I am lucky to be invited as a guest of Rex Airlines to try out their Business Class cabin from Brisbane to Sydney. As a recently minted Rex Flyer member and a virgin to Rex (sorry, I couldn’t help myself), I am excited to take my first flight with a new Australian airline. Well, newish to jet operations anyway. Technically, Rex has been around since the demise of Ansett Australia over two decades ago.
From check-in to landing, I take a look at what Rex Business Class guests can expect from the airline’s 737 service.
Check-in, lounge and boarding
I arrive at Brisbane Airport’s Domestic Terminal and make my way to the middle of the terminal between the Qantas and Virgin Australia ends. This is where other airlines fly out from, including Rex. And it’s great to see clear signage showing the way. As I enter the terminal, I see check-in kiosks and a Kiosk Bag Drop area near the main doors. The Kiosk Bag Drop area is different to the Bag Drop area located further into the terminal. Let me explain further.
Kiosk Bag Drop vs Bag Drop
If you just have carry-on baggage, make your way straight to a kiosk and check in. Alternatively, head to the back of the Bag Drop machines, where you can check in from manned service desks. There is no clear signage to indicate where the manned service desks are. The good news is that there is hardly ever a line to contend with. I walked straight up and checked in without having to wait a second in line.
If you do have checked baggage, you have a few check-in options. The first is to use the manned service desks. If you wish to self-serve, then first make your way to the ‘Kiosk Bag Drop’ section to check in for your flight and print your bag tag(s). Next up, carry your bags to the ‘Bag Drop’ section located behind the ‘Kiosk Bag Drop’ section, which is further into the terminal, away from the doors. Here, you scan your boarding pass and then place your bags onto the Bag Drop machine to check in.
As a Business Class guest, I expect to receive lounge access with my ticket, which is the norm in Australia. Unfortunately, Rex does not have a Brisbane Lounge at present, but it’s on its way. So I wasn’t expecting to be able to relax and dine anywhere before my flight. But I’m happy to receive a $15 voucher to use at certain eateries within the Domestic Terminal. I end up enjoying some nice poached eggs on toast and a cappuccino. There’s something about eating poached eggs in the afternoon that makes them taste so much nicer.
Rex Boeing 737 Business Class seating
I enter the aircraft and immediately recognise it to be an ex SilkAir aircraft. The aircraft is very modern and includes the famous Boeing Sky Interior, giving it a greater feeling of space.
The Business Class cabin includes leather seats in a 2-2 configuration. The seats are incredibly comfortable and also include footrests, which adds to the comfort. Overall, the seat is a standard Business Class seat. There is plenty of space for welcome drinks and electronic devices, with a large console between the seats. I like the ‘old school’ switches to control the seat. Takes me back to a previous era.
And speaking of old times, it’s great to see a hard copy of an in-flight magazine. I have always had a ritual when I settle into my seat. The first thing I do is pick up the in-flight magazine, flick through to the route map, and start dreaming about where I wish to travel next. I’m happy to see that Rex allows me to continue this tradition.
There is plenty of legroom for an average-sized 5’11 person like myself. If you’re taller than me, you’ll have no trouble with the seat pitch. There is plenty of room!
Rex Boeing 737 Business Class food and beverage
I am impressed with the meal offering in Rex Business Class. I am offered a pre-takeoff welcome drink of sparkling water or orange juice. On this occasion, I choose the latter. After takeoff, I am offered a white wine, which is complemented with a bag of mixed nuts.
When trying a new airline, I am naturally always uncertain about the meal. Will it taste good? Will there be enough food? How will it be presented? With Rex, I can answer the first two questions with a yes and the final question with – differently. Starting with the latter, Rex has a unique way of presenting their meals. Each part of the Business Class meal is individually wrapped in brown paper, including the bread and any other side dishes. I find it a novelty to unwrap each piece. It reminds me of Christmas morning!
But on the actual meal itself, it is very tasty and definitely filling. I choose the fish cakes on today’s flight. I am surprisingly impressed at the number of desserts. Having a sweet tooth, I love the fact that there are three, yes, three dessert offerings on the tray. A raspberry cream cake, a choc-chip cookie and a premium chocolate.
But don’t worry. If you’ve been hitting the gym recently and don’t want to negate any of the gains, there is a healthy option available as well. On my return flight, I opt for a tuna salad meal, which is fantastic. And this meal was sans the choc-chip cookie.
Rex Boeing 737 Business Class service and entertainment
As I’m flying on a recently acquired SilkAir aircraft, the plane did not come with any Wi-Fi entertainment or Wi-Fi on board. However, these will be installed in due course.
The service offered on this flight is exceptional. It is a very ‘down-to-earth’, attentive approach to service, keeping in theme with their ‘country hospitality’. Staff were frequently seen in the Business cabin, ensuring that all guests had drinks topped up and offered further snacks after their meals. But all done in a non-intrusive way. The service harked back to the old Ansett days, at least in my eyes anyway.
Summing up
The introduction of a new Business Class offering in the domestic aviation market is a very welcome addition. I still remember a time post the Ansett collapse when Qantas had a monopoly on this space. So it is good to see Rex joining Virgin Australia in providing this popular product.
A larger seat, attentive service and bigger meals are all part of Rex’s Business Class ticket, making it competitive with other airlines’ domestic Business offerings. The only thing lacking in some ports is a Business lounge pre-flight. Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and soon Brisbane are all covered, but we will need to wait for any future lounges.
With the introduction of Rex’s frequent flyer program, Rex Flyer, this Business Class indulgence is more affordable than ever. And if you’re paying cash, Business Class is very sharply priced against its competitors. You won’t be disappointed the next time you fly on a Rex Business Class Golden Triangle route like this.
All photography by Daniel Sciberras, who travelled as a guest of Rex Airlines.
You seem to be dealing with halfwits.
We have business class one way and in economy on the way home.