Qantas Antarctica By Air Flight Review – Images of the ice continent

I’ve always had a fascination with Antarctica. Maybe it’s the remoteness and inaccessibility of the icy pole that lures the explorer from within. Or maybe it’s the sheer size of the Earth’s largest continent with its mountainous terrain and harsh atmosphere where 98% of the landscape is covered in snow and ice.

Once thought of as the end of the earth, this land is indeed remote and extreme – only accessible to tourists via a chartered scenic flight or an expedition cruise.

A visit to Antarctica has been on my bucket list for many years. When I suddenly found myself with an opportunity to view this land from the air, I jumped at the chance. So with my new Nikon camera in tow we departed Brisbane for Adelaide.

Departure gate 20

Our chartered Qantas 747-400ER was awaiting in the early morning light for her precious cargo. We arrived early at the departure gate where our fellow passengers were checking-in. Greeted by an over-sized penguin and friendly staff from Antarctica Flights, we gathered our boarding passes and headed to the departure gate.

In the boarding area were two film crews reporting on the day’s events which added to the atmosphere. Our scheduled departure was 0630 with an estimated arrival time back into Adelaide of 1900. This was going to be a long day but no one seemed to mind this fact.

With everyone safely on board, a palpable buzz filled the cabin. We were all giddy with excitement and anxious to begin the adventure that lay before us. I was almost sure on take-off a spontaneous outbreak of applause was going to erupt.

Our flight route out of Adelaide had us heading directly south towards the South Magnetic Pole. Most people, understandably, think the magnetic pole is in the middle of Antarctica. To our surprise, the pole is actually located 250-kilometres (155-miles) offshore, in the ocean.

Past the pole we tracked towards the French base of Dumont Dúrville; so-called after the famous explorer of the same name. From here the flight continued east, past Commonwealth Bay to Cape Adare and passing many mountains, lakes, inlets and icebergs below.

After four and half hours of some beautiful low-level flying and lots of sharp banks for maximum viewing pleasure, it was time to head back to Adelaide. Our total flight time was 13 hours and 10 minutes. This route map shows our exact flight route.

Throughout the flight, two Antarctic scientists were aboard providing expert commentary. While over the ice, commentary was given from the cockpit pointing out particular landmarks and sightings. Another scientist was located in the cabin fielding questions from passengers.

RELATED STORY – Pre-flight interview with Qantas Antarctica Captain Rob Meek

Shortly after we broke land a live-to-air interview between aircraft and ground commenced where we heard from Casey Station communications officer Narelle, who explained to us the conditions on the ground. Part of her duties includes clearing air space for aircraft and ensure safe passage for all travellers on land, sea and air.

“It’s currently a bright summer’s day and -3.6 degrees Celsius (25F) on land which is considered mild” explained Narelle.

“Fairly strong winds today but we do have sunlight all summer long. By end of February, we will start to see a small sunrise. But winter will see it dark 24 hours. The Base has up to 120 people at a time during its peak from many nations but this drops to around 22 people during winter months which tend to be harsh.

What do we do for fun though? We have a small cinema and a library to keep us busy. Outdoor activities include skiing, walking and iceberg cruises plus penguin colony spotting. Sea ice can be around 1-metre thick (3.2-feet) and land ice can be up to 150-metres thick (492-feet).”

As Narelle spoke we flew over Casey Station where she could easily spot the aircraft from our low altitude. With a tip of the wings in solute, we steered back onto the scheduled flight path.

Service onboard

Two meals were served during the flight along with snacks in-between. The bar service included complimentary wine and champagne. Shortly after take-off, we enjoyed a breakfast with a hot meal or continental choice. I chose the continental option which was a platter of fresh fruit, Greek yoghurt with muesli, a small muffin, orange juice and hot tea.

Mid-flight snacks included slices of hot pizza, fresh apples, cheese and crackers, bite-size muesli bars and drinks of your choice. I’m not sure if this is a regular snack available on scheduled flights or if it was an offering for our charter flight only, but it was a nice touch.

