I flew Fiji Airways business class from LA to Sydney - and it completely changed my mind about stopovers
As a journalist who has lived across three different countries throughout my career, it's fair to say I'm a frequent flyer.
I have endured economy at the back of the bus, stretched my legs in relief in premium economy and enjoyed the high-life in first class.
But after a recent work trip to the US I think I found my sweet spot.
Travelling from LA to Sydney is no small feat, but my business class trip from Los Angeles to Sydney via Nadi on Fiji Airways made it feel like a walk in the park.
Why, you ask, would you opt for a layover when there are plenty of nonstop options?
Standing at a difficult flying height of 5'11', comfort - from check-in to landing - isn't a luxury for me; it's essential, and so is the chance to stretch my legs and have a break in-between a long-haul flight.
Travelling from LA to Sydney is no small feat, but my business class trip from Los Angeles to Sydney via Nadi on Fiji Airways made it feel like a walk in the park
Here is my honest review of my Fiji Airways business class trip from Los Angeles to Sydney:
Check-in, baggage and the lounge
After a jam-packed three-days in LA, I reluctantly left my hotel for the airport to embark on the dreaded long-haul journey home.
Ever the early bird for airport arrivals, I headed straight to the check-in desk at LAX - an animal house at the best of times.
I sailed through to the front of the queue for a smooth and seamless check-in without the anxiety of putting my overpacked suitcase on the scales, thanks to the very generous 30kg business class baggage allowance.
After an equally efficient trek through security I headed to the Fiji Airways business class lounge to enjoy a glass of wine and a nibble before my late-night flight.
The lounge struck a perfect balance, calm and comfortable, yet still immersed in the exciting hustle and bustle of Tom Bradley International terminal thanks to its lush outdoor terrace.
Drink and food options are varied and there are plenty of seating options, all with access to power outlets.
The Fiji Airways lounge struck a perfect balance — calm and comfortable, yet still immersed in the exciting hustle and bustle of Tom Bradley International thanks to its lush outdoor terrace
When it was time to board my flight I immediately witnessed the Fijian hospitality the airline is so renowned for.
Families with children are invited to board first - a genius move that allows youngsters to settle in without holding up the boarding process.
The Cabin
Once I arrived in the luxurious warm pink-lit cabin I was greeted by the hostess who took me to my seat.
On long-haul flights, Fiji Airways operates the Airbus A350, featuring a modern 1-2-1 configuration in business class.
Every passenger gets direct aisle access - a must for long overnight flights - and each seat converts into a fully flat bed, with plenty of privacy and storage space.
The design is contemporary but warm, incorporating Fijian-inspired patterned cushions and linen and finishes that distinguish it from more corporate-feeling cabins.
With a glass of champagne in hand and a bowl of nuts, coconut and pineapple piece to enjoy, I felt like I was destined for a tropical holiday.
On long-haul flights, Fiji Airways operates the Airbus A350, featuring a modern 1-2-1 configuration in business class
About 45 minutes into the flight a hostess took me through the menu and food options, all of which were Pacific-inspired
The food and bed
About 45 minutes into the flight a hostess took me through the menu and food options, all of which were Pacific-inspired.
Highlights included fresh appetizers, generous mains with a fusion of international gastronomy and local Fijian flavours, and a thoughtful wine list featuring Australian and New Zealand selections.
The presentation of the meal was elegant with perfectly set-up fine chinaware, a wave-inspired table lamp and a handmade natural vau flower crafted by local Fijian women, a celebration of Fiji's natural beauty and craftsmanship.
There are also Fijiana Cacao chocolates, Distillery Co's Blue Turtle Gin cocktails and Bati Rum by Pacific Beverages on offer, which are exclusive to the airline.
As for in-flight entertainment, each seat had an individual screen loaded with blockbuster titles from Disney & HBO.
Guests also have access to wellness-focused content including guided meditation, breathwork exercises and music to utilise during the flight or they can enjoy live sports on select flights, as well as free access to PressReader with more 7,000 publications.
However, sleep is the top priority of this airline, and this is evident in the impeccable turndown service offered at meal time.
Every passenger gets direct aisle access — a must for long overnight flights - and each seat converts into a fully flat bed, with plenty of privacy and storage space
Sleep is the top priority of this airline, and this is evident in the impeccable turndown service offered at meal time. When it is time for forty winks, a hostess fully sets up the flat bed with a plush premium mattress topper, comfy doona and as many plump pillows as requested
When it is time for forty winks, a hostess fully sets up the flat bed with a plush premium mattress topper, comfy doona and as many plump pillows as requested.
I didn't make it past the first 10 minutes of my movie before I was out cold and woke to the breakfast aromas the following morning about an hour and a half before touching down in Nadi.
Breakfast before landing was lighter but satisfying, again featuring Pacific-inspired flavours, including a warm and comforting stack of coconut and quinoa pancakes and a fresh blended fruit smoothie - something I've never experienced on any other flight.
The stopover
Arriving in Nadi was straightforward and well-organised. Transit passengers are guided through security before entering the departure area for the onward flight to Sydney, while most business class passengers enjoying the benefits of the small, but lovely lounge close to the gate where I think I had one of the best cappuccinos of my life.
For many travelers, this brief break is a great chance to stretch, refresh, or purchase some souvenirs before the final leg to Australia.
Arriving to Sydney
Compared to nonstop options between LAX and Sydney, Fiji Airways prices its business class fares more competitively and the short stop in Nadi also breaks up the ultra-long-haul journey, which many travellers prefer over a single marathon flight
The last leg of the flight was four and a half hours, and while I was keen to take advantage of the in-flight entertainment, the flat-top mattress was beckoning, promising a few more hours of sleep and a perky arrival into Sydney.
I felt noticeably more rested than on previous nonstop flights and the split journey and fully flatbed made a real difference in managing jet lag - of which I experienced none of in the following days.
And while I didn't actually visit Fiji and experience the beauty of the islands, the flight offered me the warm hospitality and delicious cuisine synonymous with the popular holiday destination.
The price
One of the biggest surprises was the value.
Compared to nonstop options between LAX and Sydney, Fiji Airways prices its business class fares more competitively and the short stop in Nadi also breaks up the ultra-long-haul journey, which many travellers prefer over a single marathon flight.
While it may not compete with the uber-opulent suites offered by some carriers, it delivers where it matters most - comfort, top-notch service with a smile and the most important flight essential - sleep.
