BNE-NRT - QF vs JL

[benhadi]

Hi everyone, need some advice from you learned folks.

I'm planning a trip to LAX ex-BNE sometime in April. Planning to take AA via NRT. The flight out from BNE to NRT can be either QF or JL.

QF operates a 767, JL a 744 (according to dummy bookings).

QF also does a codeshare on the JL's 744 flight.
I am travelling Y (sadly), and was wondering which one i should take.

QF's 767 is smaller aircraft, and I don't know if it's new or old interior, most importantly IFE. AND it goes via Cairns. I would be inclined to use QF only because of the baggage allowance and lounge access that my QP offers me, in BNE going out and NRT coming back.

Too bad i won't be able to use the baggage allowance ex-LAX since my flight out from there is on AA. An extra 32kg piece would have come in quite handy!

I have tried looking all over for JL's flight config and details for the BNE-NRT-BNE sector but can't seem to get any info to compare it with the QF. In fact, i can't seem to get any info on EITHER of the 2...so it's kinda hard to make a comparison anyway.

Hoping someone who's flown those segments recently can give some feedback. Thanks.

 

[Shano]

I haven't flown these segments, but did recently fly NRT-ORD on a JL 744 in Y.

The 744 had personal IFE (loop system, not AVOD) with about a dozen channels to choose from.

Seats felt a little cramped, but the seat allocation gods decided to seat me beside someone who was around my height (6'3").

Food and service were OK.

QF 767 will not have personal IFE - just a main screen in the cabin.

If you have QF status, JL flight number will also not earn the status bonus whereas the QF codeshare on JL metal will.

I would be inclined to take the QF codeshare service on the JL744.

 

[Travel Guru]

Don't quote me on it, but i'm pretty sure the 744 operating BNE-NRT doesn't have AVOD, though the best port of call would be to contact your local JAL office, they are usually extremely helpful and will be able to tell you.

TG

 

[Evan]

I have flown on the JL 744's in whY before a few times. Some are yuck inside, some are shall we say have a color scheme that looked cool in the 80's and some are nice. I would guess the one you will be on (guessing by the route) will not be a super nice one.

I think the room is better on the QF 767's in whY
Entertainment for me is not an issue, sleep

Having said that so far i have a very good record for upgrades on JL, around 50% of my flights.... that was generally using my AA FF number on the booking rather than QF FF but i have no status with AA so who know why, probably just dumb luck or flirting with the checkin girl

E

 

[drron]

I certainly fly this route a lot but in J.The planes are Jalways so older planes.Was 743 but recently 744.They do have the Magic system of AVOD in J and I believe also in Y.As a non-japanese if there is an op up you will be closer to the front of the queue.Dont ask me why but I have met ac few aussies in the J cabin who got the nod.One of the pursers did confirm this to me.He had been on a flight that I assisted in a medical emergency and he still remembers me as soon as I step aboard a flight he is on.
For points though do the QF codeshare.To NRT is a daytime flight so perfectly acceptable.And who wants to land in Cairns?

 

[clifford]

I have flown the JL 744 from BNE to NRT and found it to be perfectly acceptable. Had the personal seat back screens too, as I recall. Had an aisle seat in Y with an empty seat next to me (I asked for it at check in).

The JAL option would blow away the old QF 767 experience (especially as it is a 1-stop), IMHO.

 

[Bundy Bear]

Go with JAL on the 744; Qantas on the 767 via Cairns isn't that good; do it once if you want; but I won't be doing it again.

There is a good chance you will get an upgrade on JL; but not on Qantas. Thanks JAL my first Op up. maybe its not that likely but I wouldn't be hoping you could get one from QF.

Japanese food on the JAL was very nice.

 

[benhadi]

Sounds like going the JL's 744 is the way to go...

Question is whether i should book under JL flight number or QF codeshare.

Using QF codeshare would allow me lounge access in BNE on the way out and NRT on the way back.

Using JL flight number (according to several testimonies here) will give me high chance of op-up.

Is it possible to get op-up if i go for the QF codeshare flying JL metal? I assume checkin will be at JAL counter (if there is even one in BNE)?

If it gives me equal chances, then the choice is pretty clear. A big *if*.

 

[Shano]

Check in would be at JAL counter at BNE.

It is never advisable to make travel plans on the slim chance of an op-up. Much better to base it on other factors, such as lounge access and schedule.

My only op-ups have been on QF flight numbers on QF metal. Not sure how being on a codeshare flight number would affect the already slim chance of an op-up.

 

[Evan]

If you fly JAL then book the QF number to get the lounge access ! thats what i would do anyway and better points earning.

Op-ups are only sometimes (ok i have had good luck) and you never even hope for one and if you get it its a nice supprise, otherwise you simply get what you pay for.

E

 

[drron]

A bird in the hand.......Definitely go for the QF codeshare over the JL number.

 

[benhadi]

Ok..so i will book the QF codeshare on JAL metal from BNE-NRT return.

Next question is from NRT to LAX...same dillemma.

I can either fly AA on AA metal which is a 777 or AA codeshare on JAL metal which is a 744. Correct me if i'm wrong, but i think the 744 that they use on the NRT-LAX route is newer and more equipped...i *think* they are using the new products on that route. I stand to be corrected though.

I have absolutely no experience with AA metal as i have never flown them before. Has anyone flown the AA's 777 on the NRT-LAX route recently? What's it like?

B

 

[Shano]

Again, can't comment on the routes you are flying, but did recently fly NRT-ORD on JAL 744 (incidently on the AA codeshare to earn the status bonus) and DFW-LGW on AA 772 as part of a LONE4

I would rate both on a par in the Y cabin in terms of service, IFE, meals, etc. The only real diffrence is that on AA you have to pay for alocohol, whereas this is free on JAL.

AA's 772 are 2-5-2 seating, so quite good if loads are light and you can score spare seats next to you.

The JAL 744 had skybed style seats in J, but nothing special about the Y cabin.

 

[NM]

AA will charge you for alcohol in Y, while I assume its free in JL (may be wrong though as I have not flown JL in Y).