Qantas Premium Economy on the A380

It’s time to fly! This time I’m checking out Premium Economy on the world’s largest passenger aircraft - the massive Airbus A380.
I’m flying with Qantas from Melbourne to Singapore on QF35 - the perfect 7 ½ hour flight to check out the full Qantas Premium Economy service and see if it is worth the upgrade from standard economy class.
This Qantas flight review features the entire Qantas premium economy product from departure through take off, the onboard service, the seat, entertainment system and our landing in Singapore.
Join me and we’ll experience the Qantas A380 together.
NOTE: Qantas has 12 Airbus A380s in their fleet - they are currently upgrading these so that the premium economy and business class seats are the same standard as those featured on the Qantas 787. At the time of uploading only one aircraft had been done and another one (this one I flew) was being done. It will take until the end of at least 2020 until all 12 aircraft are upgraded.
Here are some links referred to in my video:
Qantas 787 Business Class (London to Perth): • London to Perth - Qant...
China Eastern 787 Business Class: • China Eastern 787-9 Bu...
Route: Melbourne (MEL) to Singapore (SIN)
Length: 3,754 miles, 7:32 hrs
Flight: QF35 Seat 24A
Aircraft: Airbus A380-800 registration VH-OQH (Aug 2009)
When: 14 August 2019
Camera: Panasonic HC-VX1
This video may not be reproduced without specific permission.
Q&A Video: • Q&A and a look towards...
The Business Trip: • The Business Trip
The Business Trip - IndoChina: • The Business Trip - In...
First Class Reviews:
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Etihad A380 First Class Apartment: • Best Flight Ever! Eti...
Emirates 777 First Class: • Emirates First Class -...
Emirates A30 First Class: • Time to Indulge! Emira...
Singapore Airlines A380 First Class Suite: • Singapore Airlines Fir...
Thai Airways 747 Royal First Class: • Thai Airways Royal Fir...
Swiss Air A340 First Class: • Going Retro on the A34...
Qantas A380 First Class: • Qantas First Class A38...
Cathay Pacific 777 First Class: • Lufthansa A320 - The B...
Lufthansa First Class A340: • Lufthansa - Ultimate F...

[@adeliokilcullen263]

Love it when people say they love the vid 30seconds after it was released edit: of course! all DB vids deserve a like!

[@SigisTravelVideos]

Video notifications are not sent all at once. It doesn't mean that the video was just released that minute when you receive the video notification.

[@Joshlama]

You know that introduction is lit 😂

[@padijeff5675]

You may meet Paul Lucas on a flight!☺️

[@mgrides27]

In addition to the other comments, it's a video from Dennis - You know it's going to be good!

[@AustinPollock_6]

Nice video

[@JaydenWong]

wow what a treat for us to watch on a Saturday😍 I'll definitely miss those old 380 seats but I look forward to the new one coming up

[@rod_at_adelaide5766]

Yeah it was a nice review Jayden as always from Dennis but where were the bloody coat hooks!

[@joseantoniolago5857]

My wife and I used to travel every other seven months or so in economy class, but once we try business class, we decided to travel every 12 months, and to us, that change really worth it.

[@Aventerra01]

I appreciate your personal take on where you draw the line with the pricing.

[@geecee3478]

i flew this premium economy product SYD/SCL/SYD last year & also found the seat quite hard- especially after 13 hours. My motivation for travelling in this cabin was for the seat & not so much for the extra service/bells & whistles. The fare was very good as I booked 6 months in advance & was a lot cheaper than business. But for such long sectors I would probably migrate further up to business class for the comfort. Great review thanks Dennis...

[@Farbar1955]

Those particular seats are almost ten years old! My wife and I have flown in those seats five separate round-trip DFW-SYD flights during that time and noticed how the seats went from comfortable in 2011 to not-so-much comfort in 2018! I still prefer to sit in them for that 17-hour trip!

[@Chaingangsoldiernit]

5:38 - Giggity!

[@williamyqb]

XD

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Your happy smile never fails to lift my spirits! Personally, I doubt I would pay the extra for premium economy, though if the money (or points) was there, I would pay the extra for business. I find that even in economy i can reduce the misery to a bearable level by paying a little extra for day flights and a night in a stopover city on the way over. Thank you for the video! I hope you are as happy in life as you appear to be in your videos!

