Travel to CBR - DH4 or 73x?

[simongr]

Hi all

Just planning my first real visit to CBR (I dont count the four visits on an SC run real visits). Just wondering if there is any advantage at all booking the DH4 rather than a 73x flight? I have asked my PA to book the 73x by default (I am flexible on timings) but wondered if there was any counter intuitive advice to fly the DH.

S

 

[Kendall Roy]

Take the Jet would be my advice.

 

[Groundfeeder]

Provided you're not travelling direct Perth to Canberra, both are fine - Crash-8's more personable in my view.

 

[wingspan]

I usually choose the jet if I have an option. The Dash is more reactive to turbulence and is noisier. And the food is smaller!

 

[Paddy55]

I prefer the jet... but then again "the bigger the better" for me.

With no particular proof I suspect the jet is more likely to stick to the schedule.

Paddy

 

[awilcockson]

I like the Dash-8s, as long as I'm not trying to carry large carry-on and they don't sit me next to the prop

 

[oz_mark]

If you schedule is flexible enough I would go the 737. But it's a short sector, and the service is probably a bit more attentive on the Dash8 (smaller number of pax and all)

 

[harvyk]

Take the B737... I hate the dash 8's and will avoid flights with them at all costs...

I find the dash 8's cramped, the curvature of the fuselage means the window seats (any of the A or D seats) to have next to zero legroom, they are noisy and slow (not such a problem ex SYD, but it adds half hour to an hour ex MEL \ BNE) and there are weight restrictions for cabin baggage (1 bag not exceeding 4kg), although they do have “premium hand luggage” for other carry on items which you do not need to access mid flight. (BTW don’t use “premium hand luggage” for anything breakable like laptops, they don’t take anywhere near as much care as they should :evil


Of course, everyone should take a dash at least once in their flying career... That way they know how nice the jets are even in Y...

 

[Smackbum]

The flight is so short there is really not much to it either way and I tend to go with the cheapest fare around my target times (often the DH4). Occasionally they cancel it and put me on the previous/next jet - an "upgrade" of sorts. Funnily enough when the turbo-prop does fly it tends to be on time more often, regardless of the slower cruise speed.

 

[docjames]

I'd take the DH4 if i'd not been on one before as738s are everywhere!


If i'd had my share of the DH4, i'd go the 738 as the hand luggage restrictions are less severe.

 

[tuapekastar]

Taken both from MEL and while the 737 is probably a little more comfortable, the trip is so short (even moreso from SYD) that I wouldn't think it would make a lot of difference. Schedule/price should probably dictate things.

 

[Taezar]

I really liked the Dash8. The only thing I didn't like was walking across the tarmac in freezing and foggy CBR when I arrived. I found the staff to be much more attentive and engaging - we had maybe 20 on the flight. Oh and take an aisle seat at the back of the plane 19B or 19C - furtherest away from the engines. Also since there aren't many ppl on board, you aren't waiting for ages to disembark like on a jet.
Cheers
Taez
PS. I recently did a day trip to CBR - visited so many sites. Can't wait for October to do it again and see more!

 

[Mal]

No chance of being upgraded to J on the Q4!

For that length of flight, I would generally choose either. Some differences:
- Catering. Q4 catering will probably be slightly better in Y than QF. (haven't flown this segment for a while, so not sure of current situation)
- onboard luggage is restricted (but "valet tags" at the gate ensure you get your cabin bag back quickly)
- Q4 staff are generally younger and more vibrant.
- Q4s are louder inside (not bad though) and fly lower (better scenery).
- No IFE on Q4s vs 73X.

 

[Ewing]

No chance of being upgraded to J on the Q4!

No chance of being upgraded to J on a 73x either. There's almost always a few rows worth of CLs who are way ahead of you in the op-up list

(I'm assuming you mean op-up.. I wouldn't waste my points going to J on a 734).

 

[harvyk]

- Catering. Q4 catering will probably be slightly better in Y than QF. (haven't flown this segment for a while, so not sure of current situation)

IME It's either the same or not as good...

 

[Ewing]

IME It's either the same or not as good...

I'm rather fond of the muffins you get on QFlink.

Much better than the muesli bar on QF

 

[Taezar]

We had such a strong tail wind north today that I didn't even get a chance to sip my tea. I actually thought we were making an emergency landing. Cause as soon as we got our treats we banked really sharply and started to descend. Ppl were skulling their drinks. I had missed the announcement so thought we were turning back to Canberra or landing on the coast somewhere. Jamie the cabin crew member had the good grace not to laugh at me when I said "we turning back or emergency landing?"
#blush.

"If wishes were horses we'd all be eating steak."

 

[Hvr]

I actually like the Dash 8s and have a couple of trips next week (CBR-SYD return). As noted the hand luggage is restricted but the gate check actually works properly whereby you get your bag upon disembarking.

Noting I have access to the J lounge at both ends I really don't worry about the food on the plane.

 

[pauly7]

Q400 for sure - you might score a next gen and tick it off the list!

 

[Awesom Andy]

I believe the dash-8 is a rite of passage of all frequent flyers.