Best option for WP SYD-LHR in Y

[jmphoto]

Seems straightforward, but I can't find any results in searches on here.

I've got to go to London for work, and due to some cuts it is in Y. I've always flown QF or OW Partners on long haul, but happy to give VA a bit of business as I've been extremely happy with their DOM service since the status match.

I know VA don't fly all the way to LHR, but does anyone have experience on which partner I should go with.

SQ - 1 point/mile, Luggage, Boarding, Lounge (but no shower in SIN)
VA - probably 0.5 point/mile (+100% bonus), Luggage, Boarding, Lounge (but what's the story in AUH?)
EY - 1 point/mile (+50% bonus), Luggage and Lounge, but again unsure of AUH connection.

I'm not stressed about SC's as will requal regardless, but points are always handy. Further though I want the best Y flight possible, and that's often on the ground. Is AUH a nightmare? But also, with no showers in SQ Gold Lounge, that may be no better? Can anyone shed light on what they would do, or what they have done?

 

[smit0847]

I can't provide advice on what will happen on the ground/transfers etc but for the flights themselves - SQ all the way. As great as the VA to AUH leg would be (and its a great Y product) the change onto EY Y will be a rude shock.

 

[The Rok]

Book it with EY but pick the SYD-AUH sector on VA metal. They will look after you.

AUH airport is pretty straight forward to navigate and has good facilities. (including showers) You would need to confirm the Lounge Access there though as there is still some confusion regarding which lounge Platinums with VA get to use.

 

[jmphoto]

I should've included the obvious - is one better than the other for allocation of decent seats etc? Not expecting an op-up, but just recognition of Status would be nice.

 

[notzac]

No priority seating allocation on long haul partners that I'm aware of. That said, I've done OK with seating on EY before - however they won't open up any of the blocked seats for VA premium pax so far as I know.

 

[Bolthead]

Book it with EY but pick the SYD-AUH sector on VA metal. They will look after you.

AUH airport is pretty straight forward to navigate and has good facilities. (including showers) You would need to confirm the Lounge Access there though as there is still some confusion regarding which lounge Platinums with VA get to use.

Last year flew VA to AUH on PE and then Y to FRA. I was Gold back then (Plat now) and was upgraded at the gate to J. Don't know why except I tried to change to exist row in SYD with no luck. Anyway I know a lot of people complain about Etihad Y but if you have an exit row which I have had every time (x 6) (except for J upgrade) I find it no different to SIA or QF. ( I haven't flown VA Y) The Al Reem lounge is fine. Comfortable chairs, good food and drink.... just no windows. I tried to get into the First class but was knocked back.

Good luck

 

[777]

I can also report i've done very well with Y seating on Etihad. Always got my preferred seat. Maybe it isn't a coincidence?

 

[notzac]

I can also report i've done very well with Y seating on Etihad. Always got my preferred seat. Maybe it isn't a coincidence?

Hrm ... maybe I need to be more of a pest about asking for better seats..?

 

[RBC]

Price difference between QF and VA made me opt for my recent Y booking to LHR.
I booked through the VA website (as price was cheaper than the EY website), both sectors however are on EY metal - not sure if that means I earn VA rate or EY rates with regards to status credits ( i have a VA flight number, so will presume VA rates despite EY not having "discount economy" ).

When I did the booking VA assigned seats for myself and partner which saw us not seated together. Called VA who were unable to see the seat map or change my seats, but they said they would call Etihad and then call me back in 15 mins...which they did...got better seats, and togethet, but they were unable to get me exit rows etc.

I'm curious to see how the trip goes. Never been on EY metal before (A340-6), heard some good and some bad. Certainly a shame all the benefits around priority boarding etc. will not be there. And not a fully integrated partner experience. I hope it doesnt reflect badly on my otherwise preference of pushing all my travel VA's way. I dare say I will be a bit dissapointed after my VA LAX trip, which was truly a fantastic experience.

Can someone offer some advice around the Al-Reem lounge? I gather it is in a different terminal and you have to clear security entering each terminal. Is is possible to get to in the 2.5 hour layover?

 

[The Rok]

Price difference between QF and VA made me opt for my recent Y booking to LHR.
I booked through the VA website (as price was cheaper than the EY website), both sectors however are on EY metal - not sure if that means I earn VA rate or EY rates with regards to status credits ( i have a VA flight number, so will presume VA rates despite EY not having "discount economy" ).