[@karlosbricks2413]

Agree completely, these videos are excellent and my favourite of this type on YT. That said, that comment about happiness is the exact type that makes me depressed when people say something like that to me...

[@Texas80]

I loved the final Ansett Australia livery.

[@Dave_Sisson]

I reckon Reg Ansett would be spinning in his grave if he knew that the rival company that forced Ansett Airlines into bankruptcy had the cheek to name one of their aeroplanes after him.

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Would be interesting to see his take on it. Not sure Qantas bears much of the responsibility of Ansett's demise - the management, unions and Air NZ all contributed with gusto.

[@Dave_Sisson]

@@DennisBunnikTravels I was thinking of Ansett's long rivalry with TAA / Australian / Qantas. Whatever name Ansett's domestic rival went by, they competed for over 50 years, only to have Ansett lose in the end. But you could probably add competition from the infant Virgin Blue to the list of things that finally sent Ansett over the edge.

[@lvldarwin]

I was a proud member of the Ansett Starship Crew. Got a back pack with assorted merch but the the coolest thing was the robot digital watch. Loved that watch.

[@Dave_Sisson]

@@lvldarwin I'm about the same age as Dennis, but I am still the proud owner of a TAA Junior Flyers Club badge.

[@joshuaadams4136]

I flew on the same aircraft on Aug 1 to Singapore in economy. Very comfortable journey with great crew even got a tour of the plane and cockpit after landing

[@molsn75]

I used to always select the economy seats on upper deck behind premium economy. They’re quiet and help me through a long flight but now they are gone!!!

[@mcscootie]

Good review again. Would like if you included what you paid for it, if you used your points and how much alternative economy and first class/ busines class would have cost

[@lorrainehodder8913]

Dennis would either paid a travel agent rate or "free of charge" provided by

[@dcjimr1]

Always makes me happy to see a Dennis Bunnik video alert! I'm 6'4" so I would always opt for premium economy if it was available, although the economy row with all the leg room looked nice. 🙂The video monitor in the armrest also cuts down on seat width and every centimeter counts when you're travelling long distance.

[@jakeromani4360]

I must say I agree with you on the entertainment screen that folds out of the armrest can be a bit annoying and I do prefer the ones that are behind the seats.

[@exclusivesuperblend]

Your video’s help me With My fear of flying🛫 Groetjes uit Nederland🙋🏽‍♀️

[@philipbrailey]

exclusivesuperblend Take some valium. Guaranteed.

[@cardiffflyer]

I've only ever flown Premium economy once and that was with Air France overnight from MSP to CDG and as someone who only ever flies economy it was definitely worth the extra especially on an overnight flight! Fantastic video as always!

[@jithinjose7515]

Nice cabins....

[@CrankyGrandma]

Hahaha! Your reasons for subscribing and hitting the notification bell are the most honest (and most amusing) I’ve heard. I’m already subscribed (but you may be the first channel where I actually hit that bell)

[@REALMRMAPLE]

That leg room is unbelievable!

[@Newsiwzerland3737]

Thanks for the comparison between Prem Econ and Econ. I’ve flown upper deck economy a few times now and enjoy it. I am flying Prem Econ SYD-LAX-JFK on points in January on A380 and B787 so am looking forward to comparing the two seats. Your review has made me excited for the trip!

[@LiveInSydney]

I touch the outside of the plane in entry also... for good luck! Hadn’t failed me yet!

[@jimmurphy4703]

Let us know when it does😉

[@olafdrake]

Got to watch this video right before take off. Great review, Dennis!

[@willjorgenson1137]

I’ve been waiting for this for a long time!!!!! Thank u Dennis

[@wingng80]

I hate watching ads, but I'll suffer the pain knowing it keeps your channel going. Keep up the good work! Loving all your reviews!

[@PaulStewartAviation]

I'm fairly sure I follow that flight attendant on instagram! I agree that the views from the QF first lounge are great minus those tinted windows which really block out the colours. I suppose they'll make sense during summer time, though. It was also a nice touch putting Reg's name on that A380 too. I'm in two minds about premium economy and think it's probably worth it more-so on night flights. An 8hr day flight to the south east asian cities is probably tolerable in Y.

[@kayelle8005]

Paul Stewart I think premium economy is always worth it on long haul. It’s a decent fail safe if your points upgrade to business doesn’t come through.

