Flying across Western Australia offers some of the most remote and visually stunning aviation experiences in the world. On this particular journey, I took a mid-morning flight from Perth Airport to the tropical outpost of Broome International Airport aboard a lesser-known aircraft in the Qantas fleet—the QantasLink Airbus A319. This flight review covers everything from airport experience and lounge access to onboard comfort, entertainment, food, and overall value.
If you’re considering flying QantasLink within Western Australia, especially on this unique aircraft, this comprehensive review will give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Early Morning Departure from Perth Airport
It was a calm and beautiful Sunday morning in Perth, the perfect setting to begin a regional Australian aviation journey. Perth Airport, located roughly 10 kilometers east of the CBD, is the fourth busiest airport in Australia and handles a mix of international, interstate, and intrastate traffic.
Terminals 3 and 4, where Qantas operates most of its domestic and regional flights, were my departure point. These terminals serve as the hub for Qantas and its regional subsidiary QantasLink, as well as select services by Airnorth.
Getting to the airport was surprisingly smooth thanks to Perth’s public transport system. On Sundays, certain services are free for SmartRider users, making it a cost-effective option. Instead of taking the train to Airport Central, I opted for a bus route that dropped me within walking distance of the terminal—an easy and efficient start to the day.
Check-In and Security Experience at Terminal 4
Upon arrival at Terminal 4, the check-in process was almost entirely self-service. Automated kiosks dominate the space, and while efficient, they do lean heavily toward mobile boarding passes, which may not appeal to travelers who prefer physical copies.
Bag drop was equally streamlined, with updated self-service machines allowing passengers to tag and dispatch luggage in minutes. Despite my personal preference for traditional check-in counters, there’s no denying the speed and convenience of the system.
Security screening was quick and painless, taking less than five minutes. Thanks to modern CT scanning technology, there was no need to remove laptops or liquids, making the process even smoother.
Inside the Qantas Club Lounge Perth
With some time to spare before boarding, I had the opportunity to visit the Qantas Club Perth. This lounge is widely regarded as one of the better domestic lounges in the Qantas network, and it’s easy to see why.
The space is large, modern, and offers a variety of seating options suited for working, relaxing, or socializing. One of its standout features is the panoramic view of the airfield, making it an excellent spot for aviation enthusiasts to enjoy some plane spotting.
Food offerings during the mid-morning period were fairly standard—continental breakfast items such as cereals, toast, fruit, and cold cuts. While not particularly exciting, the quality was decent. The bar, which opens later in the day, offers a more extensive selection of beverages including beer, wine, and spirits.
A highlight of the lounge experience was a well-made flat white coffee, which set the tone for the journey ahead.
Aircraft Overview: QantasLink Airbus A319
Boarding commenced on time at Gate 13, and soon I found myself walking toward a rather unique aircraft in the Qantas fleet—the Airbus A319 operated by Network Aviation.
This particular aircraft has an interesting history, having previously flown for Spirit Airlines before joining the QantasLink fleet in early 2025. At around 20 years old, it’s far from new, but still plays an important role in regional operations across Western Australia.
Inside, the aircraft features an all-economy layout with 150 seats in a 3-3 configuration. The seating is provided by Recaro and upholstered in black leather, giving it a somewhat low-cost carrier feel.
Cabin Comfort and Seating Experience
Let’s address the biggest drawback of this aircraft: seat comfort.
With a seat pitch of just 28 inches, legroom is tight—noticeably below what many travelers expect from a full-service airline like Qantas. The seats themselves are firm and lack additional features such as USB charging ports or adjustable headrests.
There’s also no seat-back entertainment screen, tray tables are basic, and storage is minimal. Overall, the cabin feels more aligned with a budget airline product than a premium full-service experience.
That said, the flight was not full, and having an empty row significantly improved comfort. On a full flight—especially longer sectors such as Perth to Newcastle—the experience could be considerably less enjoyable.
Takeoff and Scenic Views Over Western Australia
Departure from Perth was smooth, with a slight early pushback and an on-time takeoff. As the aircraft climbed to its cruising altitude of 37,000 feet, the views over Western Australia were nothing short of spectacular.
