Trip Report: Fiji Airways A350 Complete Review + Premier Lounge
Trip Report: Fiji Airways A350 Complete Review + Premier Lounge

Trip Report: Fiji Airways A350 Complete Review + Premier Lounge

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

a group of signs in a airport
Check-in is at the last row of Sydney Airport

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.

a glass doors in a building
a long table with wine glasses and a group of people sitting at it
a group of people sitting in chairs in a room
a row of food containers with lids

An interesting feature is the built-in beer tap from the fridge.

Fiji Airways A350 Flight

My flight is operated by A350-900; DQ-FAI, Island of Viti Levu
My flight is operated by A350-900; DQ-FAI, Island of Viti Levu
a group of people wearing face masks
A nice boarding photo together with the Fiji Airways cabin crew. Note the cabin crew still wear masks while it is no longer mandatory for passengers to cover their face onboard Fiji Airways.
Fiji Airways A350 Business class cabin
Fiji Airways A350 Business class cabin
Business Class seat on Fiji Airways A350-900
Business Class seat on Fiji Airways A350-900
Business Class seat on Fiji Airways A350-900
Business Class seat on Fiji Airways A350-900
Fiji Airways A350 Business class cabin
Fiji Airways A350 Business class cabin

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).

people sitting in an airplane

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.

a row of seats in an airplane

The Flight

I felt very relaxed with the mood light and island music onboard. It is the perfect start to a holiday!

Welcome drink on Fiji Airways comes with a selection of orange juice or champagne.
Welcome drink on Fiji Airways comes with a selection of orange juice or champagne.

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:

Video

an airplane wing with a large engine
an airplane wing and body of water
an airplane wing with a design on it
the wing of an airplane

Fiji Airways In-Flight Service

a hand holding a green bottle with a yellow label
Chanoine Grande Réserve Brut Champagne in Business Class. About $40 a bottle.
a bowl of cereal and a drink on a table
Individual bottled Fiji Water is available in Business Class. Fiji Water is also available in Economy.
a group of glasses of beer and cans on a table
I tried out 2 kinds of Fijian beer: Fiji Gold and Fiji Bitter

Lunch is served about 1 hour into the flight. It is all on one single tray except for dessert.

a woman wearing a mask and gloves holding a tray of food
Fiji Airways Business Class meal
Fiji Airways Business Class meal

I chose the beef tenderloin, the appetizer is a vegetarian dish (coleslaw) and the bread is stale.

a man sitting in a chair with food on it

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.

a plate of dessert on a table
Dessert: Banana and vanilla custard cake.

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).

a group of people sitting in a row of white chairs with computers

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.

a man lying in a chair in an airplane

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.

Before landing, a photo with the friendly Fiji Airways cabin crew together
Before landing, a photo with the friendly Fiji Airways cabin crew together

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.

Fiji Airways Premier Lounge Nadi
Fiji Airways Premier Lounge Nadi
a group of people in a room with tables and chairs

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.

a woman standing at a buffet
a group of burgers and fries on a table
a row of silver pots on a counter

There is also a Fiji Bean cart on display with some Fijian snacks inside.

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