Qantas is rolling out the red (and green) carpet for travellers this festive season, offering a wealth of upgrades designed to elevate holiday travel. As the Flying Kangaroo braces for one of its busiest years, millions of passengers can look forward to a dazzling array of surprises—from festive-themed aircraft to luxurious menus and enticing loyalty rewards.
Festive Fleet Takes Flight
In a spirited nod to the holidays, Qantas has unveiled its festive fleet featuring the “Roo-dolph” Boeing 737 and the QantasLink Q400 “Dasher-8,” adorned with eye-catching Christmas-themed liveries. Travellers flying on these special aircraft during December will earn double Qantas Points, a delightful bonus for frequent flyers.
Adding to the festive cheer, a Qantas Freight A321 decorated as “Santa’s Freight” delivers thousands of gifts and holiday essentials across the country, ensuring the spirit of Christmas reaches every corner of Australia.
Exclusive Menus to Savor the Season
Qantas is elevating inflight dining with seasonal menus curated by its renowned Creative Director of Food, Beverage, and Service, Neil Perry. First and Business Class passengers can indulge in premium dishes featuring some of Australia’s finest producers, including:
- Margra Lamb
- Glacier 51 Toothfish
- Coppertree Farms Butter
- Skull Island King Prawns
Notable First Class options include the seared Glacier 51 Toothfish served with sugar snaps, snow peas, and Cobram Estate extra virgin olive oil. At the same time, Business Class passengers can savour a braised Margra lamb shoulder with rosemary potatoes and honey-glazed carrots.
Lounges are also getting into the festive spirit, offering treats like roast turkey rolls, fruit mince pies, and Christmas gingerbread alongside a signature Qantas Christmas Cocktail.
A Toast to the Holidays
In a significant update to its beverage program, Qantas has introduced an expanded range of beers and signature cocktails across its inflight and lounge services. Highlights include:
- James Squire Ginger Beer
- Hawke’s Lager (Sydney)
- Stomping Ground Big Sky Hazy (Melbourne)
- Curatif’s Qantas Aviation Spritz, crafted with Four Pillars of Rare Dry Gin
This bold overhaul ensures travellers can toast to the season with locally inspired flavours and exclusive concoctions, making every journey feel like a celebration.
Surprises Await Holiday Travelers
Qantas’ commitment to creating memorable experiences extends beyond the cabin. From festive fare served in select domestic and international lounges to surprise gifting activations at airports, passengers can expect a journey filled with joy and excitement.
“Our teams have worked tirelessly to ensure we’re ready to connect millions of customers with their loved ones this holiday season,” said Catriona Larritt, Qantas Group Chief Customer and Digital Officer. “We’re thrilled to bring back our festive aircraft and enhance the travel experience with seasonal touches that truly capture the magic of Christmas.”
A Festive Flying Experience Like No Other
As part of its broader holiday initiative, Qantas is leaning into its reputation for hospitality and innovation. From the visually striking “Roo-dolph” and “Dasher-8” to curated menus and signature cocktails, the airline sets a new benchmark for festive travel.
Key Highlights at a Glance
- Double Qantas Points: Available on flights with festive-themed aircraft.
- Seasonal Menus: Premium offerings for First and Business Class passengers.
- Lounge Enhancements: Holiday treats and exclusive Christmas cocktails.
- Expanded Beverage Options: Locally inspired beers and signature cocktails inflight.
- Surprise Activations: Airport giveaways and festive fare for passengers.
With its comprehensive festive offering, Qantas is reinforcing its position as a leader in customer experience and spreading holiday cheer to travellers worldwide.
Plan Your Festive Journey
Whether reuniting with loved ones or embarking on a holiday adventure, Qantas ensures every aspect of your travel experience is infused with seasonal joy. For more information and to book your festive flight, visit Qantas.com.
Written by: Soo James














