Best QF metal for PER-MEL in J?

[Moopere]

Hi Folks,

About to give up Y in favour of J for self funded travel and the first cab off the rank is PER-MEL.

When someone else is paying I don't usually pay much attention as I can't influence the flights I get, self funded however I'd like a decent J experience.

After a bit of muddling around it looks to me like we have only two half decent options on this route, 767-300 and A330-200 (the various 737 configs don't look inviting at all).

The 767 appear to have three configs of which only the latest has in seat video. Expertflyer doesn't seem able to tell me anything about specific flights and which type of 767 I might get, so assuming the worst. Otherwise this config looks ok, J space seems good, etc. Bringing my own IFE would solve the shared video issue.

The A330 seems much more modern by comparison, however, has what looks to be some serious drawbacks. 2-3-2 seating in J, though there are some 2-2-2 configurations, again, Expertflyer can't tell me which flights are the lucky ones so I have to plan on the assumption I'd get a bad one. Pitch seems seriously down as compared to the 767 as well. Seatguru seems to be indicating J on the A330 is only 35" as opposed to 50" on the 767.

On balance then, I'm inclined to choose the 767. Anyone care to relate their experiences on the different configurations?

 

[tuapekastar]

Hi Folks,

About to give up Y in favour of J for self funded travel and the first cab off the rank is PER-MEL.

When someone else is paying I don't usually pay much attention as I can't influence the flights I get, self funded however I'd like a decent J experience.

After a bit of muddling around it looks to me like we have only two half decent options on this route, 767-300 and A330-200 (the various 737 configs don't look inviting at all).

The 767 appear to have three configs of which only the latest has in seat video. Expertflyer doesn't seem able to tell me anything about specific flights and which type of 767 I might get, so assuming the worst. Otherwise this config looks ok, J space seems good, etc. Bringing my own IFE would solve the shared video issue.

The A330 seems much more modern by comparison, however, has what looks to be some serious drawbacks. 2-3-2 seating in J, though there are some 2-2-2 configurations, again, Expertflyer can't tell me which flights are the lucky ones so I have to plan on the assumption I'd get a bad one. Pitch seems seriously down as compared to the 767 as well. Seatguru seems to be indicating J on the A330 is only 35" as opposed to 50" on the 767.

On balance then, I'm inclined to choose the 767. Anyone care to relate their experiences on the different configurations?

I'll run off and check after this post but I think:

The 763s in a 1-2-2 (as opposed to 2-2-2) J config are the ones which have PTV in J (on a loop system, rather than AVOD) and are more likely to be found on international routes than domestic (though you never know your luck). I suspect EF would show this via the seat map option? No personal IFE on 2-2-2 763s?

The 332s do indeed come in 2-2-2 and 2-3-2 config in domestic J, though I've read where QF is doing an about-face on the 2-3-2, and all will be 2-2-2 from some time in the not-too-distant future. All feature in-seat IFE (in J and Y), and all are AVOD rather than loop - some are Rockwell Collins AVOD and some are more modern Panasonic AVOD. Again, I think EF should reveal via seat map which is 2-2-2 versus 2-3-2.

There are varying seat types on both aircraft, and I suspect the 50" pitch on the 763s is limited to Dreamtime seating, which in turn is limited to the 1-2-2 config.

I'd consider a dreamtime 763 if such was on the route (the A seat in 1-2-2 is great), but much more likely to take a 2-2-2 A332. Would not take a 2-2-2 763 or a 2-3-2 A332. I have taken both types of A/C before over time, and prefer the 332.

As an aside, I'm looking at MEL-PER flights later in the year (Sep-Oct) and have noticed an A333 on the schedule (on one occasion at least).

A lot of 2s and 3s in this post. :shock:

 

[oz_mark]

It is going to depend a little on when you are intending to fly.

From April 17, there are 3 flights a week that are operated by 333's (flight QF 773 on Mon, Wed, Fri), although there may still be the occasional 333 around the timetable.One of these would be good to get, and avoids wondering which config 332 you will get.

 

[Moopere]

From April 17, there are 3 flights a week that are operated by 333's (flight QF 773 on Mon, Wed, Fri), although there may still be the occasional 333 around the timetable.One of these would be good to get, and avoids wondering which config 332 you will get.

Ahh, ok. Thats good advice. I'm flexible on day as I'm going under my own steam. I was concentrating on weekend travel for no particular reason and didn't see the 333's in the mix.

ExpertFlyer doesn't seem able to show seat maps for April on this route for some reason ... either that or I'm fumbling the controls (more likely).

 

[Moopere]

I'll run off and check after this post but I think:

The 763s in a 1-2-2 (as opposed to 2-2-2) J config are the ones which have PTV in J (on a loop system, rather than AVOD) and are more likely to be found on international routes than domestic (though you never know your luck).

