First Class, Full Heart: Sydney to Singapore

After disembarking in Sydney, we made our way to Gate 15 for the International Terminal transfer. We’d just missed the previous bus, so we had about a 10–15 minute wait before we were driven around the edge of the runway, it didn't seem long at all. Along the way, we spotted planes (of course), fuel trucks, and luggage from our flight being hauled across the tarmac.

One suitcase wasn’t being hauled though—it had fallen off a trailer and was trying to make a break for it. I’d just popped on my camera glasses (the Ray-Bans Ros gave me for Christmas), and caught it on video. To our relief, our own suitcase was still safely on the same trailer, rolling along like a pro.

The Qantas International First Lounge

Security and passport control were a bit hectic, but we eventually made it to the lounge around 12:40pm. I had thought we’d have loads of time, but in the end, it felt like we only scratched the surface of the food options.

One of the lounge hosts welcomed us and confirmed our massage appointments. We both opted for the signature hot stone massage—when in Rome (or Sydney). They had been tracking our Brisbane flight to make sure we’d make it in time, which was a nice touch.

We were seated for lunch and handed menus. Ros chose the slow-cooked lamb, while I had a few bites of a bao bun before my massage. Afterward, I returned to find Ros off to hers, so I had beef brisket and chips. They even offered sauce for the chips—an obvious yes.

QF1 – The Unexpected Plane

The A380 we boarded wasn’t the one originally scheduled for QF1. There were two QF2 flights in the air heading to Singapore—one about eight hours behind. Qantas seems to have shuffled the aircraft around and cancelled QF11 to LAX to keep QF1 running. At the gate, a crew member was overheard saying it might take two days to fix the delays from the other cancelled flight. Very glad we weren’t part of that drama.

Boarding was smooth, and champagne with warm nuts set the tone beautifully. I scattered all my must-haves around my suite, and we were delayed about 30 minutes due to the entertainment system having to be rebooted to resolve issues. They warned people to download things to their devices—but thankfully everything was fixed, and we were on our way, with a Ros having had a few more champagnes (keep filling it up, Ros advised the flight attendant whilst waiting).

They brought out the PJ's, slippers and accessories, asking what size you would like. as we would have two flights we ordered the first set in our size, as the second set would be in Jimmy's mums size. It appeared that just about everybody in First Class as soon as they got their pj's, went to put them on. We were still on the ground but decided to join the crowd and do the same.

Dining in the sky

The service was exceptional. Ros joined me at my seat so we could dine together—a fun touch not everyone took up. (The older guy beside me and his wife behind me seemed more interested in solo dining... fair enough!)

We started strong but soon hit the wall—portions were generous and rich.

Australian tasting plate of Margra lamb prosciutto, lemon myrtle goat’s cheese, pickled beetroot, pea and native river mint and pepperleaf lavosh

CopperTree Farms beef fillet with celeriac and potato gratin, snow peas, braised leeks and anchovy butter

Crumbed Margra lamb cutlets with sweet potato puree, roast onions, tomatoes, chickpea and rosemary salsa

Cruising at 40,000 feet

I was shattered and took a nap around 6pm Sydney time—similar to my afternoon routine back home. I actually got some decent rest, only to wake up to the offer of... more food. I opted for the fruit plate—light and refreshing after everything else.

Reflection in the skies

Just before landing in Singapore, the usual pre-landing warnings were read out—culminating in “bringing in controlled drugs is punishable by death.” That woke me up fast.

Then, the Customer Service Manager came over. Ros had told her why we were taking this trip. She gently acknowledged that pancreatic cancer doesn’t usually end with good news—and said she knew others who hadn’t been so lucky. Her words hit me deeply.

We landed smoothly, taxied in, and were off to the lounge before the next leg. One stop closer to London. Onward and upward.