Here are 9 reasons why you should consider flying on SriLankan Airlines direct flight from Melbourne to Colombo
Since October 2017, Sri Lankan Airlines UL605 has been flying direct between Melbourne and Colombo in both directions. Over that short period, the airline has gained popularity on this route. Regularly fly to Sri Lanka ourselves, and we’ve taken this direct flight several times recently in economy and business class. Using the direct flight with one of our custom-made private tours of Sri Lanka combines to make a hassle-free holiday for you to Sri Lanka.
Here’s what we discovered onboard and a little more about what you can expect flying with Sri Lankan Airlines directly to Colombo.
#1 Convenience of a daily non–stop direct flight
Being on a daily flight means you can plan a trip to Sri Lanka knowing that you can fly direct any day. The direct flight saves you the hassle of transiting and connecting flights.
#2 Ideal departure and arrival times
We find that departure and arrival times at both destinations are quite convenient. The flight leaves Melbourne late afternoon and arrives in Sri Lanka at 10.30 pm. If you are travelling as a holiday maker or your travel is for business, the timing is perfect. Check into your hotel before midnight and you get a good night’s sleep for a refreshing start the following day.
The outbound flight from Colombo to Melbourne departs soon after midnight (0020). A meal is served shortly after take-off. If you can manage 6 or 7 hours of sleep, once you wake up you are 2/3 the way to Melbourne. Now is your chance for a last Sri Lankan breakfast and cup of Ceylon tea. The flight lands in Melbourne mid-afternoon. If you’ve had some sleep you should be able to hit the ground running with hardly any jet lag.
How long is the direct flight to Colombo, Sri Lanka with Sri Lankan Airlines?
The flight takes around 10 hours from Melbourne to Colombo, cutting down your travel time significantly versus flying to other Asian capitals and transferring to a connecting flight.
What can you expect on board the Sri Lankan Airlines direct flight from Melbourne to Colombo?
#3 Genuine service of the cabin crew
We like the genuine smiles of the crew and the service they offer on board. What sets Sri Lankan Airlines apart from other airlines is that the staff are genuinely serving the customers rather than following a mechanical process. The cabin crew generally appear to be experienced in handling long-haul flights and the demands of customers who are on board for more than 9 hours quite gracefully.
#4 Great food
There is always great food on board whether you are in business class or economy class. The selection of beverages is comparable with any of the full-service airlines. A mix of Continental and Sri Lankan cuisine including vegetarian options caters to a diverse audience. Our tip is to go with the Sri Lankan option – Sri Lankan Airlines does great Sri Lankan food!
#5 Business Class on SriLankan Airlines
Sri Lankan Airlines offers excellent value for money on business class travel. In some cases, it is nearly half the price of some of the other major airlines, while the service and comfort on board are comparable.
#6 Great connections to other destinations.
One speciality about this flight is that it has great connections to other destinations. It is popular for connections to India but also connects well with the daily Sri Lankan Airlines flight to London. The return flight from London also connects well with the Colombo to Melbourne leg.
#7 Stop in Sri Lanka on the way back from Europe!
One of the other aspects we particularly like about this flight is that it can give you a short tropical break in Sri Lanka on your way back home from your European holiday. With pristine beaches, scenic tea plantations and cultural highlights all within a 3hour’ drive of the airport it’s easy to add a short stay in Sri Lanka on your way home from Europe.
#8 In-flight entertainment has improved over the years
We find that in-flight entertainment has certainly improved over the years. There is a good selection of movies, TV shows, music etc including a variety of movies that cater to a diverse group of travellers.
#9 Comfortable aircraft
The Airbus 330-300 used by Sri Lankan Airlines from Melbourne to Colombo offers comfort in economy class with generous seat pitch and (chargeable) in-flight wi-fi. Business class has a ‘herringbone’ style flat-beat seats in a 1-2-1 configuration which offers individual aisle access for every seat.
This review was written by staff of Sri Lanka Unbound, a Melbourne, Australia-based travel specialist.
If you are looking for a quick getaway from Melbourne – you can combine the direct flight to Sri Lanka with one of our suggested itineraries. Our 8-day A Taste of Sri Lanka itinerary is a perfect introduction to Sri Lanka and is suitable as a weeklong break either from Melbourne or as part of a longer trip to Europe. For families travelling with children in Sri Lanka during school holidays, our Sri Lankan Family Explorer itinerary fits comfortably in a two-week school holiday break.
If you are visiting Sri Lanka, you might like to visit our Sri Lanka FAQ page for more information about weather, food and general Sri Lanka travel tips.
To speak to one of our Sri Lanka travel specialists about a private tour of Sri Lanka contact us at mail@srilankaunbound.com.au.
