Bula! The perfectly groomed cabin crew greet passengers as they board a Fiji Airways flight from Sydney to Nadi Airport, turning left into Business Class. Flying business class has long been a dream for many Australians, but making it a reality is challenging amid a cost-of-living crisis and fuel price hikes that have pushed even economy fares skyward.
How to Fly Business Class in 2026 Without Spending a Fortune
One of the simplest ways to experience business class in 2026 is to choose a shorter trip to a closer destination. This allows you to enjoy the luxury without paying upwards of $10,000 per person. Fiji is the perfect choice—neither too close to miss the perks nor too far. A four-and-a-half-hour flight is ideal for sampling the food, comfort, and overall experience before disembarking for a tropical holiday.
Recently, I had the opportunity to test Fiji Airways' Business Class on an A350 flight from Sydney to Nadi Airport, traveling with my husband and two young children. Fiji Airways has won several awards, including the APEX World Class Airline for 2026, the APEX Innovation Award for Best Inflight Food/Beverage for 2026, and the APEX Best Cabin Service Award.
Check-In, Boarding, and Takeoff
Dubbed the 'World’s Happiest Airline', Fiji Airways exudes sunshine and warmth from check-in, where passengers are greeted with a glass of bubbles. In July 2025, Tourism Fiji reported a record number of visitor arrivals, with nearly 100,000 travellers in a single month, many of whom choose Fiji Airways. After arriving at Sydney International Airport, we checked in our bags with friendly staff and enjoyed a quick coffee and snack in the Qantas Lounge, which business class guests can use.
From the outset, it was clear that Fiji Airways offers an experience above the average. Everything felt like a celebration of Fijian culture—from the staff's uniforms to the divine lemongrass-scented bathrooms, Fiji Water bottles at our seats, and a delicious locally inspired menu.
In Business Class, we had access to luxurious leather Collins Aerospace Super Diamond fully lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access. I was impressed by the spaciousness of the fully reclining seats and the excellent on-board wifi after takeoff. The A350 is a modern engineering marvel, primarily servicing Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sydney, and Auckland. It features 33 fully flat-bed business class seats and 301 economy seats, offering a quiet, spacious, and highly comfortable experience.
The Food and Drink
Business class would not be complete without exceptional food, and Fiji Airways excels in this area. Shortly after sitting down, my husband and I were offered a choice of juice, sparkling rosé, or champagne, along with a warm towel, while our four-year-old daughter received a glass of juice. The dining menu is already at your seat, allowing you to peruse and select your meals for the entire flight, so you don't need to keep referring back to the menu unless you want additional drinks.
From an extensive selection, I chose a Sesame Crusted Tuna with Endive, Tomato, Cucumber Pearls, and Sesame Dressing to start, followed by a main course of Coconut Crusted Barramundi with Mango Chilli Salsa, Asparagus, Rice Cake, and Whipped Butter. For dessert, I opted for Artisanal Cheeses with Quince Paste, Apricot, and Spiced Fruit Crisps. I accompanied the meal with a glass of 2024 Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc and then a glass of 2022 Sean Minor Chardonnay. The food, particularly the tuna and barramundi, was delicious.
Fiji Airways has introduced a vibrant Pacific Rim-inspired menu in Business Class, drawing inspiration from regions across its global network while highlighting local Fijian ingredients. On the return journey, we sampled breakfast, which included a fresh smoothie, a fruit bowl of seasonal sliced fruit, and a Feta Parsley Omelette with Lentil Fritter and Tomato Marmalade. I also enjoyed a barista-made oat flat white and a glass of morning champagne. Overall, the food on board Fiji Airways is highly rated, with dishes freshly finished and plated onboard, featuring thoughtful additions like Artisanal Fijian chocolate and handcrafted Vau flowers for restaurant-quality presentation. The cabin crew receive specialised culinary and wine training to deliver a personalised and seamless experience.
The Extras
Fiji Airways excels in the little things. Friendly staff, extra legroom, reading lights, literature holders, and excellent in-flight entertainment are all standard. However, the standout extra is the Fiji Airways Premier Service, which is unlike anything I have experienced. Upon landing in Nadi, a team member greeted us, described our excessive bags, and rushed off to retrieve them before we even cleared security.
On the return from Nadi to Sydney, the service was even better. We were personally escorted through the airport, check-in, and security, and then left in a private room within the lounge. The Premier Service offers unparalleled convenience for travellers arriving, departing, or connecting through Nadi International Airport. It includes fast-tracked immigration, expedited customs processing, priority boarding, and personalised assistance. Packages start from FJD 170 per person (approximately $117 AUD), with family packages available, and can be booked at FijiAirways.com.
The Verdict
If you can spare the cash to fly Business Class to Nadi with Fiji Airways, it is more than worth it. The 1-2-1 configuration ensures direct aisle access for all passengers, and the staff ensure you always feel cared for. Highlights include the food, attention to detail, and the local culture woven into every aspect of the airline. Unlike many airlines that feel like profit-driven conglomerates, Fiji Airways feels like a sustainable carrier that genuinely cares about its passengers. It gets you into the Fijian spirit before you even touch down. Bula indeed.
Fiji Airways operates multiple weekly flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, Gold Coast, and Cairns to Nadi, Fiji. For more information and to browse flights, visit the airline's website.
