I Flew on Fiji Airways' New Nonstop Route from Dallas to Nadi: Here's What It Was Like

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by Condé Nast Traveler editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate commission.
Fiji Airways
For years, the only direct flights from the US to Fiji departed from the West Coast. For folks on the country's East Coast, this meant taking a 6-hour transcontinental flight before even starting the 11-hour trip.
But now, it's gotten a whole lot easier for Americans to reach the stunning South Pacific islands. This December, Fiji Airways, the nation's flagship carrier, launched a nonstop 13-hour flight from Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW) to Nadi International Airport (NAN).
This April, Fiji Airways also launched a direct route this April connecting Nadi with Cairns, the gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. When combined with the new Dallas flight, American travelers can now shave off a whopping three hours of average travel time when flying to Queensland's Great Barrier Reef region. Plus, the airline recently joined the Oneworld Alliance allowing for more codeshare flights, and—in a move to specifically lure more US travelers—also adopted American Airlines' AAdvantage loyalty program, literally allowing fliers to earn miles as if they're on an AA flight.
The integration makes Fiji "so much more accessible not just to Americans, but anybody who's an AAdvantage member,' Kamal Haer, American Airlines' chief sales and marketing officer, tells Condé Nast Traveler.
Since Fiji Airways's route network has historically been more localized, Americans may not be as familiar with the onboard experience. To try out the airline's US routes and seat products, I flew with the carrier from Dallas to Fiji in business class and returned in economy on the Nadi to Los Angeles route.
My flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Dallas felt like a quick commuter flight. Upon landing in Texas, all I had to do was ride the airport train over one terminal and I was already at the Fiji Airways gate, without having to go through security again.
With my business class seat, I was granted to access to the American Airlines Flagship Lounge, where a Piper-Heidsieck champagne stand greeted me by the entrance, along with an impressive chef-driven buffet—including a red miso and Tonkotsu broth bar, house-made sushi, and paneer tikka masala, with craft-your-own Texas margarita and Bloody Mary stations to boot.
Soon, it was time for me to board the 10:50 p.m. flight, which operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Entering the brightly-lit business cabin with a soft purple hue, I felt like I had already been transported to Fiji. The cheerful flight attendant doted on me with the local welcoming 'bula' spirit, kindly asking the proper pronunciation of my name before addressing me. Overhead, Fijian music lulled me into a relaxed mindset, as I caught lyrics describing the 'stars over Fiji." I opened up the amenity kit emblazoned with traditional Fijian patterns to find socks, an eye mask, dental kit, pen, and Teaology tea-infused body cream.
Settling into one of 33 lie-flat seats in business on the Airbus A350-900 XWB, the private alcove was cozy for my 5-foot-6 frame. My window seat was situated diagonally for plenty of legroom, and just enough width for me to shift to my side when laying down. The adjustable aisle-side armrest opened up into a storage unit, where a bottle of water and headphones were waiting. An eco-friendly bag contained a pillow and blanket. In addition to a built-in reading light, the window-side space had a magazine storage rack, and two more compartments: one for storage and another that contained electronic outlets (one traditional electrical plug and two USB-As).
I then moved my attention to the menu selection card at my seat, and ordered an appetizer of grilled prawn (other choices were harissa hummus and pea watercress soup), and Fijian BBQ chicken (seared halibut salad, Reuben sandwich, and mushroom ravioli were also offered). Meals could be topped off with a dessert of pineapple and mango sorbet, ice cream, or a tropical fruit bowl.
Not long after take-off, mixed dry snacks were served and an attendant brought around a card with a code to redeem free onboard Wi-Fi, a perk for all business passengers. Though I was able to log on quickly—and even load up some video clips of SNL as it aired—the further we got into the Pacific Ocean, the spottier the service became.
