Karryon’s Kirstie Bedford recently flew to Chicago with Qantas for AKTG’s exclusive invitation-only AKTG 100 Club. Here she describes what it was like flying Melbourne to the US during the Middle East crisis.
“Why would you fly to the US now?” was a common cry when I told family and friends I was going to Chicago for a conference, most unseasoned travellers, but I do understand the trepidation given the news cycle at the time – even if the flight was going nowhere near the Middle East airspace.
Getting on board
My flight QF21 was flying direct from Melbourne to Dallas, where I’d board a QF flight operated by American Airlines to Chicago. Check-in was a breeze, and I was even able to change my seat. Originally at the back of the plane at 57K, I struck it lucky at the check-in (a smile goes a long way) and was moved further up to 41A, although extra legroom seats weren’t available due to the flight being so full. Many I spoke to were travelling to see family or friends, with most connecting to other flights out of Dallas, much like I was.
The flight, as I tried to explain to those who had reservations about me flying halfway around the world (although it felt longer at 26 hours door-to-door), was going over the South Pacific, north of New Zealand, past Fiji, over Baja California, mainland Mexico and landing at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) ranked among the top four busiest airports in the world.
Here, I boarded the Skylink (be warned if you have acrophobia) which whizzes between terminals. It’s important to check your terminal and gate when you get there because my terminal was changed while I was killing time, and if this does happen, you need to go back to the Skylink to a separate terminal. Tricky if your connection is tight. Besides that, the entry into Dallas was relatively quick and involved a few questions about why you were there, and you’re on your way.
In fact, entry to the US was easier than the minefield that is tipping once you’re on the ground and shout-out to the pilot of AA2474, too, for exceptional views as we flew into Chicago.
On board the Qantas flight
The food was non-descript, but then I was in economy. Often described as being made by celebrity chefs, mine was more food court-style, rice and beef with large cubes of carrot and potato, but the garlic bread was nice, and there were three options.
The staff were exceptional. I had a blind woman seated next to me who sadly fainted mid-flight, and even before the incident, staff were highly attentive, even putting tape on her touch screen so she could find the call button should she need them. After she fainted, oxygen was quickly given, and multiple staff frequently checked in on her.
I chose a window seat, which I often prefer on long-haul as it’s easier to sleep, and it meant getting those exceptional views of Chicago on arrival. The downside of course means often climbing over other people to the bathroom, and it’s harder to get to and from your bag.
We had the usual blanket, small pillow and an amenity kit with toothbrush and paste (godsend), earplugs, and an eye mask.
On the AA flight, we were offered cookies (Biscoff, “they’re so good”, my hostie tells me) or pretzels. She wasn’t wrong about the cookies, and again, I have rarely seen a flight attendant so happy as the one serving us. She was frequently talking to the travellers and was pleasant no matter what the request, even when it was, “Can I have a glass of wine?”. Not by me, of course.
Overall
The entire process was seamless, despite the late gate changes at Dallas, but this can happen wherever you go. I had expected longer delays in the US, and maybe a bit more of a grilling, even a quick search of the socials, but there was none of that.
The food on the flight was average, but the service was exceptional.
Would I do it again? Look, who wouldn’t prefer extra leg room, or even business class, and I’m undoubtedly sure it would have changed the experience, but overall it was as good as any long-haul in economy can be, and the staff brightened by day.
For more information, visit Qantas.
