Fiji Airways received 2 brand new A350-900 just before COVID in November and December 2019. They are now actively flying daily between Sydney and Los Angeles via Nadi, Fiji.
This is my first time flying Fiji Airways since its rebranding in 2015. I have flown its predecessor Air Pacific B747-400 on the same route in 2010.
Video
Fiji Airways use Qantas Business Lounge for premium guest. The lounge has better style than substance in my opinion. Food quality is poor and can be improved.
An interesting feature is the built-in beer tap from the fridge.
Fiji Airways A350 Flight
Seat Map of Fiji Airways A350-900
Here's the complete seat map of Fiji Airways A350-900, provided by Seatmaps.com
Business Class is fantastic with individual pod seats with aisle access on every seat. I think Fiji Airways may have better Business Class seats than other carriers I tried in South Pacific this trip (Air NZ and Air Tahiti Nui).
Fiji Airways Economy Class
Bula Space in Economy Class in row 31-35 has more space to stretch, with 34’’ seat pitch and 6 degree recline. In-seat video with 12” monitors, USB port, in-seat power, and entertainment on demand.
The main Economy Class cabin is in a 3-3-3 configuration, 31-32’’ seat pitch and 6 degree recline, in-seat video with 12” monitors, USB port, in-seat power (2 per 3 seats) and entertainment on demand. Row 52A and 52K are great with legroom because of no seat in front.
The Flight
I felt very relaxed with the mood light and island music onboard. It is the perfect start to a holiday!
Follow by hot towel service. The hot towel has a special scent which I assume is from Fiji.
We took off on the Southerly runway 16R out of Sydney. The weather was unstable in Sydney during my visit, with wind chill and rain at times. It's time to head off to a warmer and sunnier place.
Flight time to Fiji was 3 hours 30 minutes, cruising at 39,000 ft. There are some passengers connecting at Nadi to Los Angeles, which is the next leg of this A350.
Watch the takeoff from the video below:
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Fiji Airways In-Flight Service
Lunch is served about 1 hour into the flight. It is all on one single tray except for dessert.
I chose the beef tenderloin, the appetizer is a vegetarian dish (coleslaw) and the bread is stale.
The presentation of the main course is fantastic. Fijian cassava or dried banana chips added a nice elevation to the main course.
However, my beef tenderloin was over cooked and became very dry so I switched to the chicken dish, which is tender and moist.
Economy Class meal consists choice of chicken curry or vegetarian pasta with coleslaw as the appetizer.
Fiji Airways offer free light Wi-Fi for 15 minutes chat which you must use in one go (cannot be paused).
Trying out the flatbed for the remaining portion of the flight, I can confirm it is comfortable. On overnight flights, seat cover, mattress and comforter are provided.
We landed around 7:20pm in Nadi which is slightly behind schedule. The terminal has an open-air section so you can feel the fresh air and spot the plane easily after de-plane.
Conclusion
Throughout my experience, Fiji Airways has done well with its new branding, positioning itself as a premium holiday carrier with the new A350. I am impressed with how calm and how friendly the crew is in their service delivery. I had a very relaxing flight on Fiji Airways.
Pros:
- Excellent Business Class pod seat with individual aisle access. Perhaps the best Business Class seating among South Pacific carriers.
- Local Fiji elements have been incorporated into the flight such as relaxing mood lighting, music, towel scent and food.
- Polite cabin crew on my flight. They greet passengers by their names. The crew are calm and well trained in service delivery.
Cons:
- The appetizer of the meal can be improved in both Business Class and Economy. Warm bread basket can be served instead of pre-plated stale bread in Business Class.
Fiji Airways Premier Lounge Nadi
I spent 3 lovely days in Fiji which isn't quite enough. Watch my video to see all my experience!
On my departure to Los Angeles, I visited the Fiji Airways Premium Lounge in Nadi. I won't be sharing the A350 flight details as it is an overnight flight and I opted for maximum rest.
Entry and Access
Complimentary use for Fiji Airways Business Class guests and elite frequent flyers. The lounge also accepts Priority Pass and is used by other airlines such as Qantas.
The lounge as a dedicated bar area, there is a bartender making cocktails.
The food and beverage selections are quite good, I'd say it is better than most US/European airlines lounge. One specialty on offer is the local fish kokoda ceviche.
There is also a Fiji Bean cart on display with some Fijian snacks inside.
