I choose Qantas for International and Virgin Domestically within Australia.
In a significant development, the Australian government has approved Qatar Airways’ acquisition of a 25% stake in Virgin Australia. This strategic partnership is poised to enhance competition in the Australian aviation market, which has been predominantly dominated by Qantas.
The collaboration is expected to introduce more international flight options and potentially a lot more competition and cheaper flights for Australians – at last.
Virgin Australia plans to commence long-haul flights to Doha by mid-2025, pending regulatory approvals. This move will not only expand Virgin’s international footprint but also provide passengers with greater access to Qatar Airways’ extensive global network. For frequent travelers like myself, this partnership could mean more choices and improved services, both internationally and domestically.
As someone who spends a significant portion of my life in the air, I have become very particular about my airline choices. When it comes to international travel out of Australia, Qantas is my airline of choice, ( I also highly rate and use both Emirates and Qatar) and I fly with them whenever possible.
The service, the experience, and the benefits of being a Platinum frequent flyer make it an unbeatable option for long-haul flights. However, when it comes to domestic travel within Australia, my preference shifts dramatically—I actively avoid Qantas. Here’s why.
International Travel with Qantas – A Premium Experience
Flying internationally with Qantas, particularly as a Platinum frequent flyer, is an experience. One of the key reasons I choose Qantas for long-haul flights is the access to their exceptional First Class lounges.
Regardless of whether I am flying First, Business, or even Economy, my Platinum status ensures I can always enjoy the First Class lounge experience.
The First Class lounges in Sydney, Singapore, London, and Los Angeles are world-class, offering fine dining, premium wines, (mind you the champagne brand needs looking at), and a level of service that sets Qantas apart from many competitors.
From beautifully designed interiors to attentive staff who remember your preferences, a spa here in Sydney, on the whole these lounges feel like a sanctuary before a long flight. The Neil Perry-designed menu is a highlight, ensuring a proper gourmet experience before boarding.
Onboard, the service remains consistently high. Qantas cabin crew are trained to deliver professional yet personable service, which makes a long-haul flight far more enjoyable.
The bedding in Business Class, designed in partnership with Sheridan, is excellent – although I am not overly large or tall, and the carefully curated on board wine list enhances the dining experience.
While some airlines fail to recognise their most loyal customers beyond the ticket they hold, Qantas ensures Platinum members are always looked after, regardless of which cabin they are flying in.
The ability to access priority check-in, additional baggage allowances ( 60kg), and onboard recognition makes a significant difference in making international travel seamless and comfortable.
The Exception – Finnair’s Disappointing Service
One notable exception to my international travel choices is Finnair. While it is a Oneworld partner, and therefore provides reciprocal benefits to Qantas frequent flyers, the level of service on Finnair is, quite frankly, dismal. I fleew twice in the last 3 months and both flights were unbearable. One cabin crew member admitted “Finnair staff hate Qantas” Nice to know.
Unlike Qantas, which goes above and beyond for its premium customers, Finnair offers a cold and uninspired service that feels transactional at best. The food is subpar, the cabin crew lack warmth, and the experience falls short of what should be expected from a premium airline. Even the seats feel small, For this reason, I avoid Finnair whenever possible.
Why I Prefer Virgin Australia for Domestic Travel
Despite my loyalty to Qantas for international flights, my experience with Qantas’ domestic service has been overwhelmingly poor. The stark contrast between their international and domestic offerings is enough to make me look elsewhere when traveling within Australia.
Firstly, Qantas domestic flights are consistently delayed—if not outright cancelled. I flew on 8 last year and all 8 were delayed. Delays in and out of Carins are very very long. The reliability factor alone is enough to cause frustration, especially when traveling for work or tight schedules. There is little accountability when flights run late, and customer service on the ground is often indifferent.
Then there’s the value-for-money issue. Qantas domestic fares are often exorbitantly priced, yet the service and product fail to justify the cost. The food served onboard is uninspiring, the seating cramped, and the business class experience is lackluster if not embarrassing compared to what other airlines offer at the same price point. And in my experience Qantas domestic staff on and off the ground often seem angry or keen to get home and finish their shift.
The Qantas domestic Business Class lounges are another disappointment. Every time I step into one, I feel like I’ve walked into a Kmart cafeteria—basic, uninspiring, dried up food and completely lacking in the premium feel I expect from a full-service airline. The food options are poor, often consisting of limp salads and unappetising hot dishes, and the overall ambiance is chaotic rather than relaxing. A stark contrast to the International lounges.
By contrast, Virgin Australia delivers an impressive domestic experience. Their Business Class product is stylish, the service from staff is friendly and efficient, and their flights are rarely delayed. Virgin’s crew take pride in their work, and it shows—from the well-presented onboard meals to the immaculately maintained aircraft.
Virgin’s uniforms add to the premium feel of the airline. Their stylish, polished appearance is a breath of fresh air compared to Qantas’ somewhat tired branding. When I fly Virgin, I feel like I’m being looked after, and I appreciate the effort they put into making each flight feel special. Additionally, Virgin’s pricing is more reasonable, making it a far better value proposition for domestic travel.
The investment by Qatar Airways is anticipated to strengthen Virgin Australia’s position in the market, enabling it to offer a more robust alternative to Qantas. This increased competition could lead to better service standards and more competitive pricing across the board, benefiting consumers.
While Virgin does an acceptable job on the domestic front, I still hope for greater competition in the Australian airline industry.
More premium options, better service, and competitive pricing would help push standards higher. The recent investment by Qatar Airways in Virgin Australia is a promising step in this direction, potentially leading to a more dynamic and customer-focused aviation market in Australia.
For frequent flyers the choice of airline can make all the difference. By choosing wisely, you can ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and rewarding travel experience—whether you’re flying across the world or just across the country.
