For everyone dreaming of taking the journey down under but dreading the long flight to get there, good news is at hand: the Qantas A380 has arrived.

The what?, I can already hear you asking. So let me explain why this is fantastic news for long haul travelers. The A380 is the largest and most technologically advanced airplane ever built. There is a lot to praise about this aircraft: it is "greener" (more fuel efficient, reduces carbon emissions compared to other large aircraft, and reduces noise pollution), is quieter in the cabin, and offers many improvements in travel, from coach to first class.

And while the A380's improvements in first and business class are outstanding (and I will get to them), I really want to focus for a moment on its improvements in economy class - because, let's face, most of us fly coach.

The A380 offers two levels of coach class, Economy and Premium Economy. Qantas is focused on the long haul travel market, so they truly understand the need to make a long flight as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. And when you take a look at what even their Economy service offers, you'll soon discover why most people traveling to Australia look to Qantas Airlines.

Ergonomic cushioning, soft armrests, and adjustable features are the new hallmarks of the Economy class seat. The seat itself moves when the back reclines, creating a much more comfortable position than any other airline seat. The headrest offers adjustable wings for head and neck support - and pillows and blankets are still provided free for use. The seating space was redesigned to allow as much leg room as possible, and your legs are given extra support with the new footrest net found under the seat in front of you. The storage area in front of you now has separate pockets, including a literature pocket, water bottle, and amenities pocket.

For those of us who like to travel with our gadgets and laptops, there's even better news in Economy class: a 110V AC power outlet is provided to plug in your gear and keep it running for the entire flight. Every seat has an in-seat telephone with reply SMS functionality, plus there are USB and internet ports to keep you connected. Yes, that's right - internet and webmail are offered to you (and in wireless mode, too, for those of us who prefer to leave the cables at home).

But you don't need to bring your gear with you to have an entertaining flight: 10.6" Panasonic seatback touch screens are installed in every eat. Choose when and how to enjoy over 1,000 entertainment options, including movies, TV & Kids' Channels, music, games, and more. Start, stop, fast-forward, or change channels any time you desire with your on-demand control - no more missing part of a movie when you have to go to the bathroom, or when you decide you don't like the movie you have chosen and want to switch to another. Personal headsets are provided, at no charge.

Full meals are served on the flight, and Snack on Q bags are handed out on flights over 10 hours. Fresh Fruit, ice creams, herbal teas, and hot chocolate are also offered during your flight, and premium Australian wines are served with meals. The menu also features Heart Foundation-approved choices. Best of all? When the munchies get you, you can also get up to help yourself to the self-serve snack bar. Yes, you did read that correctly: there's a snack bar onboard.

Even in coach class, you receive a complimentary comfort kit - a passport sized pouch with a carrying strap (that you can then use to carry your passport through customs). Socks, eyeshades, toothbrush, and toothpaste are provided.

As you can see, even a seat in Economy is geared towards providing a comfortable and relaxing flight.

Premium Economy is limited to 32 seats, and is located on the upper deck. Some of the differences? In addition to a dedicated flight attendant, you are pampered with drinks before take-off and are given priority service throughout your flight. The seat, too, is an improvement, at 19.5" wide with a 9" seat recline, multi-way adjustable head support, and fold-out footrest. The center console between the seats offers extra elbow-room (no more fighting over the elbow rest!), but also offers an in-arm meal table for dining and a cocktail table for drinks & snacks. While the Panasonic touch-screen size is the same, at 10.6", they are in-arm in Premium Economy, allowing you to adjust them (or put them away) as desired. And personal headsets are also noise-cancelling. Otherwise, all the amenities and services to be found in Economy are offered here as well. Premium Economy also has its own snack bar, and a complimentary glass of champagne is offered with dinner.

While I could devote an entire article to Business and First Class seats alone, here are the highlights for those flying in style:

In A380 International Business, the SkyBeds have been fully redesigned. Multi-adjustable, they lie fully flat and extend up to 80", giving you plenty of space to stretch out and sleep. And when you do decide to sleep, you'll be given a large pillow and sheet-backed wool blanket... and a press of a button will cause a privacy divider to come between you and the passenger next to you. Plenty of storage space is to be had as well, from the seat-back storage unit to designated laptop stowage, shoe cupboard, glove box, and water bottle holder. Entertainment screens are larger, at 12.1" inches, and stowed in-arm, and all the entertainment and connectivity options are also available in Business. Amenity kits are upgraded to include skincare products, extra thick socks, eye mask, and ear plugs, and complimentary PJs are also provided.

The real big difference is in dining as well: decide what and when to dine with a special menu, allowing for express or multi-course options. Crew can provide snacks and drinks as desired, or a self-serve bar is also available.

Best of all, business class offers a private Business Lounge, complete with 23" LCD screen, sofa, and reading material. Perfect for relaxing out of your seat - or holding an impromptu business meeting.

In A380, it's not First Class - it's First Suite. And the distinction is important, because you truly have a suite unto yourself. A touch-screen panel allows you to control everything, from lights to seat controls to entertainment, right from your chair. Your seat converts into a fully flat bed, at 83.5" inches long and 29" inches wide, providing plenty of space to get comfortable and sleep. Turn-down service includes a sheepskin covered mattress encased in a soft cotton sheet, duvet, and wool blanket.

FOr entertainment, you have increased selections - and a 17" screen. Plenty of storage space is provided for everything you might carry onboard. Upgraded amenities are provided: women receive a Collette Dinnigan-designed silk purse and men receive an Akira Isogawa-designed case. Kits contain skincare products from Payot Paris, toiletries, eye masks, and socks, and Akira Isogawa pajamas are provided. Dinner is an indulgent affair, including a gourmet menu, canapes, choice of starters, a la carte or 8-course tasting menu, and the finest wines & champagnes. All meals are made to order.

As you can see, Qantas has gone all-out with its new A380 aircraft, and truly upped the bar for international long haul travel - even for those flying in Economy Class. I know that I am looking forward to trying the new A380 when I go next to Australia.