Getting ready for the weekend? Us too.
Before we head out, here are some travel tidbits that may be of use.
Qantas Airways Project Sunrise
They’ve been talking about it, studying how to do it and planning it for years.
They even have a name for it: Project Sunrise.
And now Australia’s flag carrier, Qantas, has announced a launch date for the world’s first non-stop service between Sydney and London.
Set to begin in October, 2027, Qantas will use its new Airbus 350-1000 ULR aircraft to make the trip of 10, 573 miles in one 19 to 22-hour ‘hop.’
Qantas has been flying between Sydney and London since 1947, when the original Kangaroo Route took four days with seven stops in Darwin, Singapore, Calcutta, Karachi, Cairo, Castel Benito and Rome, on its way to the UK.
Today, the trip takes almost 25 hours, with a stop in Singapore.
But when the new aircraft goes into service, it will be possible to fly the Kangaroo Route without any stops.
Tickets for the Sydney to London direct flights on Qantas will go on sale in February 2027.
But iif you want to get in training for what will become the world’s longest flight, you can fly now on Qantas’ existing Perth-London and Sydney-Singapore-London services.
What’s on board?
The new aircraft is specially built for ultra-long-haul travel and has 238 seats, which is significantly fewer than the 300+ seats typically found on standard A350-1000s.
To accommodate the extended range, the aircraft also has a bonus 20,000-liter fuel tank.
The lighter passenger load and the extra fuel capacity is what makes it possible for this plane to fly up to 22 hours non-stop.
On-board, there are 6 enclosed First class cabins, each with an 80-inch flat bed and a separate reclining armchair, with a large flexible work and dining space for one or two people, a full-length wardrobe and multiple personal storage areas.
The 52 Business suites have sliding doors, with 80-inch flat beds, dining tables and work surfaces, and increased storage options.
There are also 40 seats in the Premium Economy Cabin, 42 Economy Plus Seats and 98 econonmy seats.
This plane also has a “Wellbeing Zone” between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins with stretch handles, a guided on-screen movement program, a hydration station, and refreshments.
Ready to take a 20+-hour flight?
July 4th travel plans?
The July 4th holiday that will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States is coming right up.
And AAA is projecting that a record 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home between Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, July 5.
That’s up just slightly over the 71.8 million people who traveled over this holiday period last year.
The number of travelers driving and flying to their destinations is relatively flat compared to last year, according to AAA, while the biggest increases are showing up for those who are choosing to travel by other modes, including cruises.