Through my sleepy state, I made it through the generous appetizer and entree, especially appreciating the flavorful chicken sauce. But ultimately, I couldn't fight my heavy eyelids, and the next thing I knew, I had slept through the sorbet I had been craving. When I woke up, there were only four hours left to go on the flight.
I spent the last few hours heeding my physical therapist's advice to walk as much as possible, enjoying the coconut-scented bathroom soap and lotion and browsing the snack basket, with a standard selection of Sun Chips, Oreos and M&Ms. I also channel-hopped through its entertainment system with a delightfully curated list of TV and movies, like Wonka, Inception, and You've Got Mail, plus Bollywood, Asian Cinema, and Lailai Kids' World selections. A chose to watch a few short videos introducing Fiji, including one about the Sigatoka River Safari, a tour operator started by a chance meeting in 1991 between an Australian and local Fijian.
Before long, I was being offered a pre-breakfast hot towel, which doubled as aromatherapy. When I inquired what the scent was, I was surprised to learn it was pineapple! I enjoyed my breakfast of chia pudding, croissant bread pudding with apricot, and tropical fruit bowl. Just as I was getting comfortable, an announcement was made, saying, 'Welcome home," greeting visitors to the nation of more than 300 islands.
For my return trip, I flew in Fiji Airway's economy class. Since the Dallas flight operates three days a week and I was traveling on a Monday, I had to instead take its nonstop route to Los Angeles. I chose a 'Bula Space' XL Seat that promised more space, though I ended up having to board near the end in Boarding Group J.
One hour in, we were given more standard cafeteria-style eats, with a choice of a chicken panini, veggie wrap, or sausage roll. When the passenger in front of me reclined, my knees skimmed the seat, leaving me wondering just how tight the normal seats are. The main Economy Class cabin is laid out in a 3-3-3 configuration, offering 31- to 32-inch seat pitch and a 6 degree recline, and 12-inch entertainment monitors. Meanwhile, the 'Bula Space' seats have a pitch of 34 inches.
All in all, the economy cabin felt a bit dated, especially on this full flight, perhaps because of its fabric seats. But despite the cramped space, I must have been relatively comfortable because I ended up dozing through most of the flight. Two and a half hours before landing, a basic breakfast of scrambled eggs, potato hash, and tomato, was served.
Last year, Fiji Airways debuted an elevated dining experience called the Chef's Table, located inside the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge at Nadi International Airport. But unlike many elite airline lounge restaurants, this one is open to all passengers, regardless of cabin class. A reservation costs approximately $150 Fijian dollars per person (about $67 USD)—a bargain for this level of exclusivity. There is only one lunch service (at 1 p.m.) and one dinner session (at 6:30 p.m.) per day, with each session limited to 8 guests, so be sure to book in advance.
After checking into the lounge, I was escorted into a nondescript back room and served a four-course farm-to-table meal, with the chef coming out to explain each course. The menu evolves every few months: this one was themed around fire and smoke, and sugar and spice. I never thought one of the best meals I had in Fiji would be at the airport, but its creative takes on traditional dishes was done so masterfully. My favorite: Coconut, prepared four ways, with young coconut noodles, arancini made with lolo (coconut cream or milk), coconut apple, and a coconut water shot—a mouth-watering warm-up to the seafood appetizer, lamb main course, and house-made curry leaf and cardamom ice cream. It was all offered along with drink pairings, from cocktails to white and red wines. With this level of detail, it was well worth the price tag.
Book now with Fiji Airways
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
The Latest Travel News and Advice
Want to be the first to know? Sign up to our newsletters for travel inspiration and tips
Stop Counting the Countries You Visit
How Safe Is Flying Today? 5 Things Experts Want Travelers to Know
The Best Places to See the Northern Lights Worldwide

