In the film, TV, and production industry, lengthy travel days can be unavoidable. Justine Liddelow, TAG‘s Commercial Director, hails from Perth, Australia, where most of her family still resides. Consequently, Justine has amassed extensive experience in the realm of long-haul travel, particularly to and from the APAC region. Having recently completed a round-trip on Delta from Los Angeles to Sydney, Justine imparts her travel wisdom to those who may soon embark on similar long-haul flights.

Having resided in the US for the past 16 years, Justine has become well-acquainted with frequent travel between the US and Australia. Specifically, she has frequently availed herself of direct services from Los Angeles and Houston to destinations such as New Zealand, Asia, and the Middle East. Throughout her travels, she has observed that most airlines offer a similar business/premium product, featuring amenities like flat-bed seats, noise-cancelling headphones, amenity kits, and award-winning, chef-created meals. However, during a recent journey, Justine was fortunate enough to experience Delta’s new product, which she found to be exceptional in multiple aspects. Stating it is an exceptional choice for many reasons, and it should be considered for anyone looking to travel down under, Justine shares a few of those reasons.

“I recently flew from LA to Sydney in the Delta One® suite and returned in the new Delta Premium Select cabin. If the budget doesn’t allow for Delta One, the Premium Select cabin is a very good premium product offering. This service provided enhanced amenities, Sky Priority service, a better choice of meals and a wider seat, with additional recline – very comfortable indeed.

“While the Premium Select cabin made for a good travel experience, nothing beats one of the most exclusive cabins in the sky, the Delta One suite. Here, the seats have been redesigned and perfected with luxurious details that make a huge difference in how you spend your time in the air. The suites allow for a larger workspace and more stowage, a full-height suite door for enhanced privacy and fully flat-bed seats, all with direct aisle access. Delta One provides the latest technology of in-flight entertainment systems, comfortable interiors with better air conditioning, lighting and nearly silent operations – all of which make for a very comfortable flying experience.”

“My experience in the Delta One suite delivered more than just a new level of comfort. Sustainability has been such a hot topic for the airline industry, and Delta One found a way to take care of the environment from a unique angle – through offering new amenity kits. Produced by Mexican apparel brand, Someone Somewhere, the amenity kits use regenerated and locally sourced cotton. Plus, they eliminate five plastic items, including zips and packaging. I was able to sleep peacefully and comfortably knowing that my bedding was fully sustainable as well, made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. ”

“Both of my flights on this trip were on Delta’s new state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900 neo, a highly advanced, comfortable and efficient aircraft. For airline nerds like me, the A350-900 neo features several advanced features designed to promote superior performance, relaxation and reliability. My favourite key features include fuel efficiency (up to 25% on previous generations) and cabin comfort (the wide body design allows for wider seats, more legroom, larger overhead luggage compartments). As a side note, Airbus claims it has the quietest and most comfortable cabin in class. Well done Delta for making the A350-900 neo the chosen aircraft for long-haul flights.”

Justine advises travelling directly whenever feasible, to avoid the risk of missing connecting flights and minimise carbon emissions, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. However, despite opting for direct flights, one should be prepared for travel durations of 15 hours or more from the US to Australia.

Justine recommends the following travel tips to minimise jet lag and maximise flight experience:

Flights from LA to Australia generally depart around 11pm, for a smoother transition:

1. Snack in the lounge and save dinner for the flight, which helps pass the time.
2. Enjoy the in-flight entertainment options while sipping on a glass or two of wine to wind down for the evening.
3. Once you’re ready to sleep, adjust your seating to the recline position to maximise comfort and aim for a restful sleep of 6-8 hours.
4. Upon waking, there’s time for another film while having breakfast before landing in Sydney around 6:30 a.m.
   By following a similar routine, you can effectively mitigate jet lag and arrive in Australia ready to start the day.

Regarding luggage and customs:
Delta offers great media bag rates for production clients with extra luggage. If you need to connect to other Australian cities like the Gold Coast, Melbourne, or even Perth, clear customs in Sydney, collect your luggage, and take a short bus ride to the domestic airport. The transfer process is usually seamless, and you can enjoy the amenities and food at the smaller-scale Sydney Sky Club.

Consider joining the Delta SkyMiles loyalty program:
Utilising the Delta Platinum American Express credit card can accumulate miles quickly, leading to opportunities for free flights.

For more information on flights from the US to Australia, especially regarding media bags, or travel management for your next production:
Please contact Marnie Costantini, Head of Account Management, at [email protected]