Airline Overview

Qantas is an acronym for Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services. It is one of the world's longest-flying airlines (it first took to the skies in 1920) and one of the most highly rated. From London, Qantas flies "Down Under" to Melbourne and Sydney. The new A380, the "super jumbo", is being introduced on selected flights from Sydney to Singapore and London.

Check-in opens three hours before departure and closes 60 minutes before take-off.

Hand luggage: Economy flyers are allowed one piece up to 7kg. First/Business and Premium Economy flyers are allowed two pieces, each one weighing no more than 7kg. Adults accompanying infants are allowed a collapsible buggy or carry basket or bassinet and food and nappies for the flight.

Checked: Economy and Premium Economy flyers are permitted to bring 23kg in checked luggage. Business-Class passengers' baggage allowance is 30kg and First-Class flyers can bring 40kg.

Excess: $50 (Australian dollars - about ¡ê24) per kilogramme.

Pre-assigned at the booking stage. Travellers can request an aisle or window seat by going to the "manage your booking" page.

Depends on the fare class. Changes to flights - Sale and Walkabout Economy fares and Premium Economy Saver fares - cost ¡ê70. For many fare classes (Sale, Walkabout, Business Saver) there will be no refund if a flight has to be cancelled. Changes to international bookings are limited to one online change. Subsequent changes to your international booking can be made by contacting the local Qantas Office.

Children between the ages of 2 and 11 travel for about 75 per cent of the adult fare. Infants travel for about 20 per cent of the adult fare.

To carry a musical instrument on board the flight passengers must receive approval from the airline at least two days before travel. Restrictions apply and passengers may need to purchase an extra seat for the instrument.

Unsurprisingly, the bigger the fare, the better the food, but the International Economy-Class base is not too bad. Passengers can enjoy tasty, complimentary, meals such as Chicken Provencal with Pesto Risoni. International Premium Economy flyers receive a complimentary pre take-off champagne (or juice or water). The Neil Perry-inspired menu is complemented by fine Australian wines. Business and First-Class flyers enjoy restaurant-style dining and there is a new eight-course tasting menu on some First-Class services. The iQ inflight entertainment system is on Qantas's new A380 aircraft. There is a huge selection of up to 100 movies, more than 500 television programmes, 1,000 CDs, 50 audio books, 80 games, Lonely Planet interactive destination guides, language tutorials and a dedicated Kids Zone.

Qantas Frequent Flyer.

Qantas is a member of the Oneworld alliance.