QANTAS QF1 GOES NONSTOP: WHAT THE 22-HOUR SYDNEY TO LONDON FLIGHT MEANS FOR YOU
Qantas QF1, the airline's most famous flight number, is going nonstop between Sydney and London.
Qantas confirmed on November 9 that QF1 and its return flight QF2 will move to the new nonstop service from October 2027, as reported by Stuff and Executive Traveller.
The flights are the centrepiece of Project Sunrise, so named because passengers will see two sunrises on the journey.
For the many Australians with family, friends or bucket lists on the other side of the world, it is a genuinely big moment.
Why Qantas QF1 matters
The Kangaroo Route between Australia and London began in December 1947, when the trip took about four days and seven stops.
Today the QF1 and QF2 numbers are used on the one-stop Sydney to London service via Singapore.
Once the nonstop flights begin, the Singapore service will continue under new numbers, QF5 and QF6, for travellers who prefer a break in the journey.
The seasonal Perth to Rome flights that currently use QF5 and QF6 will become QF105 and QF106.
According to Aerospace Global News, the nonstop flight is expected to take between 19 and 22 hours and could save up to four hours on the current journey.
Inside the plane
The flights will use a specially adapted Airbus A350-1000, fitted with an extra 20,000 litre fuel tank so it can cover more than 16,000 kilometres without stopping.
Qantas has ordered 12 of the jets, and the first is expected to be delivered in April 2027.
Each aircraft will carry 238 passengers, far fewer than many long-haul jets.
There will be six First suites, 52 Business suites, 40 Premium Economy seats and 140 Economy seats.
Aviation blog Paddle Your Own Kanoo reports that 42 of the Economy seats will be Economy Plus seats with extra legroom.
Perhaps the most talked-about feature is the Wellbeing Zone, which sits between Premium Economy and Economy.
It is a space where passengers can stand, stretch and help themselves to snacks and drinks, which sounds like a lifesaver around hour 15.
When can you book Qantas QF1?
Not quite yet, so there is no need to rush.
Aerospace Global News reports that tickets for the nonstop Sydney to London flights are scheduled to go on sale in February 2027.
Qantas has not yet announced fares for any cabin.
If you are hoping to use frequent flyer points, it is worth checking your balance now and keeping an eye on the Qantas website for announcements.
How to prepare for an ultra-long flight
Twenty hours in the air is a big ask for anyone, so a little planning goes a long way.
Choose your seat carefully, as an aisle seat makes it much easier to get up and move without disturbing your neighbours.
Pack a small comfort kit with an eye mask, earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, lip balm, moisturiser and a refillable water bottle.
Wear loose, layered clothing and comfortable shoes, because feet can swell on long flights.
Drink plenty of water, go easy on alcohol and caffeine, and walk around the cabin when it is safe to do so.
If you have a history of blood clots, heart problems or other health concerns, speak to your GP before booking such a long flight.
To help with jet lag, try shifting your sleep a little towards UK time in the days before you leave and get outside in daylight once you land.
Is nonstop right for you?
Not everyone will want to spend the best part of a day in one seat, and that is perfectly fine.
The one-stop service via Singapore will still be there, giving you the option to stretch your legs or even add a short stopover holiday.
For time-poor travellers, though, landing in London four hours sooner could be priceless.