[@BobSaysWhat22]

They are so generous with quantity of the wine in a glass. Good Aussie Spirit!! 😁😁😁😁

[@mlu9871]

I collect Ansett boarding passes!

[@nataliturnbull1613]

Great video. Thank you. Always find your videos informative and interesting.

[@tenga3tango]

Premium Economy , on average cost 2x to 2.5 x the price of full economy price, its a money maker for airlines, but the best premium economy seats are from cathay pacific and EVA AIR product of 7 years ago, thickly padded, calf supported seats with width, and full armrest . Great food and service, best kept secret.

[@raysaunders5078]

Excellent video very helpful for is to decided what to do on our flight back home to Wales via London thank you

[@gauloisrefractaireenexilvo4366]

Dennis, the Frequent-Flyer Gentleman, is going to hit the 100 K subs soon. Then the sky is the limit...

[@PortugalHolidayVillas]

Love the crossed legs solution for shaky table - when I try that 5 minutes later I get the old ‘pins and needles’ sensation as the blood drains from the crossed leg - then I proceed to phaff around annoying my neighbour as I clumsily try and lift the laptop and bits up, lift the tray, uncross the ‘numb’ leg and cross the other leg over and start all over again. Then wait another 5-10 mins before the process starts again 🤦‍♂️🤪😂

[@SigisTravelVideos]

Haha, I have the same problem, the crossed legs is not a great solution.

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

hahaha - I know what you mean. Luckily I can go a bit longer but they do need a much better solution. cheers D

[@DjRtanis]

Ill be on this flight very soon unfortunately in economy but i paid extra for an exit row seat - lower deck not upper :) - Thank you for your review it was great

[@clausstimpfig3803]

Overall avery good prem eco product. there is Nothing to complain here. very good Qantas!

[@bcfirb202]

Your comment at the end about the price premium that QF want for premium economy is spot on. Just never worth it for me. Not when competitors are offering business flights at close to the same premium as Qantas wants for its additional economy offering. Great video as always Dennis. Had been missing your travails recently.

[@theresarowland5322]

Traveling premium economy Sydney to London in August and it was great to check it out. We just got back from Singapore traveling economy and it was ok for the shorter distance but have decided never to fly the long hauls in economy Fortunately we booked months ago as travel was being planned after Covid and got a great price but note it has tripled for the same time now.

[@damienmoulton4296]

That was an excellent report. I'm back on board. Cheers to Dennis

[@mattwaight9508]

I enjoy all your travel videos and your thoughtful comments. I have never flown Qantas and look forward to doing so, someday soon.

[@JelmersAviation]

Wonderful Dennis! Enjoyed it! Liked!

[@amy4291]

Thank you SO much for this lovely and helpful video! It's wonderful to know that Qantas' Premium Economy can give a high quality experience, in terms of food and service, that make it worth booking.

[@loesepoes18]

As allways, great video. 🙏 thank you!

[@HomebaseLHR]

I’ll be honest, I hate when the IFE is in the armrest. It’s so annoying.

[@jayintong7085]

It's the little fun facts like the history behind the naming of the A380 that separates you from many others. Thanks for the upload!

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Thanks!

[@TTTTTT-ix6tu]

I love Qantas.

[@thetwopointslow]

My dad was a pilot for America West here in the states, but helped out Ansett by flying for them (not sure what the exact arrangement was) in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s. He had nothing but praise for the Australian people and said Ansett treated him quite well. Cool to see the original Ansett’s name on a Qantas plane.

[@adamrj7286]

awesome review of premium economy....thanks for the detail...

[@nycflyertravel]

I’m really glad that Qantas is retrofitting their A380s!

[@syc9675]

Good video trip there Den. The A380s are about to be upgraded with new seats and new entertainment system. Have never flown a380 before but the Skybeds are outdated and needed to be revamped as soon as possible. First class seats are getting a revamp.

[@SK-qx3ou]

Great review. Very thorough comparisons with Economy options.

[@davidcartwright5591]

I flew SQ from LHR to SYD via SIN 2 days ago in economy class. I had the same legroom as you had in Premium economy and it cost me no more to do so , my wine was served from full size bottles and we had “ proper “ warm face towels provided , so on that showing I don’t think I would pay the extra for the what I consider just a small upgrade in service , a 3X fare premium from economy doesn’t seem worth it to me .