Theres indications that one -might- find this config on PER-MEL but it really seems like a cough shoot to me. No guarantee at all and there are plenty more of the earlier configs around.

I suspect EF would show this via the seat map option? No personal IFE on 2-2-2 763s?

I can't seem to get EF to show me the seat maps for this particular route which is weird. I'll fiddle with it some more. Shared video is apparently the go with the earlier configuration 763's (according to seatguru and some old(ish) posts from here).

The 332s do indeed come in 2-2-2 and 2-3-2 config in domestic J, though I've read where QF is doing an about-face on the 2-3-2, and all will be 2-2-2 from some time in the not-too-distant future.

Probably not until they wind up their machine to compete with the new DJ offerings. Even then it will probably be staged so you'll have some chance of copping a cough layout for ages I suspect.

All feature in-seat IFE (in J and Y), and all are AVOD rather than loop - some are Rockwell Collins AVOD and some are more modern Panasonic AVOD. Again, I think EF should reveal via seat map which is 2-2-2 versus 2-3-2.

This was my expectation and I went to EF first, but no luck.

There are varying seat types on both aircraft, and I suspect the 50" pitch on the 763s is limited to Dreamtime seating, which in turn is limited to the 1-2-2 config.

Not sure how accurate seatguru is. Seems pretty ok. In any event, they list all three configs as 50" pitch for the 763. Pretty generous.

 

[tuapekastar]

I don't drive multi-quote very well Moopere oops, so I'll just mention a couple of things.

As far as 50" inch seat pitch goes on the 763s seatguru may well be correct...it was my understanding that this was only for dreamtime, but I may well be wrong on that. The pitch on the 332s is fine for me, but I have a long trunk (read: short legs).

I selected a random date (April 11) on EF, and got the seatmap for QF802 (PER-MEL) OK that day (it is 2-3-2 in J ), so not sure if it's an issue with your access to EF, or just an issue on certain days.

I think there is only 1 x 332 in the domestic J 2-3-2 config, so it may not be that long till it is universally 2-2-2. (the site I went to for some of this info is qflyer, which, while I haven't been there for a while, has usually been very reliable in the past.

 

[Moopere]

I selected a random date (April 11) on EF, and got the seatmap for QF802 (PER-MEL) OK that day (it is 2-3-2 in J ), so not sure if it's an issue with your access to EF, or just an issue on certain days

Hmm, well, this is annoying. I'm only on my EF trial, perhaps thats the problem. I tried the seatmap for the same day/flight as you list above and get nothing. It doesn't warn me that this is because I am a trial member, but perhaps this is in fact the problem.

 

[tuapekastar]

Hmm, well, this is annoying. I'm only on my EF trial, perhaps thats the problem. I tried the seatmap for the same day/flight as you list above and get nothing. It doesn't warn me that this is because I am a trial member, but perhaps this is in fact the problem.

I don't recall issues when I had the trial, but that was a while ago and things may well be different now. Happy to look a few options up for you. Maybe you should e-mail EF support...after all if they're offering you a trial in order to encourage you to buy their product it is in their interests that the flipping thing works!

 

[mannej]

Hmm, well, this is annoying. I'm only on my EF trial, perhaps thats the problem. I tried the seatmap for the same day/flight as you list above and get nothing. It doesn't warn me that this is because I am a trial member, but perhaps this is in fact the problem.

If you have put a QFF into your EF profile, what status does it hold?


Sent from my iPhone using AFF Mobile

 

[Moopere]

I don't recall issues when I had the trial, but that was a while ago and things may well be different now. Happy to look a few options up for you.

Thanks for the offer. I'll probably subscribe myself though. Theres enough interest value in it for me I think.

Maybe you should e-mail EF support...after all if they're offering you a trial in order to encourage you to buy their product it is in their interests that the flipping thing works!

I'll do that just in case they have an issue.

 

[Moopere]

If you have put a QFF into your EF profile, what status does it hold?

I have not tried that yet. I wouldn't have thought it would matter. I'm just doing dummy runs on the QF site and seeing seats available. I would have thought that EF would allow me to see a seat map even if I'm on trial and have not put in my QFF number.

However, I'll give it a go and see if anything changes.

[Edit:

I think you are on to something with the QFF number. I don't have any status though so its not going to show me a domestic seat map.

From the EF site:

"and seat maps for intra-Australia flights if you have QF/Oneworld elite status"

.... bummer]

 

[cove]

I typically go 4B on PER-MEL as I don't like getting wedged in by a person in row 3 doing a full recline on the 767-300 if I was in the window seat 4A.
The A330-200 has mostly been fixed as 2-2-2 but again I go 4B for the aisle access.
The 767 is pretty old but has a comfortable ride for a quick flight. The seats on the A330 vary a bit but I think they are all ok.
At 42990/36000 points each way for JASA/J CLASSIC and great availability it is a pretty reasonable way of getting there.

