Flight Review: Business Class on Rex's Boeing 737

Rex, Australia's most reliable airline, now offers a top-tier business class experience at half the price of its competitors. With Bonza no longer in the market, Australia's domestic airline scene has narrowed to four main players, with only Qantas, Rex, and Virgin Australia offering business class on domestic flights. Among these, Rex stands out for its exceptional value for money.

In the post-COVID era, the profile of domestic business class passengers has shifted significantly. Once dominated by suited business travelers, the cabins now see a mix of leisure travelers and older passengers seeking extra comfort. This change is partly due to the high fares of Qantas and Virgin Australia, pushing many corporate travelers to economy seats. The growing awareness of the necessity to travel has also diversified the passenger demographic in business class.

Rex's business class fares are significantly cheaper than those of Qantas and Virgin Australia. For instance, a one-way business class flight from Adelaide to Melbourne on Rex costs AU$369 ($244), compared to AU$892 ($589) on Qantas and AU$719 ($475) on Virgin Australia. This stark price difference prompted an evaluation of whether Rex compromises on quality or service.

A recent trip from Adelaide to Melbourne in Rex’s business class revealed that the experience is on par with, or even superior to, its rivals. The business class cabin on Rex's Boeing 737-800s features a 2-2 layout with eight seats. Passengers enjoy comfortable leather seats, efficient boarding through priority lanes, and ample space for carry-on luggage.

During the flight, Rex's crew offered premium service with a choice of three Australian wines and a selection of meals, including a signature Croque Monsieur and a Vegetable Mezza plate. The eco-friendly meal service also included dessert and beverages. The onboard entertainment system, free for business class passengers, offered a variety of movies and TV shows, with reliable internet connectivity.

Rex's cabin crew impressed with their attentiveness and professional demeanor, reminiscent of the elegance of earlier flying eras. The airline's commitment to customer service is further highlighted by its new loyalty program, Rex Flyer, and the refurbishment of lounges at major domestic hubs.

In summary, Rex's business class offers a comparable, if not superior, experience to Qantas and Virgin Australia at a significantly lower price. With Australia's lowest cancellation rate and exceptional service, Rex stands out as the best value for money in the domestic business class market.