This business-class experience from Australia to the US is worth the stopover

The seat has so much legroom, you can't reach the footrest.

This business-class experience from Australia to the US is worth the stopover

By Michael Turtle

Updated April 1, 2025, first published January 20, 2025

Flight Review: Fiji Airways FJ890

From: Nadi to Dallas-Fort Worth

Frequency and duration: Three times a week, 12 hours and 50 minutes

Class and price: Business, from $7700 return

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On just the second flight of the new Nadi to Dallas-Fort Worth route with Fiji Airways, I'm in a business class seat on the modern A350-900. Departing three times a week with convenient connections from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, the 13-hour trip offers a fresh alternative to the usual carriers, with the opportunity for a South Pacific stopover.

CHECKING IN: Although there are separate areas in Nadi for economy and business class check-in, both lines are empty and, even with mandatory US security checks, it takes just minutes. Business class has a very generous 30-kilogram bag allowance with two carry-on bags. I head to the Fiji Airways lounge, which is relatively small but comfortable, with a special cocktail using local gin and a limited but delicious food buffet including a salad with a Fijian bush plant called ota.

THE FLIGHT: The scheduled 9.15pm departure is delayed by about 40 minutes, which gets us into Dallas-Fort Worth late at 4pm (the same day). But it's a smooth ride in the quiet A350-900 with lots of friendly bulas from the crew. The plane feels spacious and modern with a clean cream-coloured palette throughout.

THE CLASS: The 33 business class seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout with large 17-inch screens, charging ports, and so much legroom that I can't reach the footrest until using the recline setting. The tray table is large and sturdy - good for a laptop if you need to work. But you'll likely want to sleep, so luckily the lie-flat bed is comfortable (although, unlike some other passengers, I'm not offered a mattress before I nod off).

FOOD AND DRINK: I am offered (and accept!) two glasses of Mumm champagne while on the ground. The attentive crew takes orders before takeoff, so another drink is served promptly and the three-course dinner comes soon after, with the signature main course of coconut-poached fish deliciously meaty. A hot breakfast is served before landing (although it'll be afternoon in Texas) and a highlight is the mixed-grill with lamb kofta and chicken sausage.

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ENTERTAINMENT: There are a few new-release movies - enough for this flight but perhaps not also for the return. Just like the wine selection, Timothee Chalamet fans can choose from sweet (Wonka) to dry (Dune: Part Two), while a good collection of family films will be a relief for parents travelling with children. All passengers are promised free Wi-Fi for messaging and business class gets free browsing for the entire trip ... but the satellite is apparently down every time I try to connect.

THE SERVICE: With a cosy business class cabin, it seems a staff member is never far away, and meals and drinks are always served promptly with trademark Fijian smiles. It's an overnight flight and the cabin crew are respectfully discreet when the lights are out, but I get served immediately when I need it.

IN A NUTSHELL: For time-sensitive travellers coming from Australia, the connection in Nadi may be an annoyance. But the quality of the flight is as good or better (particularly the food and service) than other direct Australia to US options - with the potential for a short holiday in Fiji an appealing bonus.

Explore more: fijiairways.com

The writer flew courtesy of Fiji Airways.