On the Ground: I was returning with my family, four of us in total, after a relaxing trip to Fiji. This was a true “Family Business” trip, much like our regular column in Global Traveler (see page 82). At Nadi International, the line for Tabua (business) Class was short and we checked in swiftly and pleasantly. As I do for all flights, I carried my roller bag to the departure and security points. At security, I was told that my bag weighed 26 kilos and the maximum for carry-on was seven. My attempts at negotiation with the security staff were unsuccessful, so we played along and transferred two-thirds of my clothing to my family’s carry-ons. Once inside the Air Pacific Tabua Class lounge I transferred it back and, of course, my hand luggage was fine for the overhead. Unfortunately, this is where Air Pacific lost some points. In the lounge there was a little buffet and a full bar. (15/20)
On Board: It was impressive to see the nose of the Boeing 747-400 nearly close enough to touch as we entered the plane. There is nothing like a 747 for takeoff and landing, and airline aficionados love the sound as the nose landing gear is retracted and you can hear the tires spinning to a stop with a whoop, whoop.We were offered a preflight cocktail as we waited for the rest of the aircraft to board. At first I was not pleased with the idea of a quick menu, but the choices were vast. Air Pacific has the right formula for this return flight: Feed the business class and let them sleep. I selected the vegetarian meal (we had been indulging for a week at Turtle Island Resort). The food was perfect and what Air Pacific called a “light meal” was really quite filling.
After the meal, I watched a movie and then decided to turn in. Now don’t laugh, but I placed some of my carry-on luggage on the floor in front of my seat and turned my standard Fijian business-class seat into a nearly flat bed — the seats are wide enough for you to turn on your side and curl up — and then I slept for eight full hours. When I awoke, I was offered breakfast and we prepared to land at LAX. (35/40)
The Experience: The flight attendants kept the businessclass passengers pleased. The only bad part of the experience was arriving at a remote gate in the Tom Bradley terminal at LAX, then having to board a shuttle bus to the main terminal. (38/40)
Total Score: 88/100
Read This Next
Continental Airlines Business Class
2007
Jan 2, 2013Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 30, 2023The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach’s Wellness Experiences
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach offers travelers a new immersive wellness experience: Healing in Hawai’i.
Sponsored Content
Enter to Win $500 and Get Six Months’ Free Access to the New GT App
Now through May 8, sign up for a free six-month trial of the Global Traveler app and be automatically entered for a chance to win a $500 gift card of your choice for Amazon, Apple or American Express.
Daily
Mar 30, 2023NoMo Soho Introduces New Private Event Spaces, Return of Rose Garden
NoMo SoHo recently announced the return of Rose Garden as well as the introduction of two new event spaces, The Penthouse and Nina’s.
Daily
Mar 30, 2023A New Type of Art Experience: Rotterdam’s Depot Boijman’s Van Beuningen Opens
A little more a year ago, Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, designed by architectural firm MVRDV, opened to the public in Rotterdam. At Depot, everything revolves around the interaction between the visitors and more than 151,000 works stored in various areas of the unique building.
Daily
Mar 29, 20234 Spring Hotel Openings
With the start of spring, travelers have their choice of new design-centric boutique properties opening in the coming months. Check out these properties for travel inspiration.
Elk Cove Inn & Spa Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 29, 2023Last-Minute Spring Deals from SIXT
eFlyer Deals
Mar 29, 2023eFlyer Deals
Mar 29, 2023Andaz Mayakoba Welcomes Summer with 20 Percent Off All Suite Stays
Just in time for summer travel, Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya launches its Suites on Sale promotion. During the summer months, the resort offers travelers 20 percent off a stay in a suite.
Sponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
eFlyer Lead
Mar 29, 2023Will Unruly Passengers Soon Be Banned from Flights in the United States?
After a series of high-profile unruly passenger incidents, many of which made their way across the internet for thousands to see, a bipartisan group of lawmakers announced a new push for legislation to ban passengers fined or convicted of serious physical violence from commercial flights.
ShareThis