This flight was part of our trip to Australia. Having never been diving in the Pacific and with Felix’s desire to see Australia, we decided to go for 1 week in tropical Fiji then 2 weeks in Australia.
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Tickets & Check-in
We purchased separate tickets to take advantage of the business class deal on Fiji Airways (the promo ticket was for Los Angeles to Brisbane with a stopover for as long as you want in Fiji). I first flew on Air Canada from Montreal to LA (separate ticket) then Fiji Airways from LA to Fiji. I am not sure if it was due to the separate tickets or not but after proceeding through USA Preclearance in Montreal and landing in Los Angeles, we exited directly into the USA outside LAX. Unfortunately, this meant we had to go back to the check-in counter which had not opened yet and we could not simply transit airside in LAX.
Thankfully the business class line was empty and we were first in line. Luggage drop off went smoothly but I did have to ask about the lounge and the attendant gave us two passes. I am not sure if we would have been allowed in if we hadn’t remembered to ask at the check-in counter. We then had to go through security again. The line was not too long but US Airports are generally unpleasant to travel through and I always avoid them when possible.
Hot Tip: the Fiji Airways check-in counter only opens 3 hours prior to take-off so if you have a longer layover, have a backup plan if you cannot stay airside within the Terminal.
Enjoying a gin and tonic at the LAX Oneworld Lounge
LAX Oneworld Business Lounge
As we had ample time, we stopped for dinner at PF Chang’s first. The restaurant was located upstairs, one floor above the main gates and next to the Oneworld Business Lounge. When flying Fiji Airways business class out of LAX, you receive complimentary access to the Oneworld Business Lounge. The lounge itself was not easy to find as it was on another level upstairs.
The was pretty crowded that evening. There were various food options available and plenty of drinks.
Multiple showers were available and they were very spacious and clean. Complimentary amenity kits are offered including a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Boarding
We left the lounge after boarding already started and made it to the gate just in time to walk straight on to the plane. I always leave an AirTag in my suitcase now so before boarding, I usually check my luggage location using the Find My App to make sure it was loaded on the plane (AirTags only work with iPhones but you can also use a Samsung SmartTag or a Tile). They are also useful to locate your luggage in case the airline loses them). The business class cabin is not crowded as there were only about 4 rows of seats with 6 passengers per row so there no lineups on the business class line to board. As soon as we sat down, a flight attendant came over and apologized for not attending to us sooner.
The cabin featured a beige and white colour pallet with cream leather seats.
Seats
We were offered champagne and a delicious Fijian welcome drink.
The screens were large with closed storage shelves under them. There is also additional space for water bottles between the shelves.
There was plenty of legroom for the seat to extend into a bed.
There were already 2 bottles of Fiji water placed at our seats and they were frequently replaced throughout the flight.
The pillows and blankets featured this beautiful chocolate pattern of striped lines and symbols.
We received a complimentary Fiji-branded travel pouch each which included a bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste, an eye mask and a bottle of hand lotion.
Complimentary wrapped noise-cancelling headphones
The armrest had a panel which opened to reveal the seat controls. There is a button to turn the seat directly into a bed.
The complimentary noise cancelling headphones did a good job at tuning out the engine rumble and cabin noise however I have since bought my own Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones that I never travel without because I find they do a better job and it’s also more sanitary. I also tried my Airpod Pros but they are not adequate for long haul flights.
Food & Dining
Dinner Menu
Drinks Menu
The breakfast menu is also handed out before dinner. That way you can preorder and wake up right to your desired breakfast in the morning. Nice touch!
Dinner was served shortly after.
Dinner service included a white tablecloth, ceramic plates and real silverware.
Bed time!
Lights off!
I fell asleep soon after, having had 2 dinners that night.
Breakfast
The flight map showed that we had almost arrived.
My breakfast order.
I woke up when the lights were turned on, just in time for the breakfast service. I had never felt so refreshed on a flight! I managed to sleep almost 8 hours! The kitchen closes 45 minutes prior to landing so make any last minute requests before!
Landing and arrival was a breeze, we were first off the plane and it was a short walk to the luggage carousel where our suitcases were already waiting for us. We had to run our suitcases through a security scanner where I was stopped because I was carrying a drone.
Hot tip: if you are flying with your drone, you are allowed to bring it into Fiji but you must fill out the FORM. You can also fill it out on arrival but when the security officer interrogated me about the drone, I simply handed him my form and we were free to go.
Nadi Airport was quite empty as it was barely 6 am but it slowly started to get crowded. There is an ATM on the left as you leave. Credit cards including American Express are widely accepted at Fijian hotels and for tourist activites and I paid for all my activities using a credit card. I always find it much easier than carrying and exchanging cash. Many prices are also listed in US dollars. Fiji uses their local currency, which is the Fijian Dollar.
As we were heading to the Yasawa islands next, the Yasawa Ferry Company has a shop located on your left a couple of shops past the exit. You can check in with them and leave your luggage there while you go get a coffee. There is a coffee shop to the right of the exit where we hung out for a while at it was still around 6 am and the bus was not picking us up until 7.
Fiji Airways has excellent service and the plane was clean and modern with large screens and comfortable seats! I can’t wait to visit again!
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