Airline review: Fiji Airways business class to San Francisco

Business

DURATION

10 hours.

FREQUENCY

Twice a week in each direction, Thursdays and Sundays.

THE SEAT

3B, Business.

The Business seats are arranged in the classic 2-2-2 formation. Which means you either erect the teensy-weensy privacy screen or actually talk to the person next to you.

The seats themselves have an ample 60 inch pitch, though if you're seeking even more legroom try to get one in the front row. Each seat has power and USB points.

On the debit side, my seat wouldn't recline into the fully horizontal position - even when the cabin crew tried.

Profusely apologetic, the crew offered to swap my seat for that of an airline executive, but I was perfectly happy in my three quarter-reclined position and slept so soundly I missed breakfast (good call by Martin, the flight attendant, who apparently touched me lightly to see if I was awake, then let me continue sleeping).

ENTERTAINMENT

Good news: the screen is large (15.4 inch), on the back of the seat in front (no moving required).

But the movie choice is limited to just 10 new releases (including Oscar contending movies like The Revenant and Joy).

The TV selection is wider, and more family-focused, from Tom and Jerry through Supergirl and Flash, to Modern Family and Empire.

The music selection is more extensive.

Since you're going to San Francisco around the 50th anniversary of the "Summer of Love", l recommend you listen to at least two of the albums on offer - Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana, among the greatest guitarists in history who both lived in San Fran in 1967.

BAGGAGE

Business class passengers are entitled to up to three pieces of checked baggage of 30 kgs each with two pieces of carry-on of up to seven kgs each.

COMFORT

Be reasonable. This old-style version of comfort isn't going to win any airline industry awards. But it more than matches the industry standard.

The real comfort lies in the timing of the flights. Either way across the Pacific, you'll leave late at night and arrive early the next morning - hopefully (like me) receiving at least five or six hours sleep so you can start afresh for work.

SERVICE

This is where Fiji Airways scores top marks. They may not have the widest seats, nor the most extensive wine list in the world, but surely they have the happiest cabin staff?

They're friendly, eager to please, and always ready to remind you about perspective if you have a 'first world problem'.

Should you suffer FWP syndrome, just sip Fiji Airway's signature cocktail (a challenging combination of Fiji Rum and Fiji Coconut Rum Liqueur poured over Maraschimo cherries and orange slices). One helps. Two soothes.

FOOD

Now comes the surprise factor. For the past 18 months, Melbourne-born Lance Seeto - Fiji's most renowned celebrity chef - has been in charge of the airline's menu after publicly rubbishing the standard beforehand.

Now the emphasis is on fresh ingredients and 'Fujian fusion'. After canapes (salmon wrapped with zucchini, eggplant tartlet), an appetizer of cocktail prawns, avocado and cherry tomatoes, I opted for the mildly spiced chicken curry, sauteed eggplant, tomato relish and steamed rice with paratha bread. The vanilla ice cream in chocolate cup served with choc chip berry brownie was another winner.

ONE MORE THING

Nadi Airport is going through a $60 million plus renovation. Finger's crossed, it should be open in March 2017. Most of it is already there for business, including the modern departure lounge with its 'international outlets'.

The Business Class lounges will be the last finished. But the current lounge is perfectly agreeable.

THE VERDICT

If you're looking to have a two destination holiday - Fiji and California - or want to bolt on a few days of r'n'r at the end of a hectic business trip, this could be a viable option: especially if you can arrange for family or friends to meet up with you in Fiji.

For others - study the airfare. You might find that you can spend a couple of days in Fiji for around the same price as a direct flight to San Fran or LA.

Steve Meacham travelled courtesy of Fiji Airways.

See also: On board the 'world's best airline'

See also: Flight test - Jetstar Dreamliner economy to Bali