The idea of flying from Sydney to London without setting foot in another airport sounds like a dream for some travellers.
For others, it sounds like a travel nightmare.
Qantas has finally revealed when Aussies will be able to fly nonstop between Sydney and London, with its long-awaited Project Sunrise service set to launch in October next year.
The catch? Passengers will spend up to 22 hours in the air — making it one of the longest commercial flights on Earth.
That’s almost two and a half standard workday shifts spent inside a plane cabin, with no chance to get off and stretch your legs in another country.
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That’s almost two and a half standard workday shifts spent inside a plane cabin, with no chance to get off and stretch your legs in another airport.
“A long time stuck in an aluminium tube,” one Aussie said.
However, a Yahoo Lifestyle poll of more than 4,200 readers found most people are willing to give it a go despite the marathon journey.
A commanding 76 per cent said they would happily choose a nonstop flight rather than break up the trip with a stopover in Asia or the Middle East.
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For years, Australians travelling to the UK have typically faced journeys that can stretch beyond 30 hours once layovers and airport waits are factored in.
Angus Kidman, travel expert at consumer group Finder, told Yahoo Lifestyle the appeal of a direct flight will be obvious to many travellers.
“I think quite a lot of the important audience is just going, ‘Well, if this shaves a bit of time off my travel time and makes it more efficient, I can plan that out,'” he said.
Qantas’ Project Sunrise economy seats will have their airline’s most ‘spacious’ pitch at 33 inches.
(Supplied)
A direct service also means passengers can avoid lengthy layovers, additional security checks and the temptation to spend more money on food, drinks and entertainment while waiting for their next flight.
But Angus believes most travellers will ultimately make their decision based on one thing.
“Ultimately, if the price is right, people will put up with it,” he said.
“I think that could be the really big determinant.
“But if you’re willing to get a cheapish flight and spend 12 hours sitting at a random Chinese airport, I don’t see why you wouldn’t decide to sit on the plane as well.”
Qantas has not yet revealed exactly how much Project Sunrise tickets will cost, although the flights are expected to attract around a 20 per cent premium compared to traditional long-haul routes.
Aussies willing to fly 22 hours — but only on one condition
The biggest divide among Yahoo Lifestyle readers wasn’t whether they would take the flight.
It was where they would be sitting.
Many respondents said they would happily board a Project Sunrise flight, provided they weren’t spending nearly a full day in economy.
“Only in Business Class,” one person said.
“As long as I’m in a comfortable seat, and I can get a comfort pack, get up and stretch occasionally, eat snacks and snooze, then it works for me,” another added.
“Business or first, yes, cattle no,” wrote a third.
First and Business Class passengers will have an entirely different experience, with lay down beds and suites.
For travellers already imagining sore backs, numb legs and restless hours staring at a seatback screen, Qantas insists these aircraft will be different.
The airline’s specially designed Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft will carry just 238 passengers — significantly fewer than the 485 seats typically found on an A380 and the 297 seats available on an A330.
Economy passengers will have access to Qantas’ “most spacious seat pitch” at 33 inches, offering slightly more legroom than the 30 to 31 inches commonly found on many international airlines, according to Australian Frequent Flyer.
Economy travellers will also receive:
A six-way adjustable headrest
A multi-use seatback table
Two fast-charging USB-C outlets
An additional shelf for personal devices
However, one of the biggest differences is something passengers won’t normally find on a long-haul flight.
There a snacks and movement zones for passengers on Qantas’ new long-haul flights.
(Qantas)
The A350-1000ULR will feature a dedicated wellness zone between Economy and Premium Economy — the first of its kind in the world.
While travellers on most flights are limited to stretching in aisles, near toilets or around galley areas, the wellness zone has been specifically designed to encourage movement during the ultra-long-haul journey.
Passengers will be able to follow guided stretching and movement exercises on dedicated screens aimed at reducing stiffness during the flight.
There will also be complimentary refreshments available throughout the journey.
It might not completely solve the challenge of spending 22 hours in the air, but it’s a notable step up from the traditional long-haul flying experience.
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