Travelling as a plus-size passenger? This flight means business

It's showtime, baby. After a five-year hiatus - thanks for nothing, Covid - the Qantas Dreamliner is back and we're headed for Hollywood. I'm on the first scheduled Dreamliner flight between Brisbane and Los Angeles since the pandemic. The 787 aircraft began flying three times a week between the 2028 and 2032 Olympic cities in August, before QF15 became a daily offering from October. I'm in business class for the Wednesday night, 13.5-hour flight, scheduled for an 8.05pm departure.

CHECKING IN: After landing in Brisbane from regional Australia about 2pm, I've got enough time to run a marathon before our flight takes off. I catch the free bus from the domestic to the international terminal, where checking in is a breeze, and it's a cruisy trip through customs before heading to the Qantas First Lounge. This is an excellent place to relax with some complimentary Heinekens and a delicious Italian braised beef dish. The checked baggage allowance is generous, with two bags up to 32kg, plus two carry-on pieces up to 7kg each. I'm travelling light, with just a laptop for carry-on and 13kg in my suitcase, which was checked through from Albury to LA. Like me, it will come back heavier.

THE FLIGHT: We leave Brisbane about 40 minutes later than scheduled, but after rolling from the Qantas lounge into business class on the aircraft, I have no cause for complaint. As a 200cm, 120kg-plus guy, the luxuries of business class on the Dreamliner make this my most comfortable flight ever. Blankets, pillows, heaps of leg-room, and the ability to lie down to sleep mean the Dreamliner really is a, err, dream.

THE CLASS: One of 42 passengers in business class, with a 1-2-1 configuration, I'm on the right-hand side of the aircraft in seat 5K and with your own privacy screen, you really do feel secluded. The 203cm lie-flat bed length means even the tallest of passengers can travel, and sleep, in comfort. My phone and laptop were able to charge beside me as I slept, which was about half of the flight.

FOOD AND DRINKS: Dinner is served about 90 minutes after take-off. I opt for the slow-roasted lamb shoulder and a glass of red wine. For breakfast, about two hours before we land, I give the eggs a miss and go for the simpler toast, croissant and coffee. In the event you can't wait, business class passengers can help themselves at two new self-service bars, which include snacks.

ENTERTAINMENT: It'd be a kick in the guts if you were bored en route to the entertainment capital of the world, right? Luckily, there's nothing to worry about. With a 40cm personal screen and stacks of new and old movies, and TV shows on Paramount Plus and HBO, there is more than enough choice to fill the gaps on this long-haul flight. I binged the entire first season of MobLand before landing in La La Land.

THE SERVICE: Faultless. The cabin crew couldn't have been more friendly. Nootoa, who has worked with Qantas for 17 years, estimates he's on his 300th trip to LA and tells me he feels "blessed" to perform his job. Damon, in her sixth year, recommends a couple of museums to visit while in LA. I arrive in the US with a full tummy and a happy heart.

IN A NUTSHELL: Sticking with the Olympic theme, it truly was a gold-medal-winning experience.

The writer flew courtesy of Qantas