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

UPI

36 minutes ago

• UPI

Britain, U.S. warn Iran against Strait of Hormuz blockade

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy (L) at a meeting at NATO Headquarters in Brussels in April. File Photo by NATO/UPI | License Photo June 23 (UPI) -- Britain cautioned Iran Monday that attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz or to strike at American military facilities in the Middle East could lead to escalation, even as Israel continued its strikes on Iran. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Monday that such actions would be a "catastrophic mistake." "It would be a huge, catastrophic mistake to fire at U.S. bases in the region at this time. We have forces in the region at this time," said Lammy in an interview with BBC Breakfast. The Iranian parliament moved Sunday to approve a measure to close the Strait in response to the American strikes on Iran over the weekend. The strait serves as a critical route for oil being shipped from Persian Gulf countries, but ultimately it will come down to whether Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei decides to move forward with such a plan. Close to 30% of the world's seaborne oil shipments are moved through the strait. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also commented Sunday against Iranian interference with movement through the strait. He spoke with Fox News and called on China to prevent Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz. "I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that, because they heavily depend on the Straits of Hormuz for their oil," said Rubio, as China is a key oil customer of Iran. "The Persian Gulf and nearby waters are important route for international trade in goods and energy. Keeping the region safe and stable serves the common interests of the international community," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said in a press conference Monday. "China calls on the international community to step up effort to promote de-escalation of the conflict and prevent the regional turmoil from having a greater impact on global economic growth." Meanwhile, Israel Defense Forces announced Monday on social media that it "struck routes in order to obstruct access" to the Fordow nuclear enrichment site in Iran's Qom province. The IDF also proclaimed it attacked six Iranian airports "across western, central, and eastern Iran, destroying runways, underground hangars, refueling aircraft, F-14, F-5 and AH-1 aircraft." It further alleged the strikes "impaired takeoff capabilities from these airports, as well as the Iranian military's ability to operate its air force from them."

40 minutes ago

Support for solar energy, offshore wind falls among Democrats and independents: poll

Americans' support for green energy tax credits and renewable energies like wind and solar power has decreased in recent years, according to a new poll, driven by a softening in support from Democrats and independents. The poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that U.S. adults' support for tax credits for electric vehicles and solar panels has weakened, as well as their enthusiasm for offshore wind farm expansion. While Democrats remain the strongest supporters of these initiatives, the poll reveals signs of growing cynicism within their ranks. The poll results coincide with sweeping changes President Donald Trump's Republican administration is making to regulations related to energy and climate change, including slashing the federal workforce in these departments. And although Democrats and independents have weakened their support for some green energy initiatives, there has not been an increase in support for Trump's energy policies. The poll found only about 4 in 10 U.S. adults — including only 1 in 10 Democrats and about 2 in 10 independents, along with three-quarters of Republicans — approve of the way Trump is handling climate change, which largely tracks with his overall approval rating. About 6 in 10 Democrats, 58%, favor tax credits for purchasing an electric vehicle, down from about 7 in 10 in 2022. Among independents, support declined from 49% in 2022 to 28%. Only one-quarter of Republicans supported this policy in 2022, and that hasn't changed measurably. 'As far as the pollution goes ... the vehicles nowadays put out very little emissions to the air,' said JD Johnson, a 62-year-old Democrat from Meadowview, Virginia, who somewhat opposes tax credits to purchase an electric vehicle. That's partly because he sees the electric vehicle manufacturing process as energy intensive and believes gasoline-powered vehicles have made improvements with the pollutants they emit. The decline in favoring solar panel tax credits was across the board rather than being concentrated among Democrats. 'For solar panels, in all honesty, I don't think they're that efficient yet,' said Glenn Savage, 78, a left-leaning independent from Rock Hill, South Carolina. 'I'd rather see them pour money into research and try to get the solar panels more efficient before they start giving tax breaks to the public. I may be wrong on that, but that's just my thought.' Scientists say transitioning to renewable energies and ditching fossil fuels that release planet-warming emissions are essential to protect the planet. Billions of dollars in project grants for clean technologies awarded during President Joe Biden's Democratic administration have been canceled by the Trump administration, and the offshore wind sector has been stunted by Trump's executive order that paused approvals, permits and loans for wind energy projects. Fewer than half of U.S. adults, 44%, now say that offshore wind farms should be expanded in the U.S., down from 59% in 2022. About half favor expanding solar panel farms, while about two-thirds were in support in 2022. When people are concerned about the economy and their personal finances, environmental issues are sometimes prioritized less, said Talbot Andrews, an assistant professor in the department of government at Cornell University who was not involved in the poll. 'I think it makes people anxious to think about increased taxes or increased spending on environmental issues when the cost of eggs are going through the roof,' Andrews said. Trump has championed the expansion of offshore oil drilling, as well as domestic coal production. Despite a decline in support for expanded renewable energies, the new poll shows that only about one-third of U.S. adults think offshore drilling for oil and natural gas should be expanded in the U.S., and only about one-quarter say this about coal mining. In both cases, Republicans are much more likely than Democrats to support expanding these energy sources. Trump has sought to open up national monuments for oil drilling, but more U.S. adults oppose than support auctioning off more public space for oil drilling. Only about one-quarter of U.S. adults favor this, while 4 in 10 are opposed. Republicans are much more likely than independents or Democrats to be in support. The Energy Star program that certifies appliances, such as dishwashers and refrigerators, as energy efficient recently appeared in headlines when the EPA made plans to scrap the program. The blue and white logo is well recognized, and experts say the program has long had bipartisan support until recently. The poll found three-quarters of Democrats support providing consumer rebates for efficient home appliances, compared with 6 in 10 Republicans. Patrick Buck, 54, from Chicago, describes himself as a liberal Republican and is a fan of the consumer rebates for energy-efficient appliances. 'It seems to work in terms of transforming what people have in their houses, because a lot of people have a lot of old appliances and just can't afford new ones,' he said. The poll found only about 2 in 10 U.S. adults are 'extremely' or 'very' confident in the federal government's ability to ensure the safety of their drinking water, the air they breathe and the meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables they buy in grocery stores. About 4 in 10 U.S. adults are 'somewhat' confident in the federal government's ability to ensure the safety of each of these, and about 4 in 10 are 'not very' or 'not at all' confident. The Trump administration has announced plans to roll back rules and policies related to limiting pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, such as rules that limit pollution from power plants and blocking California's efforts to phase out cars that run on gas. The federal government has also cut staff at the Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency tasked with protecting public health and ensuring food supply safety. ___ The AP-NORC poll of 1,158 adults was conducted June 5-9, using a sample drawn from NORC's probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 4 percentage points. ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find the AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at

