Review: Fiji Airways Business Class, Nadi to Sydney

Airline: Fiji Airways
Flight number: FJ911
Aircraft: A350-900
Route: Nadi to Sydney
Departure time: 9:00 am
Seating: 20D
Flight time: 4 hours and 5 minutes

Check-in

Fiji Airways has introduced a Resort Check-In feature for Australian travellers, available at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, and InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, with additional resorts set to be added in 2023.

Fiji Airways passengers can check in to their international Fiji Airways flight at the resort, allowing travellers to enjoy Fiji for longer. Guests’ bags are tagged and securely transported to the airport, and boarding passes are issued to passengers. Once at the airport, guests can head straight for security and immigration.

Fiji Airways also provides the option of online check-in, which I found to be efficient and user-friendly. The process was seamless, and I was able to select my preferred seat and print my boarding pass without any issues. At the airport, I was greeted by the smiling staff who were courteous and helpful. I checked my luggage quickly and headed to the lounge.

Lounge

As a Business Class passenger, I had access to the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge at Nadi Airport. The lounge is modern, spacious, and well-equipped with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and a well-stocked bar. The food options included hot and cold meals and there were also shower facilities available. The chef did cater to my request for toasties — not on the menu — which was devoured in no time. There were plenty of lounging areas as well as a section with few desktops and printers. My teen was overjoyed to see that, as she lost her iPad and was occupied with games while we waited. Lailai Land Kids’ Corner is for littlies, which has kids’ TV programs and a play area where parents can safely leave their little ones while grabbing food and drinks. Plus, the staff are always very happy to help watch them. Fiji is, after all, the destination where happiness comes naturally.

The Cabin

The A350 Business cabin configuration is a 1–2–1 layout with lie-flat beds. The seats on the A350 were new, comfortable, and provided ample space, with direct aisle access for every seat. The seat’s back support, leg rests, and in-chair massaging option were appreciated features.

Beverages

The wine list on board included a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines, including Champagne. Fiji Airways also offers beer and a selection of cocktails, including their signature cocktail called Island Time. I enjoyed the Champagne at take-off, followed by a smooth French pinot noir.

Meals

The menu offered a variety of dishes, including Western and Fijian-inspired cuisine — I had the lemon and blueberry crepes. The dishes were flavourful and well-presented, and the portion sizes were generous. Fiji Airways also offers an extensive selection of snacks and beverages throughout the flight.

Amenity kit

The amenity kit provided by Fiji Airways is available on longer flights so was not on this flight. The kit includes a range of skincare products from Pure Fiji, socks, eyeshades, earplugs, and a dental kit.

Pyjamas or not?

While Fiji Airways doesn’t provide pyjamas, there were warm blankets and pillows to make the journey comfortable.

Entertainment

The 15.6-inch TV screens were large and clear, with a great range of movies, TV shows, music, games, magazines, and podcasts to choose from. There is 15 minutes of free text WiFi for all customers onboard. If guests would like heavier browsing and streaming, affordable Wi-Fi plans are available.

Quality of headphones

The noise-cancelling headphones provided by Fiji Airways were of excellent quality and provided clear sound for the entertainment system.

Bathroom

There were several bathrooms available in the Business Class cabin, and they were kept clean throughout the flight. Fiji Airways also provided extra amenities in the bathroom, including hand lotion and other toiletries.

Baggage

Business Class passengers can carry two checked bags, each weighing up to 32 kilograms, and carry-on luggage of two small bags or one large bag, not exceeding seven kilograms.

Loyalty program

Fiji Airways has its own loyalty program called Tabua Club. It is free to join, and members can enjoy benefits such as priority check-in, express boarding, and access to lounges.

Sustainability initiative

Fiji Airways launched Our Ocean Our Life Mangrove & Turtle Eco Tour, offering a hands-on eco experience where travellers can plant mangrove trees and explore a turtle breeding program. It is priced at FJ$230 for adults and FJ$106 for children, with a portion of the proceeds going to local village partners. The tour can be booked through any Fiji Airways holiday booking online and is available through Tour Managers and select resorts in Fiji.

Anything else to add?

Overall, I was pretty impressed with the new Fiji Airways A350 plane! While the service is always great with a smile, it is now matched with comfort. The Business Class seats on the new plane have been thought about from the smooth, easy-glide adjustable tray tables to multi-device charging ports to proper flat beds — it has definitely elevated itself as a world-class carrier.

Fiji Airways currently operates twice-daily flights from Sydney, and daily flights from Melbourne and Brisbane to Nadi, Fiji. The national carrier also operates twice-weekly flights from Adelaide to Nadi, with twice-weekly flights from Canberra set to launch in July.