If only all holidays could start as well as they do with this airline

The airline: Fiji Airways

• The flight Gold Coast to Nadi, flight FJ 980
• Frequency Three times weekly
• Aircraft Boeing 737 MAX 8
• Class Economy, seat 27C, aisle
• Flight time 3 hours, 25 minutes; bad weather delays boarding by about an hour and we arrive about 50 minutes behind schedule

Checking in

Gold Coast Airport is a breeze, with both domestic and international services in the same terminal. It’s the airline’s inaugural flight on this route – from one holiday destination to another – which creates a buzz at check-in. The smiles are wide (staff), the shirts are loud (passengers), and white linen is the order of the day (even this reviewer understood the assignment). Best of all, the line is short and moves quickly.

Baggage

The airline’s “Value” fare allows one personal item, one carry-on bag up to seven kilograms, and one checked bag up to 30 kilograms. The cheapest “Lite” fare does not include checked baggage and comes with a hefty fee (more than $250 for a return flight to Nadi on this route) if you want to add it.

Loyalty scheme

Fiji Airways has adopted the American Airlines AAdvantage travel rewards program, which allows points to be earned towards the loyalty programs of Oneworld partners. You can also book flights with the airline via Qantas, including on Frequent Flyer points, through a code-share agreement. Fiji Airways’ Tabua Club is a subscription-based program (not a points program) that provides a few perks such as additional baggage and lounge access at selected airports.

The seat

With 162 economy seats arranged in a 3-3 configuration, the cabin feels less crowded than wide-body layouts. Though the 17-inch width (43 centimetres) and 5-inch (13 centimetres) recline is standard MAX 8 territory, the pitch (legroom) is a decent 32 inches (81 centimetres). With Lite or Value fares there’s an additional charge ($16) to select your preferred standard seat. I take my chances, scoring an aisle with an empty seat beside me.

Entertainment and tech

As more airlines ditch seat-back entertainment in favour of streaming to personal devices, a 10-inch (25 centimetre) touch screen is a welcome sight – until I scroll through the movies and TV series and fail to find anything new or appealing. Even the “Fresh on board” movies are stale. Fortunately the magazine section is good and I’ve brought a book. There’s a USB port for charging, and Wi-Fi can be purchased for $US7.95 ($11.30) for browsing or $US14.95 ($21.20) for light streaming. Forget the free “unlimited chat”.

Service

This is where Fiji Airways shines. Staff are relaxed, friendly and unfailingly helpful. The most memorable part? Every interaction comes with a smile; the genuine kind, not the forced version you often see elsewhere. The holiday starts here.

Food

An hour into our flight we’re offered a full meal service, which makes for a late lunch (2.30pm) given our delayed departure. I opt for the chicken curry, which is tender and flavoursome (a tofu-based vegetarian dish is the second option). Served with rice and accompanied by a pasta salad, bread roll and a white mousse for dessert, it’s decent fare, but I’d love to see some fresh salad or vegetables. I finish with a glass (sorry, paper cup) of Outback Jack semillon sauvignon blanc.

Sustainability

Guided by the Fijian philosophy of maroroya (“to protect”), the airline has invested in a modern fleet that delivers up to 25 per cent fuel savings over previous-generation aircraft. SkyBreathe software tracks and minimises fuel consumption. For every take-off, a mangrove tree is planted; there are 98,000 new trees to date.*

One more thing

Fiji Airways has just launched FlyWell – a wellness program designed to improve passenger and crew wellbeing that it claims is the first of its kind. The program, available to business class passengers flying from Fiji to the US in June and July, features wearable technology aimed at improving circulation and adjusting circadian rhythms, along with wellness treatments available at the airline’s premium lounge in Nadi.

The price

From the Gold Coast, Value economy fares start at $697 return to Nadi, and $1199 return to LA or San Francisco.**

The verdict

If only all international holidays started like this – Fijian warmth, calm hospitality and a short hop that’s over before you know it. It’s also a handy stopover en route to Los Angeles or San Francisco via Fiji Airways’ network.

Our rating

★★★★

The writer flew as a guest of Fiji Airways. See fijiairways.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.