When it comes to the world’s most luxurious first class, many people point to Qantas’ terrific departure and onboard experience. The flag carrier of Australia operates some of the world’s longest routes, so it’s no coincidence that it focuses on a premium product, which is especially important for such long flights.
I’ve flown Qantas First many times to and from Australia, and it’s always an absolute treat. While it’s not the best first class seat out there, it offers a solid product, great onboard service, and a predeparture experience that sets you up for a fantastic journey.
Let’s take a look at all the things you should know about Qantas First.
1. Qantas First Is Only on the A380
Qantas only offers first class on the A380, the double-decker, 4-engine behemoth of the skies. As far as routes to and from the U.S. go, it flies most often from Los Angeles (LAX) to Sydney (SYD), Los Angeles to Melbourne (MEL), and Dallas (DFW) to Sydney. Depending on the season, you might find aircraft adjustments on those routes, but the A380 flies pretty regularly throughout the year.
It also flies the Boeing 787 to and from the U.S., but this plane only offers business class as its highest class of service.
Qantas plans on installing a first class cabin on its Project Sunrise airplane nonstop from New York (JFK) to Sydney, but this is still a ways from happening, so for now, the only first class remains on the A380.
2. Redeeming Miles Is the Way To Go
Qantas First is notoriously expensive, and it’s not uncommon to find flights for over $10,000 each-way to Australia. If you don’t feel like parting with that much cash, your best bet is to redeem miles.
I’ve been able to fly Qantas First so many times because I use frequent flyer miles. As a member of the American Airlines AAdvantage program, I’ve accumulated enough miles for the 110,000-mile price tag each way. You can fly Qantas business class for 80,000 miles, so you need to consider whether the 30,000-mile difference is worth it to you.
American Airlines allows up to 4 segments on a single award, so it’s possible to include both connecting segments within the U.S. and Australia if you’re looking at a longer itinerary. For example, you could fly from Washington, D.C. (IAD), to Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles to Sydney to Perth (PER) all on 1 award in a mix of first and business class for 110,000 miles (though you’d need to contend with award space available both in the U.S. and Australia).
Many people think only of Sydney or Melbourne when it comes to Australia, but the real fun is in the smaller regional towns farther from the cities. Redeeming miles is a fantastic way to get to those harder-to-reach communities. I recently flew the Australian milk run, a fantastic way to see Queensland’s regional communities.
Keep in mind, however, that Qantas First award availability is extremely hard to find, and it’s not uncommon for there to be almost none for the next year. With Qantas First, you find a lot more availability closer to your desired departure dates (making planning ahead a real challenge), and occasional seats pop up throughout the year, so be sure to check back often. This is one of the toughest frequent flyer awards to book, but if you can secure a seat, the price tag and the patience are well worth it.
3. Qantas Lounges Are Fantastic
When it comes to flying Qantas First, you’re likely going to hear more talk about the lounges rather than the actual plane itself, and that’s for good reason! Qantas operates some of the best lounges in the world, and for first class flyers, there’s an exclusive space to relax.
Qantas operates 4 different types of lounges:
- Qantas Club, which is open to paid Qantas Club memberships, similar to Admirals Club
- Domestic Business Lounge, which is open to business class and Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire customers
- International Business Lounge, which is open to business class and Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire customers
- First Lounge, which is open to first class passengers and Oneworld Emerald customers
There aren’t many First Lounges in the Qantas network, with locations in Singapore (SIN), Melbourne, Sydney, and Los Angeles. From a U.S. standpoint, this is one of the reasons you may prefer to fly out of Los Angeles rather than Dallas. While Dallas offers access to the American Airlines Flagship Lounge, the Qantas First Lounge in Los Angeles is far superior. If there’s equal availability out of Los Angeles and Dallas, I almost always choose Los Angeles for the better lounges. The Flagship Lounge in Dallas is a passable experience, though Qantas First passengers do not have access to Flagship Dining.
Qantas First lounges offer private showers, which come in handy before departure or on arrival (if you’re on a connection), and, most importantly, a fully staffed restaurant where you can order from an extensive menu by Australian chef Neil Perry.
In the Sydney and Melbourne lounges, there is a spa area, and passengers with lounge access can book a 20-minute treatment for free. One cool perk of actually flying in first class (compared to accessing the lounge as an elite member) is that first class guests get to prebook spa time and are basically guaranteed spa access.