CNBC

43 minutes ago

• CNBC

Here's the salary Americans say they now need to earn to live comfortably

With higher prices now firmly entrenched, and President Donald Trump's tariffs fueling inflationary concerns, most Americans say they need an income boost to get by, according to a new report. Nearly half, or 45%, of all adults said they would need to make $100,000 or more a year to feel financially secure, Bankrate's financial freedom survey found. Roughly one-quarter, or 26%, said they need to make $150,000 or more. Fewer — 16% — put the bar at over $200,000. By comparison, the median household income in 2023 was a little over $80,000, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Altogether, the share of Americans who said they do not feel completely financially comfortable rose to 77% in 2025, up from 75% in 2024 and 72% in 2023, according to Bankrate's survey, which polled more than 2,200 in May. Here's a look at other stories affecting the financial advisor business. While Americans might have different definitions of what living comfortably entails, being in "a financial sweet spot," often means "you are able to cover your bills and everyday essentials but also have money left over for eating out and vacations," said Bankrate's economic analyst Sarah Foster. However, the recent period of high inflation and economic uncertainty has chipped away at most consumers' buying power, according to Carolyn McClanahan, a certified financial planner and founder of Life Planning Partners in Jacksonville, Florida. "One major issue is that wages have been stagnant for a large majority of the population over that time, and prices continue to rise," said McClanahan, who also is a member of CNBC's Advisor Council. "Add that to the backdrop of political instability everyone is feeling, and I think that is a perfect formula for people not feeling financially secure." Further, households are also facing surging child-care expenses, ballooning auto loans, high mortgage rates and record rents along with the resumption of student loan payments. But a deterioration of the American dream has been decades in the making, according to Bankrate's Foster. "It starts long before the pandemic," she said. "There has long been this perception that we used to be in this golden age where you could own a home, a car, and get by on a single income — that is a bygone era." A separate survey by Edelman Financial Engines from 2024 had similar findings: 58% of adults said they would need to earn $100,000 on average to not worry about everyday living expenses, and one-quarter said they would need to earn more than $200,000 to feel financially secure. In most cases, feeling financially secure is not based on how much you earn, but rather a commitment to save more than you spend and maintain a well-diversified portfolio, experts often say.