As a Qantas Platinum frequent flyer, I’m no stranger to the little luxuries that make flying feel like a treat—speedy check-ins, priority seating, and premium awards benefits. Stepping into Changi Terminal 1 on a sticky Singapore evening, the Qantas check-in counters felt like home. The staff were their usual efficient selves, issuing my boarding pass in no time. I chose an aisle seat next to a window in the 2-4-2 economy layout. The flight wasn’t full, so I crossed my fingers for an empty seat beside me. Spoiler: my gamble didn’t pay off.
QF292 from Singapore (SIN) to Sydney (SYD) wasn’t the usual Qantas hospitality. Instead, it was a wet-lease deal with Finnair, a fellow oneworld partner, operating under a Qantas flight number but using Finnair’s sleek Airbus A330 and crew. Qantas provided the food, pillows, blankets, and magazines, creating a hybrid experience—like ordering at McDonald’s and being served Starbucks coffee. Exciting, but would it hit the spot or leave me wanting?
At the gate, I caught a glimpse of Finnair’s shiny A330. The economy class cabin had clean light-grey seats, spacious overhead bins, and crisp entertainment screens. With the plane only about 60% full, it was a traveler’s dream: empty rows galore, some passengers sprawling across entire sections like they’d booked a private jet. I, however, wasn’t so lucky.
The Finnair crew, mostly Singapore-based, brought a polite, no-fuss vibe. Their welcomes were warm but reserved, with that Scandinavian efficiency— all business, no banter. As a Qantas fan, I missed the chatty, matey vibe I’m used to, not to mention the polished service of Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, or Thai Airways. Don’t get me wrong—the crew was professional and solid—but it felt like borrowing a friend’s car instead of driving your own.
After takeoff, the Finnish crew served meals prepared by Changi for Qantas: roast chicken with sweet potatoes, a garlic bread and a dessert square that was perfectly fine but not Instagram-worthy. It felt odd on Finnair’s sleek trays—like comfort food served on minimalist dinnerware. Some travelers rave about Qantas’ meals; others shrug them off as standard plane fare. However, I find that something was missing here and until today, I still couldn’t figure out what. Drinks were plentiful, and the crew kept things moving smoothly. I flipped through Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, a familiar touch that grounded me in this hybrid experience.
The 2-4-2 seats were a win for the seven-and-a-half-hour flight. I found plenty of legroom for a 170cm, and I’ve heard taller folks appreciate Finnair’s setup too. The reclining seats slide forward slightly, offering extra ergonomic support for your lower back. The entertainment system was decent, packed with movies, shows, and flight maps tracking our journey into Sydney. But here’s the kicker: despite all those empty seats, someone sat right next to me. Seriously? Entire rows were free, with passengers stretched out like royalty, and I’m sharing an armrest. I should’ve spoken up but just grumbled and stayed put.
All in all, this Finnair-Qantas mashup earns a solid B+. The plane’s modern vibe and great legroom outshine some of Qantas’ older aircraft, and it’s a steal for oneworld points collectors. But for a hospitality junkie like me, the Finnair crew’s reserved style didn’t match Qantas’ warm, Aussie glow—or the sparkle of Singapore Airlines. Perhaps the Finnair crew, seconded to Qantas, felt less pressure to perform at their best? It’s a great option for a no-drama trip, but if you’re chasing that extra-special vibe, stick to Qantas’ own planes. Next time, I’m requesting a solo row at check-in. In the seat lottery, you’ve got to play bold.
