Recently Qantas operated a seven hour scenic flight to nowhere, given that Australia’s borders are closed. Well, the airline has now introduced a twist on the concept, as it’s operating a scenic flight to somewhere.
In this post:
Qantas’ scenic flight to somewhere
Rather than operating flights to nowhere, Qantas will now be launching a series of scenic getaways that include flights that actually land somewhere. Think of it as Qantas selling a vacation package, that includes your flight, hotel, and activities.
The first “scenic flight to somewhere” will take 110 people from Sydney to Uluru. The journey will be operated by a Qantas 737, so it sounds like Qantas will be blocking middle seats, given the capacity of the plane. I would assume the capacity is limited by the amount of accommodation available at the destination, rather than anything else.
This trip will take place on December 5-6, 2020, and the schedule is as follows:
- On the morning of December 5 there will be a pre-flight champagne breakfast in the lounge
- The flight from Sydney to Uluru will depart at 10AM and land at 12PM, and will have a low level flyby of Sydney Harbour on departure, as well as low level circuits of Uluru and Kata Tjuta on arrival
- Qantas will partner with Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, and guests will stay at Sails in the Desert
- Guests will enjoy an art workshop, and a night at Field of Light including a three course dinner
- The following morning passengers will watch the sunrise over Uluru and have a guided walk to the Muṯitjulu Waterhole and Kata Tjuta, followed by a late morning brunch
- The flight from Uluru to Sydney will depart at 1:30PM and arrive at 6PM, and there will be another low level flyby over Sydney Harbour on arrival
Qantas also claims that these flights will operate with net zero emissions, as 100% of emissions will be carbon offset, through support to traditional fire management projects.
As Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce describes this trip:
“We were overwhelmed with the response to our scenic flight while most border restrictions were still in place. It sold out in 10 minutes and the feedback from people onboard was fantastic. Even the most frequent flyers said they had never experienced Australia from the air quite like that. And our crew loved being back on board.
Now that more borders are starting to open, we’re partnering with tourism operators on the ground to offer special flights to special destinations. Even though seats are limited, we think the awareness generated by these flights is a great way to get more people thinking about where they might holiday as we head towards summer.
How expensive is this experience?
Tickets are now on sale for Qantas’ charter holiday, and the per person costs are as follows, based on double occupancy:
- Business class costs 3,999 AUD (~2,815 USD) per person
- Economy class costs 2,499 AUD (~1,760 USD) per person
It goes without saying that this is a lot of money to spend on a two day trip, but then again, I’m guessing a lot of Australians are anxious to travel, given the lack of opportunities to do so otherwise.
The premium for business class may seem significant given that we’re talking about 6hr30min of flying, and middle seats would be blocked anyway in economy. It’s noted that business class includes the following additional features:
- 10,000 Qantas points and 160 status credits, vs. 5,000 Qantas points and 80 status credits
- Business inflight service including champagne and menu
- Additional gift bag items
- Invitation to visit the cockpit for photos upon arrival back in Sydney
- Upgrade to luxury room accommodation
Bottom line
I commend Qantas for its creativity in generating revenue during these tough times. From selling care packages, to selling bar carts, to selling super-expensive clothes, the airline has tried a lot of things.
This latest concept makes a lot of sense. Qantas is essentially organizing vacation packages, taking a lot of the logistical challenges out of organizing travel nowadays. This trip to Uluru sounds great, and I look forward to seeing what other kinds of trips we see the airline organize.
What do you make of Qantas’ flight to somewhere concept?
Not sure why Aussies would take this over a trip they can plan themselves. There are plenty of flights to Uluru and plenty of accom options once you get there. I'm certain it would be cheaper to do it yourself- unless the Sydney and Uluru flyover are the clincher...?
I am surprised they are doing this. Whilst the numbers are low in Sydney they do still exist. Both the NT and WA governments have worked really hard to protect the indigenous communities as they are high risk and poor infrastructure (ie hospitals). Most likely the tours and programmes will be run by the indigenous communities so I hope that they are working hard to protect those communities. Assuming they do, it is a great...
I am surprised they are doing this. Whilst the numbers are low in Sydney they do still exist. Both the NT and WA governments have worked really hard to protect the indigenous communities as they are high risk and poor infrastructure (ie hospitals). Most likely the tours and programmes will be run by the indigenous communities so I hope that they are working hard to protect those communities. Assuming they do, it is a great way to put money back into them.
I have been there several times. It is a great part of the world to see. When the world opens up, I would encourage people to go, but to do a road trip from Alice Springs and stop at the many places along the way.
Qantas - please plan one from Melbourne.
BTW @Ben - With the exception of Melbourne, a lot of Australian tourist spots are heavily sold out. I tried to book for Lord Howe Island next year and can not get in until August (and I am talking any hotel). Byron Bay is over run with people escaping the Sydney and celebs out of the USA. I have now booked Sal Salis at Ningaloo reef for April (REALLY hoping WA opens up early next year).
Carbon offset is a sham. Not much different from a pregnant woman who is about to give birth in a few weeks murdering someone. Enjoy the trip if you like but do not fool yourself about this carbon offset stuff.
I’ve stayed at Yalara many times many hotels there.
I’d do it. If I were in Aus. 2 of us in C, please
Given that there will likely be many families, there will probably be no need for middle seat blocking
I call bull sh-t on the net zero emissions. These carbon offset initiatives have always proven to be invalid. They are either not executed properly (fire management?) or when executed never achieve the intended targets. Sure, book the trip but not because you feel good about your "positive" impact on the environment.
Love it amazing idea!
It’s a very creative and attractive package, not to mention NT is very Covid Safe
Honestly, the pricing is not the worst. Staying by the Uluru isn't that cheap and depending on how low level circle is it wouldn't cost too much more then if you tried to put it all together yourself. The flights have never been cheap if you don't fly Jetstar and the flyovers are very expensive.