Review - Qantas Airways Business Class B737-800 Sydney to Auckland
QF141 SYD-AKL
September 2026
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Introduction - Bula, Kia Ora and G’day!
Review - Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)
Review - Fiji Airways Business Class A350-900 Dallas Fort Worth to Nadi
Review - Island Hopper H125 Nadi to Royal Davui Island
Review - Royal Davui Island Resort Fiji
Review - Fiji Airways Premier Lounge (NAN)
Review - Fiji Airways Business Class B737 Max 8 Nadi to Auckland
Review - Jetstar Airways Economy Class A320-200 Auckland to Queenstown
Review - Rosewood Matakauri
Review - The Lindis Lodge
Review - Manaia Lounge Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
Review - Virgin Australia Business Class B737 Max 8 Queenstown to Sydney
Review - Park Hyatt Sydney
Review - Qantas Airways Sydney First Lounge (SYD)
Review - Qantas Airways Business Class B737-800 Sydney to Auckland
Review - Qantas Airways Auckland International Lounge & Platinum Dining (AKL)
Review - Qantas Airways Business Class B787-9 Auckland to New York Kennedy
Check-in:
We left the Park Hyatt Sydney for our 7:10AM flight to Auckland. Thankfully, Sydney Airport is quite close to downtown, so the drive took just a little over 20 minutes. It’s my first time flying with Qantas, and it took me a bit to find the first class check-in area. It’s not a very big facility, and it’s tucked behind the more prominent business class counters. I guess they were going for the IYKYK strategy.
Qantas Airways First Class Check-in at SYD
The inside of the check-in area consisted of just a few pairs of armchairs. There were only two counters, but we were helped immediately. I do love the marble façade, prevalent in Qantas lounges throughout its network. Being in the middle of our condo renovation, I have a newfound appreciation for just how freaking expensive marbles could be.
Qantas Airways First Class Check-in at SYD
Qantas Airways First Class Check-in at SYD
Unsurprisingly, the first class check-in leads directly to the fast track security, which was always a nice perk.
Fast Track at Sydney Airport
Security check and immigration were both efficient. I like how both NZ and AU have automated passport control gates.
Lounge:
We briefly checked out the well-regarded Qantas First Lounge, you can read the review on that here. It’s a lounge that’s worth the hype. I just wish we had more time to enjoy it.
Boarding:
I thought it was a bit odd that there was no app update or gate announcement about our delayed departure. When we reached the gate, the aircraft was being towed into position. We ended up boarding 25 minutes behind schedule. However, the gate area remained tranquil during the delay. Everyone was just hanging out, and I don’t think one person got up to speak to the gate agents. They weren't lying about these people being laid-back.
Once onboard, we were greeted and addressed by name by the super friendly cabin service manager and the business class flight attendant. Our 737-800 had 12 business class seats.
Qantas Airways B737-800 Business Class Cabin
Interestingly, there was no curtain between business and economy. There were footrest and leg support at each seat, though. I’m beating a dead horse at this point, but I just don’t understand why we can’t have these in the US? How expensive can they be? They’re not even motorized…
Qantas Airways B737-800 Business Class Seat
As for the color scheme… it’s giving JAL rather than Qantas in my opinion…
Qantas Airways B737-800 Business Class Seat
We were seated in 1D and 1F. The bulkhead space was absolutely phenomenal and clearly built for Frankenstein, or Rory Arnold.
Qantas Airways B737-800 Business Class Seat
Awaiting at our seats were the menu and beverage list for the flight, which I didn’t expect on a three-hour regional flight.
Qantas Airways Business Class Menu SYD-AKL
I think it’d be better if they actually list the names of the Australian wines on offer. What if I wanted to buy some at home?
Qantas Airways Business Class Drink List SYD-AKL
Pre-departure drinks included water, champagne and orange juice. I just went with water.
Qantas Airways Business Class Pre-departure Drink SYD-AKL
We sat on the ground for another extended period, as the cockpit crew awaited some final paperwork to come through.
Inflight:
I had lost track of time when we took off. Thanks to the strong tailwind, though, we were still scheduled to arrive in Auckland on time.
Breakfast service commenced shortly after leveling off. The cabin crew went on PA to announce two main course options for the flight. I was confused at first that they weren’t the same ones printed on the menu, then I realized they were options for economy. Frittata? On a 3-hour flight? Are you kidding? How does Qantas make money??? American Airlines won’t serve you a second bag of pretzels from New York to LA and they still don’t make money. The crew also announced that the forward lavatory was reserved for business class, but I witnessed zero enforcement…
Alas, let’s not concern ourselves with the misfortune in the back of cabin💀.
Qantas Airways Business Class IFE SYD-AKL
For food, I had the egg white omelette with ricotta, braised capsicum (that’s bell pepper, for all you Americans out there), sautéed spinach and leek.
Qantas Airways Business Class Breakfast SYD-AKL
My partner ordered the Turkish bread sandwich with bacon, egg and smoky tomato relish. Both were accompanied by a fruit salad and a raspberry friand. Funny how they put bacon in a Turkish sandwich, lol.
Qantas Airways Business Class Breakfast SYD-AKL
The food was good enough. The Turkish sandwich was granted more interesting than an omelette.
Prior to our descent, the business class FA came around with some cinnamon and almond biscuits, where made for a tasty little treat.
Qantas Airways Business Class Snack SYD-AKL
On Arrival:
We had a very comfortable ride with Qantas in its B737 business class. While I commended Qantas for a few service details, like hot meals in economy and printed menu, I did so as comparisons to what we are used to in the US. I know that these things are commonplace in other parts of the world. The majority of the readership resides in the US, so you gotta sing for your audience, amirite? Qantas is solid, though.
Upon disembarkation, we headed over to the Qantas Auckland Lounge, before continuing onward to New York, or as the Aussies would say, through to New York.