QF flights to Antartica

[Pushka]

It isn't about comfort in purchasing the seat, it's all about the view you will get. I'd be happy sitting on a camp stool as long as it has a window.

 

[samh004]

Are we talking about seats, or class of travel ? I'm talking class of travel (however designated by the operator) and amenity. And given its a daytime sight seeing trip, I wouldn't be putting as much sway on the seat/bed comfort. I can't really see anyone "expecting First" and stretching out for a kip, asking for the blinds to be brought down and missing the mattress/duvet service.

Just for the sake of argument. Remember when there were unrefurbed 747s with the old F beds in the nose running around, but there was no "First Class" offered on those birds any more? Those seats were sold and serviced as J. (For all I know they are still in service; not the point here).

Now - were you in "First Class" if you were in those seats, or were you in "Business class" ? Obviously you were in Business Class with an (old) first class seat. On the Antarctic flights, you are in a business seat with Ice Class (superior) service and amenity.

Per the seat map linked, it's two J seats. The old F was one seat along the window, so it's a different seat. It'd essentially be the same seat as in J class, but with a better amenity kit, champers and service as you say. But if you booked Ice Class, expecting an F seat, you'd be disappointed, because it's not.

As for duvet service etc, I was actually going to say it's not like you'd want to sleep with all the sightseeing, but I'm sure the journey down, and definitely the journey back, over open ocean is pretty boring, and after all the champagne, a little sleep might just be in order. There's only so much sea you can view before you get bored.

For your sake of argument, those unrefurbed 747's with 'F sold as J' are not what is being offered here. It's a different seat. If it was what was being offered, that'd be pretty darn cool, though perhaps less so for those in the middle of F who have no windows.

Glad you got your answer.

 

[RooFlyer]

Per the seat map linked, it's two J seats. The old F was one seat along the window, so it's a different seat. It'd essentially be the same seat as in J class, but with a better amenity kit, champers and service as you say. But if you booked Ice Class, expecting an F seat, you'd be disappointed, because it's not.

As for duvet service etc, I was actually going to say it's not like you'd want to sleep with all the sightseeing, but I'm sure the journey down, and definitely the journey back, over open ocean is pretty boring, and after all the champagne, a little sleep might just be in order. There's only so much sea you can view before you get bored.

For your sake of argument, those unrefurbed 747's with 'F sold as J' are not what is being offered here. It's a different seat. If it was what was being offered, that'd be pretty darn cool, though perhaps less so for those in the middle of F who have no windows.

Glad you got your answer.

Oh for goodness sake. Read the post. I'll make it easy and reproduce the salient bit.

Just for the sake of argument. Remember when there were unrefurbed 747s with the old F beds in the nose running around, but there was no "First Class" offered on those birds any more? Those seats were sold and serviced as J. (For all I know they are still in service; not the point here).

I was using the old F config as an example of designating classes Vs seats in former QF services, not relating it to the Antarctic flights, which clearly show a pair of seats. You say the old single Firsts are "not what is being offered here"? Gee, no kidding - I posted the seat map, if you'll recall.

I believe on the journey down they fill the boring sea bit with some experts talks etc and I'm sure there will be a bit of excited chatter etc. The way back might be a bit tedious, but I'm OK with a J sleeper seat for that.

Anyway, I'm definitely up for an Ice Class seat by what I've heard offline and from calling the agents this morning. Those who want to join me in "Business class" - I'll send some Champers down the back to you (sorry for the cliché ).

 

[Daver6]

not true, they have Ice Class... what ever that is...

I believe that is Ben Cousins preferred option

 

[opusman]

Business class sleeper seat or not, clearly they are selling "Business Class" (in 2 categories) and "Ice Class" - the latter with much better level of service and amenity. Why would you bother to argue with this?

Not arguing, just pointing out that there is no F class offered on this flight, despite what you may claim/choose to believe.

Reading the brochure (have you done this?) the only real difference is you get champagne and a gift pack. This doesn't equate to the difference between J and F to me.

 

[markis10]

Just for the sake of argument. Remember when there were unrefurbed 747s with the old F beds in the nose running around, but there was no "First Class" offered on those birds any more? Those seats were sold and serviced as J. (For all I know they are still in service; not the point here).

Still in service and operating flights were F is sold.

 

[RooFlyer]

Still in service and operating flights were F is sold.

Thanks; didn't know that; thought they had all been reconfigured. I used to really enjoy it when they were on the SFO run after they stopped the F service and you'd get the F beds for J. Its a while ago now, but I recall them as being better for sleep for me than the MKII skybeds.

 

[RooFlyer]

<snip>

Reading the brochure (have you done this?) the only real difference is you get champagne and a gift pack. This doesn't equate to the difference between J and F to me.

Yes; quite closely as I'm seriously considering this as a birthday gift for SWMBO. And talked to the Service operator on the phone; quite a hard sell, but I doubt anyone will be bored on the trip.

There are a number of other differences. Such as more personalized discussions, and a big one for me - not having people standing in the aisle leaning over trying to peer out your window (as will happen in lower deck 'business'; upper deck business window will have some restricted viewing down due to bulge of aircraft below). And there won't be any 'op-ups'! So if the F cabin doesn't sell out, its more space.

Whether you call it First or Ice, as they do, its still the case that there is not "only" J/PE/Y offered, as you contended, no matter what you choose to call them

 

[ChasingDaylight]

Just discovered what I'm doing for NYE...

 

[zainman]

any chance of doing this flight as a points redemption?

 

[Mal]

any chance of doing this flight as a points redemption?

Amex or other credit card points at flight centre or travel scene etc

 

[Spongbob]

Hello to the AFF brains trust.

Does anyone know if the Antarctica flights on Qantas metal have a QF flight number?

If so, would this allow entry into the QP etc?

Thanks in anticipation.

 

[markis10]

Hello to the AFF brains trust.

Does anyone know if the Antarctica flights on Qantas metal have a QF flight number?

If so, would this allow entry into the QP etc?

Thanks in anticipation.

They do have a QF flight number.

 

[Spongbob]

As always, Markis10 with a prompt reply. Thank you.

 

[Hvr]

They do have a QF flight number.

But does it depart from an international terminal? I.e. is F lounge access available?

 

[markis10]

But does it depart from an international terminal? I.e. is F lounge access available?

From Sydney they leave Gate 8 of the domestic terminal.

 

[Himeno]

But does it depart from an international terminal? I.e. is F lounge access available?

The Antarctica sight seeing flights are not international flights as they are SYD-SYD, MEL-MEL, etc flights. They leave from domestic terminals.