Harry and Meghan: Choosing Business Class with Qantas in Australia

Returning to Australia with a Special Flight

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made their first trip back to Australia since 2018, but this time, the focus is not just on their visit but also on how they arrived. The couple chose to fly Qantas business class from Los Angeles (LAX) to Melbourne (MEL), a noticeable shift from their private jet travel back in 2018.

A Noteworthy Journey

Many media outlets, including Fox News, questioned why the couple didn't select first class, with a provocative headline stating: "Prince Harry and Meghan Markle forgo first class, experts speculate if this is a 'strategy.'" However, the reality is much simpler.

Qantas is phasing out the Airbus A380 on the Los Angeles-Melbourne route, which is the only aircraft in their fleet that offers first class. Instead, they have transitioned to the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which does not have a first-class section.

No First Class Available

This means that on this flight, business class was the highest available cabin. Therefore, the couple's choice to fly business class was not a "downgrade" as many might think. They likely didn't want to wait several days for the A380, especially considering their busy schedule in Australia.

The Flight and Privacy

The flight departed on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Had they chosen to wait for the A380, they would have had to connect in Sydney or wait until Thursday, April 16 (the A380 only operates on Thursdays and Saturdays). Throughout the flight, they boarded discreetly and slept for most of the journey, causing many passengers not to recognize them until QF94 landed in Melbourne.

Features of Business Class

The business class on the 787-9 is by no means a poor experience. Whether they exchanged royal luxury for a more modest appearance is another question. Flying business class is a savvy move for the couple, allowing them to continue being perceived as part of the public rather than standing in a privileged position, which will surely catch the attention of the Australian press.

Service Quality

While lacking the exclusivity of first class, business class still offers flat beds and a quality travel experience for long-haul flights. With the journey lasting around 15 hours to Australia, this is more than sufficient for most travelers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Harry and Meghan indeed flew business class to Australia, but not necessarily because they passed on first class. The crucial point is that first class was not an option on this Qantas 787-9 flight. Sometimes, the reason isn't about strategy or cost, but simply the arrangement of the aircraft.

Article edited and referenced from: Live and Let's Fly