The only time that setting a wake-up call for 3am is okay is when you’re getting up for an international flight. And this Fiji Airways service is definitely worth the early rise, Dani Tuffield discovers.
The excitement kicks in as you triple check that you have your passport and head off in your Uber, where the driver has already been going for eight hours straight. Yikes!
Checking in at Sydney International Airport at 4am is an interesting experience: check-in is open, but the rest of the airport is still sleeping, even duty-free – I guess I’ll have to apply my chemist brand moisturiser now.
After a very large coffee (the cafes are open – hooray!), I get ready to board FJ914 for my flight to Fiji for the Virtuoso Australia and New Zealand Forum 2023, the first overseas edition of this event since 2019.
In the air
The Bula Spirit is alive and kicking from the moment we board. We are Bula’d at every touchpoint and welcomed onboard by people friendlier than they have a right to be at 5.30am.
The seats in economy are a pretty standard size, but comfortable. Plus, I have a free seat next to me, which is always a bonus. (TIP: the early morning flights are often good for the extra seats, so always ask at check-in.)
The personal TV screens are a good size and the selection of entertainment is extensive. I choose a movie and documentary, which I know will see me through the 3-hour, 45-minute flight.
What I don’t take into account is watching the sun rise above the clouds. Spectacular! Get a window seat for this bonus entertainment.
We are served a hot breakfast of eggs and sausage and it’s delicious. I gobble it all up with a nice cup of tea to wash it down. Bottled water is handed out frequently throughout the flight, which is welcomed as that is my number one pet peeve on flights. Hydrate me!
Hands down the best thing about flying Fijian Airways is the service, with the most beautiful smiles from staff. The crew are genuine and helpful, and I watch them interact with many small children onboard. It’s lovely to see the connection and warmth.
In Fiji
Arriving into Fiji nice and early, and ready to enjoy the day is definitely another bonus of flying with FJ. If your hotel room isn’t ready, then no worries – always pack your cosies on top and store the luggage whilst you hit the pool.
I’m staying at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa, which has just had a spectacular renovation, and go straight to the Waitui Beach Club (adults-only pool!) to wait for my room, which takes just under an hour.
For my return flight on FJ915 (departing Nadi at 6pm), one of the best service details is the check-in desk at the resort. By 2pm, I’ve sent my luggage off, have my boarding pass and can head back to the Waitui Beach Club … aaand relax. It’s one of the easiest and most hassle-free check-in experiences I’ve ever had.
Vinaka Fiji Airways, I will be back very soon.
The details:
- Fiji Airways, flight FJ914
- DEP SYD 6am, ARV NAN 11am (local time)
- Economy Class
- Bulkhead row, window seat
The writer was a guest of Fiji Airways.