Fiji Airways Business Class review

Normally our only association with business class on any airline is as we walk through it to economy. But as we get older, we decided that on any long flights we would spend more to be more comfortable. We had planned a trip to the US and Canada and we had heard glowing reports about Fiji Airways from a couple of neighbours in Vanuatu.

As the flight was more than 10 hours we decided to take the plunge and fly business class to Los Angeles.

First we were put at the pointy end of an Airbus ATR from Vila to Nadi and, although it doesn’t really have a true business class, we were in the first four rows with the services of our own attendant.

Although it is only a short flight we were wined and dined with a meal, which did not happen in economy behind us, where they were served a snack.

Those who wished to watch a movie, TV show or play games were given their own tablet computers to use.

Once in Nadi, we were able to use the business class lounge which was quite excellent and fairly new.

The lounge boasted a children’s play area, a spa, toilets and showers plus all manner of seating, from couches and lounge chairs to small dining settings.

There was also free Wi-Fi, newspapers and magazines and plenty of hot food and drinks. The barman even shook hands, introduced himself and welcomed us.

After boarding the evening flight, we settled into our large, comfortable front row seating and prepared for the mid-year flight, which took 10 hours and 20 minutes for just under 9200 kilometres.

The first class service began immediately with French bubbles before take-off, followed by good quality wines, including a Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc from NZ’s Marlborough region, The Black Chook Chardonnay from South Australia, Yalumba Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon and a Matua Pinot Noir, also from Marlborough.

Late night dining commenced at about 10.30pm (Fiji time) and began with a hearty cream of mushroom soup garnished with freshly chopped parsley. For mains there was a choice or crispy sesame coated chicken tenders with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce; slow cooked braised beef in a tomato and olive sauce sided by creamy polenta and local green beans; green garden salad with either grilled herb and paprika chicken breast or feta cheese with a French vinaigrette or ranch dressing, or paneer and potato kofta seasoned with cumin and roasted spiced mix and served with a zesty tomato masala gravy.

Dessert choices were a yummy Pina Colada cheesecake, a fresh fruit bowl or chocolate and vanilla ice cream.

A top notch cognac finished everything off nicely and it was a movie before a good sleep on a seat that almost stretched to the horizontal.

We were not too interested in breakfast having had two dinners the night before, but throughout the flight the service was impeccable and the cabin crew were genuinely friendly – oh, and the coffee was excellent.

We arrived in LA really fresh and rested, which is the hallmark of a great flight and we have no hesitation in saying fly Fiji Airways and treat yourself to a great priced business class experience.

*The Wilsons paid full price for their business class tickets.