DRW on QF J: Nonstop on 738 or via BNE on 2 x 763?

[haydensydney]

Flying up to Darwin for Christmas with family from Brisbane.

I have the option of taking the direct flight to Darwin on the 738, or via BNE on two 763 services. My family would also be on the BNE-DRW flight, though they will be in Y.

Flights are QF redemption, so obviously won't obtain status credits for the re-route.

What would you do?

 

[samh004]

Why fly direct, when you can connect?

I guess it comes down to time, and if you think you’d get more value flying via BNE. If you’re in J you can guest 1 person into the lounge too, when in BNE. Useful for one family member.

Access to The Qantas Club: Qantas Domestic Business - Domestic Business Lounge:

• Next onward flight that day must be on a Qantas marketed and operated flight.
• One guest permitted if also travelling on a Qantas marketed and operated flight.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Definitely the BNE option IMHO, I much prefer J in the bigger aircraft. Why not go via BNE on the way up with a reunion in the lounge and straight back to SYD on return?

 

[el_rooto]

Also, you'll earn more sc's and points via bne.

 

[markis10]

I would go direct, nothing wrong with row 4 & 824 can be late at times.

 

[samh004]

Also, you'll earn more sc's and points via bne.

Flights are QF redemption, so obviously won't obtain status credits for the re-route.

As noted, that wouldn’t be possible or a factor.

 

[NYCguy]

Why connect when you can go non-stop? One less possible delay and one less chance for lost luggage.

I realise that this opinion makes me somewhat of a freak on this site...

 

[haydensydney]

Yeah I was considering going via Brisbane for the above mentioned reasons, but:

- both 763 services are Breakfast services, as the DRW flight gets in a 11:55am
- I am only allowed one traveller into the BNE lounge, but that would leave two others floating around the terminal

The direct DRW flight is a lunch flight. I've never done J on a 738 either as I've always select 763's previously (with the exception of those hideous 734's that made me vow never to fly a QF J again!)

 

[nlagalle]

The direct DRW flight is a lunch flight. I've never done J on a 738 either as I've always select 763's previously (with the exception of those hideous 734's that made me vow never to fly a QF J again!)

I've flown J on the 738's on a number of occasions and I don't mind it.

if I was SC chasing I would go via BNE for sure. but if you want to get there quicker go direct.

 

[markis10]

If its in J then not much difference between the two, I would definitely go direct. Breakfast on the 824 was not as good on Tuesday as the breakfast I got on the service ex TSV that connected with it.

 

[haydensydney]

If its in J then not much difference between the two, I would definitely go direct. Breakfast on the 824 was not as good on Tuesday as the breakfast I got on the service ex TSV that connected with it.

Yeah - I try to avoid breakfast flights like the plague, as the few i've had to date have been revolting: i've learnt theres no such thing as good eggs on a plane

 

[farstar]

I would usually take via BNE and would make it a JASA as for not much more I could get the SCs.

 

[docjames]

I vote go direct, particularly with no benefit of extra SCs in this instance.

 

[markis10]

I would usually take via BNE and would make it a JASA as for not much more I could get the SCs.

You could of course grab a 24k JASA ex ADL to TSV then another 24K JASA TSV BNE DRW if you really want the SCs, 260 SC's

 

[Ewing]

Flights are QF redemption, so obviously won't obtain status credits for the re-route.

What would you do?

First of all I'd make it a JASA. If there's classic award availability, you'd be mad not to make it a JASA at a comparable cost (JASAs are very cheap when there's classic availability).

And to get to the point - assuming I didn't need the SCs I would take the nonstop 738 service. I actually prefer the J on the 738s to the 763s anyway - as it's a smaller cabin the service is far more personalised.

If it was a 734 it would be a completely different story - indirect all the way

-Shaun