[@alexmcwhirter6602]

That's is the main issue with Y+ (premium economy) as tariffs between it and Y (regular economy) can vary depending on whether or not the airline has a seat sale. Dennis noted this fact. Y+ was launched in the early 1990s by Taiwan's EVA Air and our Virgin Atlantic. BA adopted Y+ around year 2000. But it has taken a long time for most global airlines to adopt the product. The last of the major carriers without Y+ are the Gulfies but these, led by Emirates, are expected to follow suit in the years ahead.

[@davidcartwright5591]

Alex McWhirter . It’s a good earner for the airlines , install fractionally less seats in a given area and charge like the wounded bull for the privilege of that little bit of extra space . I’m surprised that there are any airlines left who haven’t adopted the class .

[@alexmcwhirter6602]

@@davidcartwright5591 In fact Y+ only gained acceptance in the past five years. A number of airlines still do not offer Y+ and these include KLM (extra legroom seating only), most airlines in India, Africa and the Mid East. No Gulf airline currently offers Y+ but EK says it will do so in 2020 (except that Y+ would debut on its new 777Xs but these are now being delayed by Boeing until 2021) and so *probably* would be on one of its A380s. In a world of many different cultures that is why, in some areas, Y+ has been so slow to gain acceptance. From the airlines' viewpoint Y+ enables any carrier to upgrade/downgrade travellers for whatever reason. Today there is a huge price and comfort gap between Y and J and this gap is bridged with Y+.

[@hanj31]

@@alexmcwhirter6602 Korean carriers don't have one either I wonder if they will adopt one once the Asiana takeover is completed.

[@alexmcwhirter6602]

@@hanj31 I believe it's only a matter of time before these two Korean airlines adopt Y+.

[@p4m209]

I flew on the qantas A380 from Sydney to Dallas Let’s just say that snack bar was my best friend on that flight

[@SigisTravelVideos]

I don't blame you, snacking make the flight go by faster👍

[@michaelmcginn3661]

I did Dallas-sydney then Sydney-Dallas in June. The snack bar was definitely a great idea!

[@lukesquires6351]

Great video yet again Dennis, just wondering what that song is as you're coming into land? I've heard it on your previous videos and like the sound of it. Cheers

[@johndornoff]

Another great review Dennis. I would have a hard time wanting to leave the lounge with all those books to read but then again when the plane is ready to take you to a new adventure...

[@ryansofly]

I love PEY products which are "business lite", like QF/SQ is. Other airlines are more like "economy plus" like MH/UA, which isn't so good. Had a great experience with QF as they greeted each pax individually and the cabin attendant even did a second round of individual thanks before landing. Meal service with a towel draped over the arm was a little OTT.... But I walked away impressed with QF's PEY product. I got it upgraded by cash on a promotion, but am unsure if I'd pay full price for it though.

[@Patrick-ry9vy]

Awesome editing around 10:30! Great new feel to the channel

[@GS-dk3hg]

I’ve watched countless of your videos Dennis.....love em mate👍🏼keep up the good work hey 🇦🇺

[@alexmcwhirter6602]

Thanks for a comprehensive report Dennis. Even today a number of our readers continue to question the value of premium economy. But as you rightly note its prices can vary depending on seat sales both for it (premium economy) and regular economy.

[@kaiuweb974]

That family guy scene at 5:38

[@donnamanitu8372]

Thank you for the review as we will be traveling in Premium Economy when we will be traveling in for our flight to Australia.

[@keithsmith4059]

While less leg room, 32 A & K are the best, imo (before gone in the new config) as the have side bins and easy to get out for the bathroom. Premium Economy is a sweet spot for earn, upgrades & comfort etc :)

[@Realfoodreallife]

Your Qantas flight reviews are always exceptional...Cheers to great videos! 😊

[@nicholashodgson3544]

Looking forward to our trip with Qantas premium economy in March, Australian dream & brilliant airline

[@louiseleonard1992]

Love this so much

[@iancmcneill]

As always great review Dennis. Think you are the best mate!

[@mykhaelmichaels]

Thx I just about to travel on this airpline.

[@jamesschmautz9296]

I just flew Singapore to Melbourne on qantas A380 economy and it was nothing to the Japan Airline JL774. Our plane with Qantas must of been old as seat were well used. The touch screen was slow and non responsive, so I only had the option of the remote control. They also have the most stupid place for the headphone jack. On your left leg position.

