This week we follow a trip to a continent no doubt on the bucket lists of many Australians, but one that most of us will probably never get a chance to visit. This southern content is incredibly isolated (with scientists and penguins some of the only inhabitants) but has a certain level of intrigue and offers some spectacular views to boot. That’s right, one of our members was fortunate enough to see Antarctica, from the comfort of a Qantas charter sightseeing flight.
An all-inclusive package was booked, making the trip all the more enjoyable.
The package included two nights at the Sofitel Brisbane Central, pre-dinner drinks and three course dinner with the Qantas Captain, Antarctica Flights rep, Sofitel rep, and ex-Antarctica residents as guest speakers, airport transfers, the charter flight to Antarctica with full Qantas onboard service, and a DVD that was to be filmed from the under wing camera during the flight.
The flight, a Qantas Boeing 747, departed Brisbane in the morning and returned the same evening. A full meal service was provided and there was constant commentary from the flight deck by a host of guest speakers. But the star attraction was the continent of Antarctica itself and as soon as the flight reached the ice sheet, the cabin was abuzz with people moving around, trying to get the best view and sharing in the excitement of what they were seeing.
From the time we saw the first ice, people were constantly moving about the cabin and I was surprised at how civilised and polite it all was.
In the name of fairness, passengers at window seats swapped with those in the middle of the plane half-way through the flight so that all on board could get a decent view.
In this trip report, the pictures speak a thousand words.
Now I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves, but honestly the photos don’t do it justice. It was beautiful, majestic, pristine and totally awesome.
It seems that our member had a ball and was very pleased with the experience.
I had previously read that some people were disappointed by their Antarctica Flight, but I have no regrets at all. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will make for great conversation for years to come, made even better by the only upgrade I have ever received while flying.
Unfortunately Qantas Antarctic charter flights operate only a few times each summer. But there is one more way to see Antarctica from the air… if you’re lucky. Qantas flight QF63 from Sydney to Johannesburg is a day-time flight that, depending on the winds and the routing of the day, often flies far enough south to offer some fantastic views of the Antarctic ice sheet.
Why not come along for the ride HERE.