Flying north toward Broome, the landscape transitions from agricultural regions into the vast, rugged terrain of the Gascoyne and Pilbara regions. The sheer scale and isolation of the Australian outback are truly humbling when viewed from above.
In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity
While the aircraft lacks built-in screens, QantasLink offers a “stream-to-your-device” entertainment system accessible via the Qantas Entertainment app.
Passengers can connect their personal devices to access a library of over 2,500 hours of content, including movies, TV shows, music, and more. The system is functional and relatively easy to use, though frequent flyers may find the content selection somewhat repetitive.
One notable downside is the absence of onboard Wi-Fi, which is available on many other Qantas domestic aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A330. For travelers who rely on internet connectivity, this is a clear limitation.
Food and Beverage Service Onboard
Given the flight duration of approximately 2.5 hours, expectations for the meal service were moderate—and the offering aligned with that.
Passengers were served a cheese and pesto pizza along with a chocolate dessert. While the presentation wasn’t particularly appealing, it appeared adequate for a mid-length domestic flight. Complimentary beverages, including alcoholic options, were also available.
The cabin crew were friendly, attentive, and conducted multiple drink rounds throughout the flight, which added a positive touch to the overall experience.
Cleanliness and Lavatory Facilities
The aircraft features two lavatories—one at the front and one at the rear. Both were clean and well-maintained, offering standard amenities including a baby changing table.
While basic, the facilities met expectations and were perfectly adequate for a flight of this length.
Descent and Arrival into Broome
As the aircraft began its descent into Broome, passengers were treated to stunning views over Roebuck Bay. The turquoise waters and red earth create a striking contrast that signals your arrival into one of Australia’s most unique destinations.
Landing was smooth, and the aircraft touched down slightly ahead of schedule. Disembarkation was via stairs, a common practice at regional airports.
Arrival Experience at Broome Airport
Broome International Airport is conveniently located just 700 meters from the town center, making it one of the most accessible airports in Australia.
Within minutes of disembarking, I was already walking toward my accommodation. For those staying in town, this is incredibly convenient. However, if you’re heading to Cable Beach, you may need alternative transport due to the distance and tropical heat.
Overall Verdict: Is the QantasLink A319 Worth It?
This flight from Perth to Broome offered a mix of strong operational performance and noticeable product shortcomings.
On the positive side, punctuality was excellent, the crew were professional and friendly, and the overall journey was smooth and efficient. The lounge experience and seamless airport processes further enhanced the trip.
However, the onboard hard product—particularly the seating—falls short of expectations for a full-service airline. Limited legroom, lack of power outlets, and no Wi-Fi detract from the experience, especially on longer routes.
Final Thoughts on Value and Experience
From a value perspective, this flight was booked using Qantas Frequent Flyer points at a rate of 13,800 points plus $92 in taxes—a solid redemption considering cash fares were around $500.
For travelers prioritizing schedule, reliability, and service, QantasLink delivers a dependable experience. However, if comfort is a top priority, especially on longer flights, the A319 may leave you wanting more.
Conclusion: A Unique but Imperfect Regional Flight
Flying QantasLink’s Airbus A319 is a distinctive experience within Australia’s aviation landscape. While it may not offer the most comfortable seating or modern amenities, it provides a reliable and efficient way to explore remote regions like Broome.
For aviation enthusiasts, the rarity of the aircraft adds an extra layer of interest. For regular travelers, it’s a reminder that not all Qantas flights are created equal—but with the right expectations, it can still be an enjoyable journey.
Whether you’re heading to Broome for its famous Cable Beach sunsets or exploring the Kimberley region, this flight is just the beginning of an unforgettable Western Australian adventure.
Disclaimer: This article has been repurposed from the original transcript of my own flight review on the Aussie JetSetter Youtube channel with the assistance of AI technologies. Please be advised whilst I have taken the utmost care to review and revise this article where necessary to reflect the upmost of accuracy at time of publication please be advised my reviews whether written or in video form are for entertainment and general information purposes only. They reflect the objective views in good faith of the person only whom is presenting them unless otherwise noted. Any decisions you make resulting from consuming my content must take into consideration your own circumstances, research and responsibility as I can not be hold responsible for any inaccuracies or future changes effecting the relativity of such reviews. All Rights Reserved by Aussie JetSetter from 2022 >
