On my trip around Australia, I used the Qantas Explorer multi-city ticket to save on my internal Australian flights. This flight report is about the leg from Darwin to Adelaide via Qantas QF1951. (This route originally had the flight code QF757, which is now being used for flights between Townsville and Cairns, while this route is handled by QF1951/1953).
I spent too little time in Darwin exploring the city and Kakadu National Park, but I had plans in Adelaide. A good reason to return to Darwin again!
I travel solo most of the time. In the picture above, you'll see what I travel with when there the entire flight itinerary includes a free checked bag: one manageable rollie bag, a rucksack and a hat (you've got to stave off the sunshine Down Under). Usually, I travel only with hand luggage.
Darwin Airport Transfers
There are quite a few transfer options to the airport in Darwin. Darwin Airport is about 8km from Darwin city centre and is the only passenger airport serving Darwin, and the busiest airport in the Northern Territory. On this occasion, I needed to be at the airport very early and organised a cab via the concierge at Rydges Darwin Central. At Darwin Airport, there was a remarkably short queue at check-in and security, and I breezed through in less than 10 minutes.
Darwin Airport Pre-Boarding
The airport is quite open and airy, and the best views of the tarmac and apron are from the Dome, a French-style bistro serving up what looked like a decent breakfast (given this is an airport).
The price of breakfast feels very expensive, particularly if someone was travelling on a tight budget. However, I didn't have access to a lounge at Darwin Airport, and I wasn't sure there would be a snack on the Qantas flight, so I decided to get something filling.
The ‘big sky' that you get familiar with in the Northern Territories was putting on quite a show this early morning.
Dôme serves tea from Tea Pigs, which I really like.
Before long my healthy (*cough) breakfast wrap came along: bacon, egg, cheese and spinach in a wrap. It had HP sauce already in it. Perfection.
Qantas QF1951: Boarding
QF757 was bang on time. I'm a fan of how Qantas manages boarding on domestic flights. They just let people board when they were ready to board. It's a bit of a change from European low-fare airlines which use the boarding opportunity as a way to make additional fees from classifying paying groups as ‘priority'. At least on this flight to Adelaide, there was plenty of space for everyone and their bags.
Qantas QF1951 Food & Amenities
For an economy passenger on a Qantas domestic flight, there are no specific amenities. To my surprise, on this 3.5 hour flight, there was a meal.
The offering was a slightly off-kilter chicken curry. The flavour was more fruity than spicy. Perhaps as I'd already had breakfast, the desire was low!
Qantas QF1951: The Flight
When I visit Australia, I have to keep reminding myself that distances are huge. This flight from Darwin to Adelaide was 3.5 hours and I have to say this Embraer E190 was remarkably smooth as we flew over the Red Centre.
I don't know if the horizon is altered by the clarity of the ozone, a filter on the window or the height of the aircraft, but this picture is one of my favourites from the flight.
Before landing (and in case our calorific intake was slumping) some chocolate caramels were handed out. I can't say I complained!
And then, when you think you're all set… some crackers showed up! Yes, I tasted them and then pocketed them as a snack to enjoy in Adelaide!
Conclusion
I could get used to the fact that, almost without exception, Qantas flights use air bridges for domestic flights. I'm aware of the many other issues with flying Qantas since the pandemic. However, that air bridge means no delay or faffing around waiting for a bus or transfer to the terminal building that has become the norm for so many European flights.
Booking individual flights with Qantas, Jetstar or Virgin within Australia will soon rack up the costs of a trip to Australia. It makes a lot of sense to be organised enough before visiting Australia to use the Qantas Explorer ticket, or at least compare it to individual bookings. This flight from Darwin to Adelaide was smooth, well-catered and as comfortable as you could wish for from a mid-length domestic flight. Many other airlines could take note.
QF757 was a smooth and easy flight – highly recommended!
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