After lining up in the economy queue,I’m greeted at the counter with three magic words:“You’ve been upgraded” – a welcome surprise,considering it’s an evening flight. The upgrade also provides access to The House lounge at Sydney Airport.
Baggage
Business class 40 kilograms checked baggage,carry-on seven kilograms (two pieces);economy is a generous 30 kilograms with carry-on seven kilograms (one piece).
The seat
There are 28 business class seats with a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration,providing aisle access for everyone. Mine,7A,the last window on the right,proves to be the dream seat – at the back of the cabin,there is no through traffic headed to bathrooms,so I manage a reasonable amount of shut-eye,assisted by mood lighting and twinkling stars on the ceiling.
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While a mattress pad would have enhanced the sleep experience,I’m grateful for a comfortable pillow and blanket,as well as the provided slippers,socks,eye mask and an amenity kit. The angled flatbeds – 21 inches wide (53 centimetres) with a pitch of 78 inches (198 centimetres) – offer ample legroom,while the armrest recedes at the touch of a button,making for easy aisle access.
Entertainment
As I’ve already seen most of the new-release movie offerings,I look deeper into the catalogue,with gems such as an old Kevin Costner/Clint Eastwood vehicle,A Perfect World,proving adequate time-wasters. For those who want to get into the subcontinent mood,there are eight Hindi and seven Tamil movies on offer.
Service
In their gorgeous peacock-teal uniforms,the cabin crew provide a gracious introduction to Sri Lankan hospitality,with their service polite and discreet throughout the journey.
Food
As I’m headed to a wellness retreat,I plan to abstain from alcohol during the flight and considering the Sky Bar menu lists only two wine options – red or white – I’m not missing much. The food menu is far more intriguing,a worthy introduction to the delicious cuisine of Sri Lanka. After a prawn and salmon appetiser,I tuck into a tasty fish masala,its spicy heat tempered by beetroot curry,mushrooms and a pillow of jeera rice. A lighter meal is served a few hours before landing.
One more thing
The Sri Lankan tradition of drinking tea begins on board,with a great selection of Ceylon tea blends on offer,served in a silver teapot with china cups.
The price
From $3814 one-way,business class.*
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The verdict
While the entertainment offerings and bar menu fall short of other premium,business-class services,the food,hospitality and bliss of a flatbed make up for other shortcomings.
Our rating out of five
★★★★
The writer travelled as a guest of SriLankan Airlines and Santani Wellness Kandy. Seesrilankan.com;santani.com
*Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change.