The return flight was a dinner service with a choice of two meals. I selected the honey roasted chicken salad served with garlic bread and a chocolate mousse. The meal was accompanied by a beverage of choice. After dinner, we were offered tea, coffee, peppermint tea or hot chocolate which was an enjoyable way to finish the meal.

The meals onboard are part of the new Qantas international economy menu which boasts 25% larger meals. While the meals were a larger portion, and very tasty and well presented for airline food, the traditional side salad and cheese and crackers served on the tray were nowhere to be found.

Seat rotation

We were seated in economy and initially surprised that every seat was sold. This included all the middle seats of the grand 747. There is a unique seat rotation that takes place halfway through the flight. Aisle seats move to the window and adjacent middle seat for viewing on the last half of the sightseeing tour. The lowest-priced seats in the middle of the middle section do not rotate.

The economy cabin layout on the 747 is 3x4x3. For our flight to Antarctica, we started with the two aisle seats. At the halfway point we were all asked to rotate (except the middle seats) so we now had the window and middle seat next to the window for the remainder of the flight and return to Adelaide.

This seemed a fair way to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy window seating.

Seat first half: 55G
Seat second half: 55K
Flight time: 13:10min

But what about those middle seats?

We were told this flight has a unique atmosphere and people mingle throughout the cabin allowing the middle seat ticket holders a chance for optimal viewing. At first, I dismissed this as a marketing message, but I was pleasantly surprised at the comradery on board. The aisles were filled for most of the flight with mingling people and every window seat person was generous with their space allowing for a fantastic opportunity for all. As it turns out, all seats in economy had great viewing opportunities.

Qantas Antarctica Flights Pricing (updated March 2021)

The pricing is split between the cabins and priced accordingly.

EXPLORER ECONOMY CLASS – $1,199

Explorer seats do not have direct access to a window. Passengers are free to stand in the aisles and common areas to enjoy the views of Antarctica. Passengers will enjoy Qantas International service and award-winning inflight entertainment system. These seats do not rotate.

STANDARD ECONOMY CLASS – $2,199)

These are the four seats on each side of the aircraft in the Economy Class section over or near the wing, which can obstruct viewing. The window and the adjacent aisle seats will be exchanged at the halfway point of the journey. Each passenger will have a window seat or the seat next to a window seat for half of the flight and an aisle seat or adjacent for the other half of the flight.

SUPERIOR ECONOMY CLASS – $3,199

The rear Economy Class section is reserved for Superior passengers. All seat rows are well clear of the wing for excellent viewing. Superior seats are the four seats on each side of the aircraft and will be exchanged at the halfway point of the journey. Each passenger will have a window seat or the seat next to a window seat for half of the flight and an aisle seat or adjacent for the other half of the flight.

PREMIUM ECONOMY CLASS – $3,999

Qantas’ International Premium seats, with larger seats and seat pitch than Economy Class seats. Seats are located over the wing, which can obstruct viewing. Each passenger will have a window seat or the seat next to a window seat for half of the flight and an aisle seat or adjacent for the other half of the flight.

BUSINESS CLASS – $6,499

Business seats are set at the leading edge of the plane’s wing, which means there will be a slight viewing obstruction. With full international business class service, all seats are either a window or aisle seat. Passengers will swap at the halfway point of the journey. With ample space between each seat, enjoy the room to spread out.

BUSINESS CLASS DELUXE – $7,999

Admire aerial views of Antarctica in utmost comfort in Business Deluxe seats with full international business class service. All seats are either a window or aisle seat, and passengers will swap at the halfway point of the journey, which means everyone will have unobstructed views of Antarctica. With ample space between each seat, enjoy the room to spread out.

What surprised us the most?

The sheer size and extreme landscapes of Antarctica surprised us. I was expecting a rather flat piece of land stretching as far as the eyes could see. While there were certain areas like that, there were more mountains, lakes (who thought Antarctica had lakes?!), inlets and icebergs than I ever anticipated. Beautiful mountain ranges were far more widespread then I had initially thought.

If you have ever wondered about Antarctic flights and if the view is worth it, hopefully, these images will help you decide. In my honest opinion, it was absolutely worth it. So much so that I’m now planning an Antarctic cruise!