Business Class Auckland to Sydney or Melbourne

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spe18z

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I want to shout my family something special. So I have decided to book a business class fare from Auckland to either Sydney or Melbourne in March '08. (Will work out which city later) This is a big thing for me, as I am not a wealthy person and it will be a big surprise for my family.
However the 3 airlines I am looking at are Emirates, Qantas or Air New Zealand.
While cost will have a part to play, it is more the quality of service that I am wanting, as I really want it to be special.

Any advice would be appreciated.
 
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the experience will depend on the type of aircraft flown. For example, if you take a QF 767 AKL-SYD then you are likely to get Millennium seats (possibly Drematime seats), while the QF 747-400 from AKL to MEL is going to have Skybeds.

NZ often fly A320 across the ditch which is pretty poor business class product.

Also consider LAN. It is generally cheaper than QF, but the AKL departure is not a friendly time.
 
EK (Emirates) flys different A/C to SYD and MEL from and to AKL. Their SYD route uses 773's which commonly have their old J and F product where the MEL route uses the A345 and have their newer J and F product. EK also have specials from time to time where you can fly J one way and F the other for the price of a J ticket. I think it was KiwiFlyer did this in trip report some time ago and might be able to give you some more accurate info. Hope this helps.
 
smithym said:
EK (Emirates) flys different A/C to SYD and MEL from and to AKL. Their SYD route uses 773's which commonly have their old J and F product where the MEL route uses the A345 and have their newer J and F product. EK also have specials from time to time where you can fly J one way and F the other for the price of a J ticket. I think it was KiwiFlyer did this in trip report some time ago and might be able to give you some more accurate info. Hope this helps.
EK's F product on the A340-500 is renowned for being one of the best available anywhere. However, their J product is not as well regarded when compared with other long-haul J products. There is a bigger gap between EK's F and J than there is with as QF, BA, CX, or SQ.

But, when compared with the A320, 737 or 767 products flown by NZ and QF, then the EK A340-500 J product stands up very well. But their 777 regional J product is on par with the others.
 
I would rule out QF - consistently the worst offering on the 763, 734, and 73H a/c (other than perhaps LA and AR), not quite so bad on 744 (but this sometimes swapped for 743 which not as good) and always the most expensive.

NZ - good on 777 and 747 flights, since longhaul product. SYD, MEL and BNE all have these a/c operating some flights. A320 not so good but not bad per se. Unfortunately March high fares (though lower than QF) and low chance of sales.

LA - best fare, okay seat & IFE but service terrible and departure time ridiculously early. Also seems to have higher risk of significant delays.

EK - also good fare generally, and exceptional fare when on sale (can often get first for same price as high economy fares on Qantas). Includes limo transfers at both ends in both directions (for first and business). Business product not as good as NZ longhaul, but better than QF's 767, 734 & 73H products. First product, especially on A345 (AKL-MEL, CHC-SYD) is exceptional. 77W is okay but not stunning - I'd still rate it better than QF 763.

So, I would go to MEL on EK in first, for less than inferior business class on QF 734/73H and take advantage of the airport transfers. If do this then please sign up to Skywards and book online - not only generous online booking bonuses (350% mileage earning in F for example) but also a nice first flight bonus.
 
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NM said:
Also consider LAN. It is generally cheaper than QF, but the AKL departure is not a friendly time.

That is an understatement. Except when QF business on sale to match NZ (like right now for travel through June), LA return is similar or less than QF one way in business.
 
Kiwi Flyer said:
I would rule out QF - consistently the worst offering on the 763, 734, and 73H a/c (other than perhaps LA and AR), not quite so bad on 744 (but this sometimes swapped for 743 which not as good) and always the most expensive. ...
Nothing really wrong with a 743 for a four hour flight.

Still get looped Personal IFE in all classes; Nice afternoon flight to AKL. The only real issue is a very early morning departure back to Oz (MEL).
 
serfty said:
Nothing really wrong with a 743 for a four hour flight.

Still get looped Personal IFE in all classes

Yes but NZ's 747 and 777 and EK's 77W and A345 all have full avod. NZ's A320 does not but does have personal DVD player in business class.
 
I guess the ratio of 743's against being used for QF25/QF26 would be about 1:30.

Seriously, the flights are generally short enough that this are not a real issue. The OMG departure of QF26 back to MEL would affect me more ...
 
serfty said:
The OMG departure of QF26 back to MEL would affect me more ...

I try to avoid flights that depart before 10am. :D
But with work this is no longer an option...:(
 
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