 

[tuapekastar]

I have not tried that yet. I wouldn't have thought it would matter. I'm just doing dummy runs on the QF site and seeing seats available. I would have thought that EF would allow me to see a seat map even if I'm on trial and have not put in my QFF number.

However, I'll give it a go and see if anything changes.

[Edit:

I think you are on to something with the QFF number. I don't have any status though so its not going to show me a domestic seat map.

From the EF site:

"and seat maps for intra-Australia flights if you have QF/Oneworld elite status"

.... bummer]

Inded manej seems to have nailed it.

I tried the same flight/date I mentioned earlier with my QFF Plat number in and it returned a map. I then removed my number from EF, and it would not return a map. I then re-added my number to EF, and a map was returned.

I was aware of the QFF 'higher status' number = better results, but had thought it related just to available seats to choose from, rather than not returning maps at all.

I'd put that one down to QF rather than EF!

Happy to assist with determining aircraft configs if you wish.

 

[ric_melb]

I also had the feeling there was only one A330 with the 2-3-2 config.
I you got a B seat you would avoid the dreaded middle seat issue.
I seem to remember reading the new seats had a decent seat width.

 

[ejb]

I also had the feeling there was only one A330 with the 2-3-2 config.
I you got a B seat you would avoid the dreaded middle seat issue.
I seem to remember reading the new seats had a decent seat width.

The seat width on the A332's with 2-3-2 is not bad at all but the cabin does feel cramped due to the number of pax.

I also got the feeling that they had not increased the number of FA's for the J cabin so service felt slower.

I would however still fly this bird over any without PTV's as the option to watch gate to gate movies was great.

ejb

 

[Moopere]

From April 17, there are 3 flights a week that are operated by 333's (flight QF 773 on Mon, Wed, Fri), although there may still be the occasional 333 around the timetable.One of these would be good to get, and avoids wondering which config 332 you will get.

Great advice. I've checked timings and indeed, as you indicate, QF772 flying out of PER and QF773 flying out of MEL seem to be using A330-300. Good pricing on J and quite decent travel times too (for leisure).

Thanks for everyones input. Seems like my choices would go something like this in order of preference:

1) A330-300, M, W, F, one flight a day. Skybeds .... nice, though daylight flights so not really a biggie

2) A330-200, live with the small chance of getting a 2-3-2 config otherwise good

3) 767-300, old config, shared video but decent seating.

 

[V1213]

From flying both 332s in 2-3-2 configuration and 763s in 2-2-2 configuration I can definitely recommend the 332s.

The seats are more comfortable and less worn out, the entertainment helps a lot and overall the interior is brighter and fresher.
Booking a 763 flight is a massive gamble as you could end up with an, albeit aged, Dreamtime seat or at the other end of the spectrum an extremely tired and unloved RR-engined machine that should be avoided on transcontinentals.

Yes, the 332 2-3-2 arrangement isn't the most spacious but if you book an outer aisle seat you should not be affected by the third seat. Also, it's currently a 50/50 chance of getting a 2-3-2 or a 2-2-2 332. As per the seatmaps on Qantas' website there are currently 2 aircraft in each layout.

If you're having trouble with EF using the Jet/Flight Tracker at The Qantas Source website can be a way of seeing what aircraft rotations QF are using and thereby predicting what aircraft you get. Although, at the end of the day if you book Business you're getting a flexible fare so you can always change to another flight with a better layout if you're flexible. Perhaps you could also call Qantas to confirm before actually booking the flight online?

 

[Red Roo]

Seatguru seems to be indicating J on the A330 is only 35" as opposed to 50" on the 767.

Just to clarify, here are a few Business cabin seat pitches:

A330-200 Domestic: 38" (all domestic configs)

A330-200/300 International: 61" (Skybed)

767-300ER Domestic: 38"
767-300ER International: 48" (Dreamtime)

We are looking to have some information corrected on other websites.

 

[Moopere]

Thanks for the update Red Roo. There is indeed some variation there compared to the various websites which track this sort of information.

I obtained my info from Seatguru.

 

[ExpertFlyer Voice]

Hmm, well, this is annoying. I'm only on my EF trial, perhaps thats the problem. I tried the seatmap for the same day/flight as you list above and get nothing. It doesn't warn me that this is because I am a trial member, but perhaps this is in fact the problem.

A trial account is just 5 days of the Premium service, the features are the same. Did you add your QFF # to the Preferences tab of the My Account page?