Several months ago, Qantas started taking delivery of the Airbus A321XLR, a plane that the airline is using in a somewhat unusual way. Qantas is primarily intending for this plane to be used for domestic operations, to replace the Boeing 737-800. However, the airline is now already scheduling this aircraft on one rather long international flight, and I can’t imagine travelers will be happy about this.
QF97 Brisbane to Manila departing 2:00PM arriving 8:05PM
QF98 Manila to Brisbane departing 9:30PM arriving 7:25AM (+1 day)
The Qantas A321XLR that will operate this route will boast 197 seats, including 20 business class seats and 177 economy class seats. There’s no seat back entertainment on these planes, but there is free Wi-Fi, at least. Perhaps the daytime flight in one direction isn’t so bad, but the redeye certainly doesn’t sound very pleasant.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on One Mile at a Time.


