AFF Review: Fiji Airways A350-900 Economy Class (SYD-NAN)

[AFF Editor]

Fiji Airways A350-900 Economy Class Review (Sydney-Nadi) is an article written by the AFF editorial team:

Fiji Airways A350-900 Economy Class Review (Sydney-Nadi)

In this review, find out why Fiji Airways offers the best Economy Class experience between Australia and Fiji on its modern Airbus A350-900.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

You can leave a comment or discuss this topic below.

 

[Austman]

Thanks for the review. I will be flying FJ's A350 shortly, FJ934 MEL-NAN, but in business class.

Could you tell us a bit about your airport arrival experience in NAN?

I note that FJ910 SYD-NAN and FJ934 MEL-NAN often arrive at almost the same time. I've been to NAN many times and have not been too impressed when two large aircraft arrive almost together. On the day of my flight they are scheduled to be both A350s.

The serenading musicians might be nice but the long and slow lines at passport control, not so much.

 

[Myrna]

We flew FJ - SYD - NAN return J (using BA avios) last December - both flights on A350s. We did not encounter any hassle / delay at the NAN airport (yes there was MEL-NAN flight arrived at similar time). However, we often travel with carry-on bags (no checked bags) so get to immigration counter very quickly. We had to wait for the pre-booked transfer to the hotel (Hilton in Denaru - same hotel neighbour kpc and +1 stayed a month earlier).

 

[Austman]

Thanks!

But to note that immigration/passport control is before luggage collection. So with/without checked bags doesn't matter too much at that point. IME, that's where the lines are. Long at times.

It can matter more at customs. But hand and/or checked, I've always found that at NAN customs you have to go though an x-ray check anyway. And that it's reasonably quick regardless.

 

[Lynda2475]

Looking at SYD-NAN-SIN in Dec/Jan next ear and its all A330 not A350s, The A350s likely going to the newer US routes.

 

[AFF Editor]

Thanks for the review. I will be flying FJ's A350 shortly, FJ934 MEL-NAN, but in business class.

Could you tell us a bit about your airport arrival experience in NAN?

I note that FJ910 SYD-NAN and FJ934 MEL-NAN often arrive at almost the same time. I've been to NAN many times and have not been too impressed when two large aircraft arrive almost together. On the day of my flight they are scheduled to be both A350s.

The serenading musicians might be nice but the long and slow lines at passport control, not so much.

I think I waited around 20 minutes to clear passport control, but our flight was the only widebody arriving at that time because we were about an hour late. There was an FJ flight from ADL and a VA flight from BNE arriving around the same time. Not much of a wait to clear customs and get my bag x-rayed.

I would say that around half of the passengers on our flight had international connections, so that took some of the pressure off immigration. There was a long line for transit security, though.

The musicians playing in the arrivals hall was a nice touch and all in all, it was a fine experience if you have appropriate expectations of Fiji time.

 

[AFF Editor]

Looking at SYD-NAN-SIN in Dec/Jan next ear and its all A330 not A350s, The A350s likely going to the newer US routes.

SYD-NAN gets a mix of 737s, A330s and A350s. NAN-SIN is indeed solely an A330 route. I'll have another review of FJ A330 Economy on that flight coming out soon.

 

[Gredgy69]

I haven't flown on their A350's yet, as I take the 06:00 flight which is the 737 Max. I enjoyed the Max flight but would like to try the A350. The trouble is the A350 arrives in Nadi at 18:55 compared to 11:00 for the Max which means you lose 1 day of your holiday. Have flown the Virgin flight that arrives similar time to the A350 and won't fly that time again. Heading back there Feb 2026 to enjoy my Fiji time.

 

[marks]

I'm a recent fan of FJ (after not using them for over 20_years), especially if you are heading to the US. Fantastic hard & soft product both in Y & J cabins. Modern airframes are smooth & comfortable.
Flying Oz-US gives a great weekend in such a great location, but also great evening timings to the US. Leaving Sunday night NAN-LAX at 9p you arrive 11a in LAX, then connections onwards. The bulaspace economy rows are perfect value and can be upgraded for a NAN/LAX at checkin for approx $100USD. Awesome value. Also popular for ADL based peeps heading to the US with the NAN transit.
Fiji is a family destination from AU/NZ. Plenty of kids on the flight if that is an issue for some. But with a more regular drinks service on FJ, wasn't an issue for me.
Agree to get the morning flight to maximise your time.