent 2 weeks at the Intercontinental in mid-February.

Certainly the place to stay.

Well done!

Regards.

[Sarah C]

Excellent trip report! Shame to hear about your bag but I too always carry a spare set of clothes in my carry on for that reason alone.

That hotel looks nice, it would have been even better if it was near Nadi airport Nadi airport might not have a lot of action, but the open walkways between the terminal and the gates are fabulous, it is something I really miss. It is great for getting photos without obstruction.

[Bevan Webber]

Thanks for the pictures, what time did you get up to catch the first flight seeing as QF601 departs at 5:00am, certainly the long way to Fiji.

[Michael Cleary]

And Metal Cutlery too !!