Bne-per in y, preference?

[GladstoneTim]

Hi,
Just wondering, if you had a choice of flying VA or QF BNE-PER return, would the catering on either be preferable? If timings and price are right, the QF A330 would edge the choice ahead.

 

[Mattg]

I would definitely choose Qantas. Qantas will serve a proper meal including dessert, whereas Virgin have just cut back on the catering on the Perth flights. See this thread: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....y/coast-coast-economy-cost-cutting-75961.html

I find the IFE on the Qantas A330s is also better.

 

[GladstoneTim]

Thanks, Mattg. Appreciate the advice and appreciate the link, too.

 

[Pleb Status]

I have flown on this exact route at least once a month for the last ten years. I have therefore travelled on QF and VA in Y on a large number of occasions.

Food in Y is marginally better on QF (the box meal). However, unless you are very unlucky, VA will always be significantly cheaper (particularly with a promo code). So if you want to pay more just for an ice cream, feel free to do so.

If you have your own device, IFE is better on VA 737 vs QF 737. On the A330, overall I would still give it to VA over QF (and you do not need your own device).

 

[HeavyElectricity]

Do VA 737 Y seats have power? I can't imagine my own device being able to stream video for 5-6 hours on a single charge!

In fact last year, I was in J BNE-PER and those seats didn't have power. I think the tablet I was provided ran out of charge about an hour before landing.

 

[Pleb Status]

Do VA 737 Y seats have power? I can't imagine my own device being able to stream video for 5-6 hours on a single charge!

In fact last year, I was in J BNE-PER and those seats didn't have power. I think the tablet I was provided ran out of charge about an hour before landing.

My Samsung Galaxy Tab S tablet easily does the full flight (with an hour or two to spare and it is getting old now). I get the lounge time in as well. I have a powerbank on hand just in case, but only need to use it if I am not fully charged onto the way to the airport.

I assume an iPad could do it easily as well, as QF used to have the iPad 2 in the 767 and iPad mini on the A330 pre renovation.

 

[NZflygirl]

I have flown on this exact route at least once a month for the last ten years. I have therefore travelled on QF and VA in Y on a large number of occasions.

Food in Y is marginally better on QF (the box meal). However, unless you are very unlucky, VA will always be significantly cheaper (particularly with a promo code). So if you want to pay more just for an ice cream, feel free to do so.

If you have your own device, IFE is better on VA 737 vs QF 737. On the A330, overall I would still give it to VA over QF (and you do not need your own device).

Do you think VA is more likely to sub out the A330 for a 737 than QF?

 

[Lemon_Party]

I'm flying this route a lot and mostly fly VA. Food served in Y by VA is derisory generally, but I haven't had chance to sample the new fare post cost cutting announcement the other week. Looking forward to the chance on Friday though...

Personally I find the 737 to feel cramped on such a long flight, particularly in BNE-PER direction. I'd look at schedule and try to pick an A330 service with either first up.

VA entertainment is good but not massive and if you fly a lot you'll exhaust it.

I've never had a swap down from A330 to 737, but generally there is only 1 per day with VA and this week there's none unfortunately (for me anyway, no A330 business upgrade )

For me the choice always comes down to who I'm hoarding SCs and points for...

 

[JohnK]

I find the IFE on the Qantas A330s is also better.

I was on an A330 between BNE-SYD the other day and the only IFE was the iPad. I thought all QF A330's had an IFE screen. A little inconsistent and the same as the refurbished 737's that don't have IFE screens.

 

[Pleb Status]

Do you think VA is more likely to sub out the A330 for a 737 than QF?

There is a risk, but I have had it happen on both airlines over the years. When it has happened to me on VA, it has been a good three months before the actual flight. Last time it occurred I was in J, so that was even more disappointing (but VA and I came to terms on that one).

With the current schedule, both QF Sunday afternoon flights BNE-PER are 737 whilst the VA Sunday afternoon flight is 'generally' an A330. So to avoid the 737, I am forced onto the VA A330 and the lie flat J....

 

[mannej]

I was on an A330 between BNE-SYD the other day and the only IFE was the iPad. I thought all QF A330's had an IFE screen. A little inconsistent and the same as the refurbished 737's that don't have IFE screens.

The A330's that were returned from JQ were given the Q-streaming treatment. Whilst inconsistent at least it is a form of Personal IFE provided as the 737 IFE is BYO (unless you score one with the screens).

If you have your own device, IFE is better on VA 737 vs QF 737. On the A330, overall I would still give it to VA over QF (and you do not need your own device).

BYO on the QF 330's? Better IFE on the VA 737's? Are you sure about that?

 

[Pleb Status]

Better IFE on the VA 737's? Are you sure about that?

With the caveat that you bring your own device, I am very sure about that (and I actually prefer to bring my own tablet/laptop so I can do what I want with it and I have 'administrator' rights).

A large number of QF 737 are still main screen entertainment and the selection on the others is no better than VA.

 

[GladstoneTim]

Have made the bookings....
BNE-MEL 737-800
MEL-PER A330
PER-BNE A330
all on VA

PER-PBO. QF 717
PBO-PER VA F100