For a Cork mum of three grown-up children living in Australia, travelling halfway around the world is a regular part of life for Ann Lenihan. After years of juggling long layovers, hectic airport transfers, and days lost to jet lag, she recently flew the direct Qantas London – Perth route for the first time, going in and out of Cork airport. It was her first experience flying non-stop for 17.5 hours and it made a world of difference! From the fresher air on board the Dreamliner to the convenience of skipping Dublin Airport, the journey was smoother, more comfortable, and surprisingly refreshing. Here’s how it went and the tips she’s learned for anyone considering the same route.
As a mum of three adult children, all living in Australia along with their partners and my four grandchildren, I’m sure you’ll appreciate how important travelling down under is to me. If there’s one thing lockdown taught me, it’s to never take time with my family for granted. I treasure every opportunity to travel to be with them, those special times mean everything to me.
There’s just no escaping the long journey, time difference, or jet lag when traveling to Australia. Believe me, I’ve tried and tested every airline, route, and travel hack to arrive fresh and energised . While it’s still a work in progress I’ve picked up plenty of tips on what works, and just as importantly, what definitely doesn’t!
I recently flew the non-stop London- Perth return route for the first time, and while I travel to Western Australia at least once a year to see my three kids and four grandkids, this was my first time doing the direct Qantas route and what a difference it made!
One of the main reasons I chose this flight was because it’s one of the very few long-haul options that allows you to fly in and out of Cork, avoiding several frustrating airport stopovers or flying out of Dublin airport and that painful drive or bus journey home after a long flight.
I was excited, but slightly apprehensive before the flight. On the bright side, I’d be avoiding airport stopovers or hopping on and off planes, but the idea of spending 17 and a half hours in the air in one go left me slightly daunted!
Booking was mostly straightforward, though I did find it quite difficult to work out how to pre-select my meal options. In the end, I gave up and didn’t make a selection, although I was initially disappointed I got lucky on board. Another passenger, sitting near me, had pre-ordered a vegetarian/gluten-free hot sandwich and that was exactly what I wanted. He no longer wanted it, so the crew offered it to me. That, along with the fresh fruit boxes, was all I ate from the flight menu.
I’d eaten a lovely breakfast earlier in the Qantas Lounge at Heathrow and also brought some of my own food, which Qantas is absolutely fine with. There’s also a self-serve snack cupboard on board where you can help yourself to treats throughout the flight.
I chose an aisle seat because I like to get up and move around often, especially on long flights and let’s face it – it doesn’t get much longer than 17 hours. I travelled in the Dreamliner cabin, which felt noticeably fresher than the recycled air that I have endured on previous flights! I think this really helped me sleep and sleeping on long haul flights is rare for me. I actually slept a lot on this flight, which I’d put down to the improved air quality onboard.
I brought my own Bluetooth Shokz headphones, which work well for movement but aren’t great at blocking out surrounding noise, so I ended up using the headset that the airline provided. I probably should have used the earplugs they provide, but didn’t – lesson learned though I will the next time.
I didn’t eat much on the flight but drank lots of water, and the crew were more than happy to refill my bottle as often as I asked. In fact, the crew were truly outstanding, they couldn’t do enough for me and particularly on the London – Perth leg. They were warm, attentive, and absolutely top class. Probably the best crew I’ve ever flown with.
The idea of spending over 17 hours in the air can feel daunting, but I honestly found this flight easier than some shorter ones I’ve done with multiple layovers. Sleeping more than I usually do made a big difference, as did pacing myself with hydration and walking around regularly.
On this trip I was amazed by how little jet lag I experienced after arriving in Perth. Normally, it takes me the best part of a week to feel normal again after this journey, but within 24 hours, I was back to my usual self. With four lively and lovable grandchildren all under the age of six, I need all the energy I can get and fast. They light up my world, and just as much as they look forward to seeing me, I count down the moments until I can be with them. I want to be fully available to them and ready to keep up with their nonstop pace!
The return flight was just as smooth, and I landed back in Cork mid-morning on Wednesday and was back at work the next day feeling absolutely fine.
The cost of the ticket was a bit more expensive, just over four hundred euro more than the flight with a stopover. But when you add up the cost of getting to and from Dublin, a hotel for the early flight, and the money you waste at the stopover airport buying food you don’t want and buying things you don’t need, it more or less works out the same.
In terms of space, the Dreamliner cabin appears roomier, with three sets of three seats in each row,instead of the usual three – four- three makeup. The seats aren’t wider than other airlines, but they have a seat pitch of 32 inches, which gives you more legroom and makes the experience more comfortable. There is also more baggage space.
The only downside is that after arriving back into Heathrow at 5am there was a wait of about four and a half hours for the flight home to Cork – so an earlier flight would have made it even better!
I’d give this flight 4.9 out of 5. The convenience of flying via Cork, the Dreamliner cabin experience, and the exceptional crew made it stand out. I’ll absolutely be flying this route again and I’ll be pre-packing my snacks, hydrating well, and choosing that aisle seat every time.
Written by Ann Lenihan
