We were thrilled to have sent one of the very first customers to travel internationally on the new route QF1 via Darwin to London. It’s certainly a new way of travelling and TTA passenger and client James Nicholls has kindly agreed to share his insights to help you prepare for your first overseas trip, take a look.

One of the great bonuses of being an early adopter is that one often realises extra benefits before the rest of the world catches on. And so, it proved to be when given some expert advice by TTA. I’ve known Peter and Sarah at the Travel Authority since its very earliest days and have always received great help and support from them and the TTA team when travelling. Despite having travelled quite extensively to different parts of the world and being fairly blasé about the travel aspect and only being really interested in reaching my destination, I approached my latest flight to England with a little nervousness on account of what we have all been through over the past two years

I phoned TTA not expecting to be able to get there but to my surprise and as per usual they came up with options that fitted my meagre budget and my timetable. Amongst the options I was offered, the Qantas QF001 seemed to suit. I did not appreciate at the time that it was a brand-new route. And from my point of view, what a good way to go it is.

I usually like to go via the Middle East because it is one long leg and one short leg rather than two medium (seemingly long legs) via say Singapore or Hong Kong. I find that on the really long leg one can forget about connections, timing etc and just concentrate on one’s book or the movies.

Flying in the spacious economy cabin of the new Dreamliner was really very good.

A short hop from Sydney to Darwin, no panic about connection, an hour or so in the Darwin lounge and then back on the same plane and seat and you forget about everything before arriving in London 17 hours or so later.

Not only did TTA come up with great advice about this new route, they also metaphorically held my hand with regards to all the new procedures required regarding the pandemic.

Sorting the paperwork and tests etc was a bit of a palaver but actually at Sydney airport and at Heathrow the process was painless as long as one had all the necessary documents to hand for proof of vaccination etc. One word of warning, if you downloaded your Australian Govt proof of vaccination certificate a while back, you cannot travel with this but need to get an International Travel Certificate – but don’t worry TTA will tell you how to do it!

I have been back to the other side of the world… and returned home safe and sound. Let’s get out there and do it again, safely with the help of TTA via Darwin on QF1 my favourite new route!

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