[@cherinewiltshire5939]

Wonderful interesting video Dennis, thank you ✨✨🤩👍🏻

[@Alawi1964]

Enjoyed this video as for all your videos. Great job.

[@peggytolleson413]

Your reviews are so helpful and entertaining!

[@Hillbillyhotcouple]

I just subscribed to your channel yesterday. So far I like your reviews.

[@DennisBunnikTravels]

Thanks Keith, appreciate the support. cheers D

[@aaronantonopoulos1952]

Love ur vids mate really enjoy them. Greetings from Melbourne

[@timmarks8941]

Very thorough review Dennis. Impressive.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Cool review Dennis 👌🙏

[@sponzie1]

Thank you❤

[@ding020468]

Another good review. Thanks.

[@murraylangley2449]

I travel a lot on the QF63/64 747 service between SYD and JNB. Premium Economy might be double the cost of economy but as I use it as a "stepping stone" for upgrading (with points) to Business Class, it is a very cheap Business Class flight.

[@jaybobluva]

Hi Dennis as always a great video on the A380, and it was great meeting you at Adelaide expo. Thank you for all the great advise you gave me and getting me into aviation happy travels : )

[@craigwillis3372]

Welcome back mate. G and T !! Were your nuts and pretzels arm ? Fairly dated product by industry standards but perfectly acceptable to Singapore etc...not sure about the next leg though ! Price over comfort !! Comfort every time !! Great review mate as always and well done again. Glad to know the Flying Kangaroo are still providing excellent service!!

[@LowBudgetKiwi]

I see you captured the one thing at airports that REALLY pisses me off quite well. That bloody blue tint on the windows!!

[@ohnjay1973]

Did this flight LAX to Sydney, pretty good flight😎😎😎

[@deankandi6913]

Always great videos. I think premium economy is good. Only if it is a bit more expensive than economy. You can always get cheap good business class tickets for not much more.

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great review. 🙏

[@gatewayz75]

Qantas PE on the A380 has always been excellent. People often ask to swap seats in PE for some reason, must be couples who haven upgraded and allocated separate seats, I pretend to be asleep

[@ralphyhk]

Now that was a great video, not to long not to short! Fab.

[@gw78787]

Looks like a decent product!

[@mottyk8491]

Nice that you checked back in Premium economy on a lot of airlines is like US domestic business class, and they seem to be getting better and better Whats next?

[@jamesroussell7940]

The old Qantas product not worth the extra money. The new Qantas product, definitely worth the money!

[@avioncamper]

A380, time for some new seats and the meal service was very nice. Just wondering out loud what the economy seats in the new JFK to Sydney non-stop will look like? 19 hrs 18 minutes will test the best traveler. Great job, Dennis !

[@or7652]

What a great crew looks like. Qf have to be one of the best crew. Wonder if you agree !

[@traceybarkwill2436]

Another amazing video mate

[@wecanfly777]

This was a nice review of Prem Eco in general across the fleet, as I enjoyed the direct comparisons between 787 and A380 ! Fancy joining me on the FIJI AIR A359 SYD-NAN? I’ll be on the 10th Dec. Andy

[@lmlmd2714]

Qantas naming a plane after the founder of Ansett.... That's a big flex...

[@srmashwani]

lovely review

[@endoftheline774]

Love your videos!

[@SigisTravelVideos]

Nice, I always pay extra so I can sit at an emergency exit on medium and long haul flights.

[@garethhancock8525]

How much extra?

[@SigisTravelVideos]

@@garethhancock8525 - Depends on the airline and seats

[@davidpascoe5842]

Great video

[@flyFirst100]

Mate, buy yourself some glasses / spectacle wipes and keep one in your pocket so you can clean the head smeg, nose grease and snot off the window before you start filming through it! Great video, as always! Cheers!

[@williamhunt3026]

i Love Dennis flight Report most time but i have to be honest i had a few negative experince Qantas and i dont fly anymore even I am Australian but honestly Emirates-QATAR- THAI Better . (meal-cabin crew service and etd .)..thanks again dennis

[@peterlu6976]

I'd never book the business class seats on Qantas 747 and a380s, they are just not up to standard these days, premium economy is the wise choice Dennis

[@well-blazeredman6187]

Nice to see you addressing the 'is it worth spending extra to go up a class' question. Not sure Premium Economy makes much sense on that route.

[@REALMRMAPLE]

Dang! I need to fly Qantas! :)