Two Very Different Planes

Qantas flies two Airbus aircraft that look and feel nothing alike. The A330 is the mid-sized workhorse, while the A380 is the double-deck superjumbo. If you are choosing a flight or just want to know what you are stepping onto, here is how they compare.

The Qantas A330

The A330 seats between 230 and 291 people, depending on the configuration, across Business and Economy. There is no First class, and only three planes in the fleet have Premium Economy, so it pays to check your aircraft before you book if that cabin matters to you. The A330 flies to Singapore, Tokyo, Bangkok, Bengaluru, Hong Kong, Manila and Honolulu.

The Qantas A380

The A380 holds 485 passengers, including 14 in First class. It has two full decks, with an upstairs lounge for First and Business passengers on the upper deck. That lounge is one of the biggest draws of flying on the superjumbo, and it is something you will not find on the A330. The A380 flies to London, Los Angeles, Dallas, Johannesburg and Singapore.

The A380 Just Left Melbourne

There is a big change for Melbourne travellers. The last scheduled Qantas A380 flight from Melbourne, a service to Los Angeles, departed yesterday, with the Boeing 787-9 taking over the route from today. Qantas is shifting its focus to the A350 and Project Sunrise, so the superjumbo is increasingly concentrated on Sydney routes before it gets phased out.

Which Should You Choose?

If you want the most space and premium options, including First class and the upper deck lounge, the A380 is the clear winner. If you are flying a shorter international route, the A330 is the more common option and still offers a solid Business and Economy experience. Always check the aircraft type when you book, since Qantas can swap planes between routes and seasons.

Know What You Are Flying On

Aircraft type affects your seat, your cabin options and even which airport you fly from. A few minutes checking the plane before you book can help you avoid surprises on the day.

Which do you prefer? Comment A330 or A380 below and follow 5 Star Trip to learn more about the planes you fly on.