Best J class seats for a OW award

[smckay]

We're taking an award trip from Sydney to Germany (Frankfurt) and returning out of Amsterdam, in December this year.

I am having to do all sorts of wierd routings to get the dates and places I want, so my question is; what would be the optimum plane and carrier to choose?
I am happy wih A380 on QF, but other choices are QF A330 or BA A319.

I also have a lot of choices on CX (more than QF - go figure) and they are using 777 and Airbus

We have the choice of via DXB, SIN or HKG and either way doesn't really faze me - I will be on holiday after all.

So I guess the question I have is; should I route to select the better plane (and I am guessing A380 & 777 are the 'better' plane) and spend a bit more time travelling, or get the quickest flight to where I am going?

My preference is comfort and sleep quality on the longer legs along with a efficient crew. Not too fussed on the small things like Champagne brand or socks quality at this stage (may come later)

 

[OATEK]

I am very keen on the CX options at the moment, as even though I love the QF A380, I very much prefer to go by Asia. Haven't yet tried the new CX 777 fitout but like the look of it and the reports on AFF, as last time I went with them they still had 747s on these routes. The only cautionary note is that CX fly some of the older A340 product into Europe and my spies tell me its nowhere near as good as the 777.

As planning advances for the next OATEK European adventure (London, Paris, Venice, Berlin, Athens) CX are the front runners.

 

[knasty]

If CX 777 and 330 it's an easy decision. The herringbone on 744 and a340 isn't ideal but still OK - at least you still get direct aisle access.

 

[Paddy55]

I think CX for the hard product... the new J on A330s, etc... is best J seat by a country mile. As OATEK mentioned the CX 747s and 343s have the old J product, but at least they have good destination variety. Mrs Paddy and I flew A343 AMS-HKG and A333 from HKG-SYD last June - great trip.

Having said that QF provides the best soft product but I'd make sure you were on an A380 that at least has the newer Skybeds, or a refurb'ed 747.

Won't go wrong with either of the above.

 

[sergeyvzn]

CX wins hands down, as mentioned above - a far better seat, you'll sleep like a baby

 

[vitagen]

Can't recommend the new CX J seat enough! I prefer it over the MK2 skybed by far. Its just really comfortable.

 

[zainman]

Cx j >> qf j

 

[blu]

QR 777 (or 787) J
(have seen reported better than some Firsts, but ground services lacking?).

 

[smckay]

I am leaning towards CX, simply because of the AMS-HKG-SYD legs which suit well and the reports of excellence. Will juggle the SYD - FRA stuff, I might see if I can get a QF leg as it will probably be my last QF long haul so may as well see what its like before I go to cheaper carriers.

Thanks for the tips on the various CX stuff, haven't delved that deep.

 

[zainman]

QR 777 (or 787) J
(have seen reported better than some Firsts, but ground services lacking?).

if you're travelling with a partner then yes the QR 777 would be my choice but herringbone is nicer for solo travel (QR 787 or CX J)

 

[bryanjones]

I am leaning towards CX, simply because of the AMS-HKG-SYD legs which suit well and the reports of excellence. Will juggle the SYD - FRA stuff, I might see if I can get a QF leg as it will probably be my last QF long haul so may as well see what its like before I go to cheaper carriers.

Thanks for the tips on the various CX stuff, haven't delved that deep.

Having flown cx j on 777 and qf j on 380, cx wins by a country mile. I love the privacy that a window seat offers.

 

[HKGNZL]

CX on J definitely. (Just can't always afford it!) Not just better seats but far far better service than QF. Transit HK airport also more interesting. Excellent CX lounges in HK.

 

[smckay]

Well, due to the lack of decent award flights it looks like CX is the go all the way. 10Kg luggage less but hopefully better services.

Slightly off topic, when I check SYD-DXB then DXB-LHR there are flights there but 40 minutes apart - and then you can't book them becasue of time restrictions. Methinks Qantas needs to review its web site booking software.

 

[amaroo]

Another vote for CX.

QF MKII skybed is a sagging disgrace!

 

[smckay]

Well we've booked.
CX Syd - FRA, BA AMS-LHR, QF LHR-SYD

All J so will be able to see what the differences are. I may regret not taking CX all the way but life is to experience things isn't it?

 

[knasty]

Even if you regret it, you'll appreciate CX even more and will know for next time! Happy travels.

 

[OATEK]

Well we've booked.
CX Syd - FRA, BA AMS-LHR, QF LHR-SYD

All J so will be able to see what the differences are. I may regret not taking CX all the way but life is to experience things isn't it?

We look forward to you reporting back on the J comparison of CX/BA/QF.

 

[smckay]

I'll make sure I do a comparison. All flights are decent length and are equal in time (SYD-MEL vs. AMS-LHR etc) so will be able to offer some direct views on the goods and bads of each carrier.
I'm shouting myself a tablet rather than lugging a 17" laptop around so will be able to do it in real time.

 

[HKGNZL]

QR 777 (or 787) J
(have seen reported better than some Firsts, but ground services lacking?).

Just spent over 40 hours of flight time on QR J (SIN-DOH-IAD return). Very impressed, esp for an extremely good price. The hard product is as good as CX but agreed entirely that the ground services are somewhat less good. That said it has significantly improved since last time I flew J in QR quite a few years ago. The lounge in DOH is of high standard (though once again not as good as CX Lounges in HKG).

I would rank QR a close second to CX.