Chasing the Qantas 787

[NZflygirl]

So when this plane arrives I've decided I'd like to try and catch it while it's doing some domestic runs or TT (at least that's what I'm hoping it does before going long-haul). J looks similar to their A330 product so would like to try Y and PE.

I never chased NZ's 787 but I remember it just "showed up" on some people's schedules and was slotted in. How am I supposed to chase a plane with schedules like THAT??:shock: Or do you think they may actually list some dates and times?

 

[RooFlyer]

If you want to chase the 787, as opposed to Qantas 787s, LATAM flies the plane TT SYD-AKL now (QF code share available). Just make sure you disembark, else you'll end up in SCL

 

[NZflygirl]

Eegh - too late to change title I suppose. Yes I meant Qantas!

 

[serfty]

Eegh - too late to change title I suppose. Yes I meant Qantas!

No need to change the title ... it is the QF forum after all ...

Of course, there is AA'S AKL/LAX 787 service ...

 

[NZflygirl]

But I want to try out the QF new 787 when it arrives - just no idea how to get on it once it does it's proving flights??

 

[serfty]

I suggest you subscribe to the YSSY forum - while there's a lot of guessing going on there, generally some fact come out.

Also, look at The QANTAS Source | for updates.

 

[docjames]

Off topic, but made me think, you could create a "fun" RTW using 787s only.

 

[blackcat20]

Of course, there is AA'S AKL/LAX 787 service ...

We did the AA Dreamliner from Tokyo to Chicago and it was one of the better long haul Y flights I've been on. Whereas the JAL Dreamliner was one of the most uncomfortable and that was only a 4 hour flight.

 

[NZflygirl]

We did the AA Dreamliner from Tokyo to Chicago and it was one of the better long haul Y flights I've been on. Whereas the JAL Dreamliner was one of the most uncomfortable and that was only a 4 hour flight.

Hence I wanted to try out short haul before considering long haul on QF's 787 version.


My cough plan to date was to maybe sit at Syd/Mel, wait for it to fly in then ask the desk where it was flying to next and book a ticket - bit random! Hence I thought I'd ask here how you chase a plane that probably won't be on the schedule and just subbed in here and there.

 

[Strategic Aviation]

We did the AA Dreamliner from Tokyo to Chicago and it was one of the better long haul Y flights I've been on. Whereas the JAL Dreamliner was one of the most uncomfortable and that was only a 4 hour flight.

JAL's 2-4-2 seating in Y (contrasted to AA's 3-3-3) wasn't a positive?

 

[blackcat20]

JAL's 2-4-2 seating in Y (contrasted to AA's 3-3-3) wasn't a positive?

Not when your knees are pressed into the back of the seat in front of you, no.

 

[RichardMEL]

I strongly suspect that, like the NZ introduction of the 787, QF's proving runs and crew familiarisation flying etc will be quite fluid between Oct-Dec. It may well show up in schedules but could well get subbed out at late notice for any number of reasons, or even subbed in. I don't know that it would be worth chasing at this point because it would probably lead to levels of disappointment that would leave a dog howling.

While I admire the idea to book a last minute ticket based on the next flight operated by it.. that's certainly a plan.. an expensive one, but even then....

If I really wanted to do it I'd probably look to one of the MEL-LAX flights say between Christmas and New Year - a few weeks after introduction to service where it's possible to get a reasonable fare(and/or award seat) to enjoy it. Sure, it's a long haul but you're probably more guaranteed to get the actual a/c flying it.

I would expect during November it would do some triangle flights MEL-SYD(maybe BNE) and do rotations to PER - given the 2018 PER-LHR flying they will want to get ground crew used to it at the main bases it will use such as MEL and PER.

It may well be worth a flex ticket that could be easily changed for no cost if one REALLY was that set on it. Personally I'm not sure I'd chase it having been on plenty of 787 flights and the QF J suite, but that's just me. I admire your geeky desire to try it though

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

JAL's 2-4-2 seating in Y (contrasted to AA's 3-3-3) wasn't a positive?

I too, thought the same... 8 abreast or 9 abreast is quite a difference.

What is noticeable with the Y seats on both the two new aircraft types , B787 and the A350, is the padding or lack thereof.
Some airlines have put little thought into the comfort of the seat and gone done the path for as light weight of a seat as possible.

Hopefully QF will be all over the comfort factor.

 

[blackcat20]

I too, thought the same... 8 abreast or 9 abreast is quite a difference.

What is noticeable with the Y seats on both the two new aircraft types , B787 and the A350, is the padding or lack thereof.
Some airlines have put little thought into the comfort of the seat and gone done the path for as light weight of a seat as possible.

Hopefully QF will be all over the comfort factor.

Sure, seating width is better on 8 abreast, but width doesnt do you much good when you have no where to put your legs.

 

[serfty]

Not when your knees are pressed into the back of the seat in front of you, no.

AA's offering has "Main Cabin Extra" - up to an extra 5" of pitch/legroom compared with the seating down the back. *O elites currently can have this at no additional charge - this will change soon enough when they start selling it as "W".

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

AA's offering has "Main Cabin Extra" - up to an extra 5" of pitch/legroom compared with the seating down the back. *O elites currently can have this at no additional charge - this will change soon enough when they start selling it as "W".

Interesting, so OW elites who fly in Y, won't get the extra leg room seats for much longer?

 

[RooFlyer]

<snip>

Hopefully QF will be all over the comfort factor.

You jest, surely, or at least expect to hope in vain?

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

You jest, surely, or at least expect to hope in vain?

Lol, hope in Vain !
Long-haul Economy is rarely fun, even onboard a new aircraft.

 

[serfty]

Interesting, so OW elites who fly in Y, won't get the extra leg room seats for much longer?

[Off TOPIC]They'll start with the 77W- 3x3x3 with 3x4x3 for seating to the rear.

Yesterday I held awards in economy on both 787 and 77W and was able to allocate front row seats in these at no charge.

 

[NZflygirl]

I strongly suspect that, like the NZ introduction of the 787, QF's proving runs and crew familiarisation flying etc will be quite fluid between Oct-Dec. It may well show up in schedules but could well get subbed out at late notice for any number of reasons, or even subbed in. I don't know that it would be worth chasing at this point because it would probably lead to levels of disappointment that would leave a dog howling.

While I admire the idea to book a last minute ticket based on the next flight operated by it.. that's certainly a plan.. an expensive one, but even then....

If I really wanted to do it I'd probably look to one of the MEL-LAX flights say between Christmas and New Year - a few weeks after introduction to service where it's possible to get a reasonable fare(and/or award seat) to enjoy it. Sure, it's a long haul but you're probably more guaranteed to get the actual a/c flying it.

I would expect during November it would do some triangle flights MEL-SYD(maybe BNE) and do rotations to PER - given the 2018 PER-LHR flying they will want to get ground crew used to it at the main bases it will use such as MEL and PER.

It may well be worth a flex ticket that could be easily changed for no cost if one REALLY was that set on it. Personally I'm not sure I'd chase it having been on plenty of 787 flights and the QF J suite, but that's just me. I admire your geeky desire to try it though

Actually the flex ticket is a great idea! I'll just need to read the rules around it closely. I'd rather try and catch it while it was local than commit to long haul straight off the bat. Not fussed about it being a 787 but more about checking QF's comfort and layout so I can see if its an option in the future............ ok AND there might be a geeky aspect to it! Just Y and PE I'm after. Might even get PE for a Y fare I wonder as they won't be selling PE domestic! Cheaper than buying long haul.