Flight Details
Date: 12 November 2012
Seat: 38D
Aircraft: 737-800

Flight rating

3 planes out of 5

Luggage allowance

Carryon baggage:

One piece x 115 centimetres (45 inches) weight no more than seven kilograms (15lbs)

Checked Baggage:

23 kilograms (50lbs)

Check-in

Online check-in was not an option.

The flight was delayed by an hour and half so, arriving three hours ahead of the original departure time meant there was minimal waiting time.

Although I passed through quickly, all four terminals were open to handle the influx of passengers arriving ahead of the new departure time.

Check-in staff wasn’t overly friendly, however, efficiently and professionally asked traditional departure questions, including; whether I’d packed my own bag and if I was taking anything on the plane for another person.

Cabin conditions

Cabin configuration: 3 – 3

The cabin looked new, fresh and extremely clean, however, the same could not be said for the lavatories.

Unfortunately the bathrooms appeared to be smaller than your usual aircraft lavatories and the lock on the back right bathroom was broken.

In saying that, staff were extremely kind and offered to mind the door when I voiced my concerns.

Seat comfort

Economy seats were fitted: 32" pitch, 6" recline.

There were eight business class seats and 154 economy.

Seat covers were in great condition, with little ageing, they were also extremely comfortable.

Onboard catering

Serving lunch, Air Pacific offered chicken sausages with caramelised onion sauce, pasta salad, two Arnott’s biscuits and orange juice.

For those who like some bubbly in-flight, I spotted an interesting wine, which other passengers claimed was quite tasty, the Slippery Fish.

Cabin staff service

The pilot was extremely informative throughout the flight. He was apologetic for the delay in boarding and checked in with regular updates.

Stewardesses were a delight. The service was immaculate and they were extremely patient with my half hour requests for two glasses of water.

Inflight entertainment

Economy had drop down screens every three rows, with main screen video and 10 audio channels.

The in-flight movie was one of my favourites, Battleship and after the movie they played an episode of television series, Nakita.

On-time performance

Delay: The flight was delayed by 1.5 hours, this was due to an earlier delay.
Original departure – 14.20
Actual boarding – 16.05
Taxing – roughly eight minutes
Take-off – 16.21
Arrival – 19.00 AEDT

e-Travel Blackboard Tip

If you’re not a fan of the in-flight movie, take the time to flick through the airline’s magazine, Fiji Islands. Locate the page with suggested on board exercises.

Here are a couple to get you started:

- Ankle circles
- Knee lifts
- Shoulder rolls
- Foot pumps

Remember: keep the blood moving and avoid clots.