First non-stop flight to island paradise, but don’t expect a wine on board

The airline: Maldivian

• Route Melbourne to Male, flight Q2-957
• Frequency One return flight each week
• Aircraft Airbus A330-200
• Class Economy; seat 19J (window)
• Flight time 11 hours 35 minutes (we depart 17 minutes late to arrive just nine minutes behind schedule, which, in aviation, counts as on time)

Checking in

There’s a buzz at Melbourne Airport with live music to mark the first non-stop flight from Australia to the Maldives. The airline has been chartered by Luxury Escapes to provide flights for its holiday packages, slashing the travel time to the islands. For some, the party is short-lived with the realisation that this is a dry flight, but every passenger gets a $30 drink voucher to spend before boarding for a last-minute tipple. Security and passport control are calmly quiet on this Monday evening. It’s unfortunate timing given the tragic diving accident that has had the Maldives in the news this week.

Baggage

Bring one checked bag at 23 kilograms and one cabin bag at seven kilograms, plus either golf clubs, diving equipment (tanks excluded) or a surfboard. A stroller, portable cot, car seat and portable highchair are also gratis. Just note, bags can’t be directly transferred from any domestic connections: you will need to collect and recheck in Melbourne.

Loyalty scheme

Luxury Escapes Societe – free to join. Points and status credits accrue based on the airfare price (a return $1379 flight earns 500 points plus nine status credits). All members get a free eSIM with every international Luxury Escapes booking (1GB data for base members; more for higher-tiered travellers). Silver, Gold and Platinum members get priority check-in and boarding.

The seat

The 2-4-2 layout is perfect for couples. Just get in early to avoid seat selection fees (up to $45 a person) by snagging some of the no-fee options towards the back. Armrests between seats can raise, but not completely – it’s better to keep them down. Seats are reasonably comfortable, measuring 18 inches (46 centimetres) wide and with generous padding of an era before newer slimline seats crunched us all closer together in the name of profits. The 31-inch (79 centimetre) pitch feels noticeably roomy. Even when the passenger in front reclines fully (by 3.5 inches/8.9 centimetres at the highest point), my knees remain free to roam and laptop use isn’t impeded. Five lavatories serve 246 economy passengers.

Entertainment + tech

Stream content to your own device (and don’t forget your headphones). Selections are limited but enough to get by. Newest releases include One Battle after Another and F1: The Movie. There’s a seat-back TV leftover from the plane’s previous operator, KLM, but it’s not in use. Recharge with one USB-A port per seat, but plug in early to arrive juiced up. Power is capped at one amp, so it takes about 7½ hours to charge a smartphone from empty.

Service

Crew station themselves throughout the aircraft to greet passengers during boarding, and every interaction comes with a smile. Dining options are politely explained to those who haven’t read the menu card – a pleasant difference from other flights I’ve taken recently where the response was more abrupt.

Food

Creamy casarecce pasta sounds tempting for supper, but the stir-fried rice with chicken is tonight’s winner. Served in a savoury oyster sauce glaze, it’s the perfect size to allay any midnight snacking.

For breakfast, I skip the traditional omelette and opt for toasted banana bread with blueberry compote and vanilla anglaise. It’s delicious, delivered with fruit salad, a croissant, mixed berry yoghurt, a mini muesli bar and a small bottle of water. These would be handy earlier in the flight – cups are small and refills are needed every few sips. Other options include tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices.

Sustainability

Bypassing the typical detour through Singapore shortens the journey by about 750 kilometres (great-circle distance). Economy class also comprises 93 per cent of the total passenger count aboard Maldivian’s Airbus A330, compared with about 74 per cent on a long-haul Singapore Airlines Airbus A350.*

One more thing

Standalone flight reservations can be made via Luxury Escapes and affiliated travel agencies, but these Maldivian services are better bundled with Luxury Escapes’ accommodation packages to access perks such as free early resort check-in – handy when you’re arriving at sunrise.

The price

From $1379 return for economy class.**

The verdict

This new service brings a convenience never previously enjoyed from Australia: the Maldives in a single flight. The lack of alcohol on board may bother some, but skipping the in-flight bubbles doesn’t seem so bad when the prize is ditching a transit and getting a head start on your holiday.

Our rating out of five

★★★½

The writer flew as a guest of Luxury Escapes and Maldivian. See luxuryescapes.com

*For more information about air travel and sustainability, see iata.org

**Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change.