When I did the booking VA assigned seats for myself and partner which saw us not seated together. Called VA who were unable to see the seat map or change my seats, but they said they would call Etihad and then call me back in 15 mins...which they did...got better seats, and togethet, but they were unable to get me exit rows etc.

I'm curious to see how the trip goes. Never been on EY metal before (A340-6), heard some good and some bad. Certainly a shame all the benefits around priority boarding etc. will not be there. And not a fully integrated partner experience. I hope it doesnt reflect badly on my otherwise preference of pushing all my travel VA's way. I dare say I will be a bit dissapointed after my VA LAX trip, which was truly a fantastic experience.

Can someone offer some advice around the Al-Reem lounge? I gather it is in a different terminal and you have to clear security entering each terminal. Is is possible to get to in the 2.5 hour layover?

You can check in at the Business Class counter and you are entitled to Priority Boarding.

 

[jmphoto]

Anyway I know a lot of people complain about Etihad Y but if you have an exit row which I have had every time (x 6) (except for J upgrade) I find it no different to SIA or QF

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like EY is fine, just wondering how you've gone about securing exit rows? Are they normally a paid-for option, or purely on status? Lounges decent in SYD and LHR?

Cheers

jmphoto

 

[777]

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like EY is fine, just wondering how you've gone about securing exit rows? Are they normally a paid-for option, or purely on status? Lounges decent in SYD and LHR?

SYD is the Air New Zealand Lounge - i've never used it. They have their own lounge at LHR but not used that either.

 

[The Rok]

ANZ Koru Lounge @ SYD. It's very nice. Spacious, good showers and plenty of beer. Also a good view of the tarmac.

 

[Bolthead]

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like EY is fine, just wondering how you've gone about securing exit rows? Are they normally a paid-for option, or purely on status? Lounges decent in SYD and LHR?

Cheers

jmphoto

I secured every time at checkin at the airport. First Class checkin because I am Plat. I also get there early. In Oct last year flew back from CDG Paris and I also got into the American Airlines lounge which surprised me. I was expecting somewhere else. (dont ask me where) That was OK but lousy views out the windows. I like day dreaming out the windows. The Al Reem lounge is close to the out going gates to Europe but a long way from the out going gates going home. The way I look at it you get a chance to strech your legs.

 

[jmphoto]

F check-in? Nice, esp with the Exit Row scoring. If only F lounge...

May as well go with EY for a change. Any thoughts as to why you'd choose VA over EY for Y flights? Given that there is no Discount Economy, would you not earn 100 SC each way, plus 1.5 points on EY, whereas you'd only earn 50 SC each way, and 1 points on VA as a WP?

Or am I missing something?

 

[Bolthead]

F check-in? Nice, esp with the Exit Row scoring. If only F lounge...

May as well go with EY for a change. Any thoughts as to why you'd choose VA over EY for Y flights? Given that there is no Discount Economy, would you not earn 100 SC each way, plus 1.5 points on EY, whereas you'd only earn 50 SC each way, and 1 points on VA as a WP?

Or am I missing something?

My ticket was actually Premium Economy on VA from SYD to FRA and coming back CDG to SYD

 

[Tuddy]

How about VS via HKG? Given you're going to LHR, that would also mean Clubhouse access in LHR and HKG, as well as AirNZ access in SYD, wouldn't it?

 

[jmphoto]

How about VS via HKG? Given you're going to LHR, that would also mean Clubhouse access in LHR and HKG, as well as AirNZ access in SYD, wouldn't it?

I thought about that, good price, and only heard good things about the VS Clubhouse. But, pretty paltry return of 0.3 points with no WP multiplier, and no excess baggage.

 

[Bolthead]

I thought about that, good price, and only heard good things about the VS Clubhouse. But, pretty paltry return of 0.3 points with no WP multiplier, and no excess baggage.

Just remember about extra luggage limits. If you decide to take a cheapy flight to Europe for what ever reason you may have more excess baggage and it will cost you an arm and a leg. I got caught that way when on a business trip but only because I had to change my plans. (not that I paid for it) That's why I have a company credit card.

 

[pblackie]

Just Completed a Round trip with Etihad/VA CDG-AUH-SYD and SYD-MEL-AUH-CDG

Outbound leg, moved to exit seat on flight to AUH the upgraded to PE AUH-SYD (VA metal) asked for a legroom seat at the gate and they upgraded me.

Inbound leg moved to exit seat MEL-AUH and then AUH-CDG they blocked a row of four off for me . If you havent got a good seat already allocated speak to them at the transfer desk in AUH and then again at the gate.

Al Reem lounge easy to get to and comfortable