FIRST IMPRESSIONS & CHECKING IN

Qantas is one of Hong Kong's more frequent visitors; the reason being that most flights into Hong Kong originate in either Australia or Europe, and Hong Kong therefore is used as a pit-stop between the two long flights from e.g. Melbourne to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong to London.

We picked up the morning flight, at 0755, from Hong Kong to London – and it was a good ride. Read on for RASK's honest review of Qantas' economy class on the Boeing 747-400.

As the departure was so early, we took advantage of the offer of being able to check in the night before departure; this is done at Hong Kong Central, Hong Kong's main train station. The procedure was over within a minute, and our bags were tagged through to London right at the station, and we also received our boarding passes. Although the check in was done so many hours in advance, most of the good seats had already been taken – and we got stuck towards the back of the plane.

The following morning, the airport express train took us to the airport in lightning speed – and we could proceed straight through to security and the transit area. As visitors to Hong Kong already know: this Norman Foster-designed terminal is a modern marvel; and highly efficient too.

BOARDING 

Boarding commenced early, at 0700, and was done in a very orderly and civilised manner. I don't know if it was due to the early morning departure, and people therefore were tired, but things went remarkably smoothly for such a large aircraft.

Getting through the finger was quick – no waiting at all – and soon I was passing through the aisle, towards the very back of the main deck.

The cabin was not spotless; you could tell that this was one of Qantas' older birds. However, it seemed that the carpets were fresh, and the seats looked quite comfortable, although the upholstery was not new. I found my seat, 69K, in the completely full cabin. On the seat, a blanket (of ok quality (but one of those that seems to generate static electricity all by itself)) and a small, white pillow. No amenity kit was offered.

THE SEAT 

The Qantas economy seat on the 747 is nothing special at all; but it's still adequate. Organised in the typical 747 layout of 3-4-3, it's not ideal for a couple travelling together (although there are a few seat pairs towards the back – see below). The legroom is a standard, tight, 31in and the recline modest. The cushion seemed ever so slightly lumpy, but the lumbar support was good. In the seat back in front: a screen for the IFE. No bells and whistles.

WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE? 

I'd study the seat map carefully; my seat is not recommended – it was so far back that my meal choice ran out (see below), it was not part of the seat pairs towards the far back of the cabin (from row 70, there are a few of these – but I wouldn't take these either), and it's too close to the galley and lavatories which means noise and queuing passengers and cabin crew (although admittedly less of a nuisance as there were still a few rows left towards the back – among them the 2-2-2 seat rows).

The optimal seats are in the forward part of the cabin, and I'd go for row 36, given the choice.

This aircraft is not one where you should request the exit seats; particularly the window seats are uncomfortable and have restricted space – and the other seats will have the lavatories right in front of them.

It is worth noting that C, D, G and H seats have a box for the IFE under the seat in front; this box will impede your legroom.

THE FLIGHT 

Pushback was at 0805, some ten minutes after scheduled departure. The captain welcomed us onboard and announced a timely departure and a shorter than usual flight, at 12h35m, all in daylight, due to our early departure. It took a while to get to the runway, but once airborne we reached cruising altitude rather quickly.

The IFE was then turned on; it was nothing special, and the earphones provided were not the best; but the selection of TV and movies was adequate.

I had barely watched for five minutes before I fell asleep; and I got woken up to the scent of coffee; breakfast was served. While I gathered that passengers further up in the cabin had been given a choice, only hashbrowns and eggs were available for us down the back. It didn't matter much to me, as breakfast is usually quite standard, but still…

The tray was served with a smile by the stewardess, and the quantity and quality were both good – the scrambled eggs were fine, the hashbrown very ordinary; but I appreciated the selection of cheeses and the fruit salad, as well as the warm breads. An orange juice cup was also on the tray, as was some sturdy cutlery. All in all, above average.

After the meal, I fell asleep again for several hours – and I woke up with a headache. I asked a steward for paracetamol, and he came back quickly with two tablets and a glass of water.

After seven hours onboard, I started to find it difficult to get comfortable in the seat, but somehow I fell asleep again, and slept through the second meal service. I woke up to find a bottle of water placed in my seat pocket – a nice touch.

Prior to arrival, I went to check on the lavatories – and these were kept immaculately clean, although they could do with a refurbishment.

ARRIVAL 

Although we arrived early to the skies above Heathrow, we were commanded to circle around for a good half hour before descending – this meant that we landed right on time, at 1330. Taxiing took a long time – and so did disembarkation.

But I was happy to find my bags on the belt when I made it to the arrivals hall.

VERDICT 

Had I flown Qantas' new A380 which is deployed on the London – Hong Kong route on one of the two daily departures, I'd probably enjoyed this flight more. At present, British Airways and, in particular, Cathay Pacific, are the better carriers.

However, I really don't want to complain; the meal was good (although I didn't get a choice), the seat adequate, the entertainment options also (just) adequate and the flight was on time.

Also, I really liked that the flight departed early morning and arrived early afternoon; travelling with the daylight means that jetlag is easier battled – and this alone would make me seek out this particular departure, even if the aircraft was not sparkling new. We'd fly Qantas again.

FACT FILE

• SEAT CONFIGURATION 3-4-3
• SEAT PITCH 31in
• SEAT WIDTH 16in
• SEAT RECLINE 6 degrees
• CONTACT jona/strong>