On a recent visit to the lounge in Sydney, I availed myself of a 20-minute shoulder, head, and neck massage, and it was absolutely delightful. I didn’t have an appointment, but the agent at the front desk suggested I try it and found me an open time. It was a fantastic experience, and while short, it was especially refreshing prior to a 15-hour flight back to the U.S.!
Bottom Line:
If you have access to the Qantas First lounge, be sure to arrive early so you can take advantage of the spa treatments and sit-down dining.
4. Onboard Dining Is a Treat
Qantas First is a truly remarkable dining experience on board, and you really feel like you’re eating at a restaurant in the sky. Just for comparison, in business class, you’re served your meals on a tray, where a side salad and bread come out first, followed by your main course, and then dessert.
In Qantas First, it ’s a long affair with multiple courses, dining table setups, and changes of cutlery. Qantas recently introduced a dine-on-demand concept, where you can eat whenever you want during the flight. In the past, a main meal was served right after takeoff, but now you can delay it until you’re hungry.
On the ground, during boarding, you’re served a glass of Champagne (on my flight, it was the 2006 Pommery Cuvee Louise), nuts, and olives.
In the air, you’re served your choice of drink and 2 amuse-bouches, one featuring Calvisius caviar. After this, a flight attendant sets your tray table with a tablecloth, cutlery, and glassware. There are no trays for this meal! Everything is placed directly on the table, like in a restaurant.
You’re offered a choice of bread from the bread basket, along with butter, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Next, you get the appetizer you selected from the extensive menu offered to you right after takeoff. The appetizer comes on a large plate, and is often filling on its own!
In first class, the main is usually a selection of meat and fish dishes, along with a vegetarian option. You’ll almost always find a steak, along with traditional sides.
Dessert is one area Qantas could improve upon. On my many flights, it almost seems like they overthink dessert rather than offering something simpler and appealing to a broader audience. On a flight in August 2025, there was a choice of a baked rhubarb and strawberry pudding or a 3-milk jasmine tea cake, neither of which looked appealing (or tasted great). There’s also always a cheese course, affogato, ice cream on its own, or an ice cream sandwich. You can wash it all down with a drink, tea, or coffee.
Qantas flights are long, with flights to the U.S. taking upward of around 15 hours, so you get breakfast, too.
There’s an extensive menu, and you can have whatever you want. Breakfast is a more build-your-own-meal type of affair, where you can choose from yogurts, pastries, fruits, toast, larger entrees, and more. I highly recommend the pressed juices!
If you’re somehow still hungry between meals, Qantas also offers snacks on board, including its famous steak sandwich, which can be prepared upon request.
5. Seat Design Is Average
When it comes to the actual hard product of the Qantas first class seat, it’s actually not the best seat on the market. There is no private door or partition like on other major carriers, so, while roomy, Qantas definitely isn’t the best one out there. The cabin is laid out in a 1-1-1 configuration with 14 first class seats.
That said, it’s definitely the most comfortable seat on board. Each seat converts into a fully flat bed, which flight attendants make up for you when you’re ready. They place a mattress pad on the seat, then a sheet and duvet, along with several pillows. Of the many sleeps I’ve had on a plane, the ones on Qantas have been the most restful, though that’s partly because of the distance and being able to get a full night’s sleep without interruption.
First class passengers get a pair of pajamas, slippers, and an amenity kit (business class passengers only get pajamas and an amenity kit).
There are several cubbies in the console, and an enormous tray table extends from the side, providing plenty of space to work or eat. First class seats also feature an ottoman where a companion can dine across from you (simply push the inflight entertainment screen to the side).
There is beverage storage to your right, as well as a power outlet underneath. Even when the bed is fully reclined, there’s still plenty of room to get up and access the overhead bin or use the restroom. Though the seat doesn’t have a door, it’s actually quite a private experience.
Final Thoughts
Australia is one of my favorite countries to visit, and with it being such a long distance from the U.S., flying in comfort is very important to me. That’s why I try to fly Qantas whenever I can, and if I can snag a first class seat on the Qantas A380, I’ll almost always jump on it! The service is friendly, the food is fantastic, and the lounges are some of the best. It makes passing the time to Australia that much quicker when you’re refreshed and well-rested!