Emirates J Class

[pauly7]

Couple of quick questions, have a trip coming up across the ditch (Syd-Akl) and was recommended in passing to try out Emirates J class, apparently quite competitively priced.

Not a huge Emirates flyer so don't know what aircraft they use on this route or the kind of seat, comfort etc... Anybody done it? Thoughts?

Thanks

 

[Va Bene]

SYD/AKL is on a Boeing 777-300 with 'standard' business class seats. I've flown the MEL/AKL leg in J and they use an A340-500 with a pod type J seat (like Skybed). The plane in this case looked brand spanking new and the price for J was around $680 one-way with limo pick-up from home and also from AKL to my hotel. I took the EK flight as the only Y fare with QF I could get was $1000 (only fully flexible left)!! From memory it was around Easter time.
Service was great and the EK J lounge (I can only speak for MEL) was better than the old MEL F lounge (the new one wasn't finished at the time).

I would imagine with the 777 that the J seats, entertainment system and meals with EK would be better than the QF 767 service out of SYD.

Emirates

You can check out the planes and cabins on the website in the - about our fleet section.

 

[Wunala Dreaming]

Couple of quick questions, have a trip coming up across the ditch (Syd-Akl) and was recommended in passing to try out Emirates J class, apparently quite competitively priced.

Not a huge Emirates flyer so don't know what aircraft they use on this route or the kind of seat, comfort etc... Anybody done it? Thoughts?

Thanks

Hello Pauly7,

Emirates' EK418/419 SYD-AKL-SYD service is operated by the 777-300ER. To make things confusing, Emirates has a number of configurations for their 77Ws (777-300ERs).

SYD-AKL-SYD services are primarily operated by 777-300ERs with Cradle seats in Business Class - PHOTO. These aircraft also feature a F cabin.

Taking a look at the aircraft that have operated EK418/419 in the last week of October, it appears all flights were operated by the A6-EB* registered aircraft which feature the Cradle seats in J, featured in the photo above.

Sometimes though Emirates' 777-300ERs with the new lie-flat J product (click for photo) operate EK418/419, but this occurs very rarely.

So basically, on EK418/419 you will get:

• Cradle Business Class seat - Photo
• ICE Entertainment System - Click here

Never having flowing EK across the ditch I can only guess what the meal service will be like, but I imagine you will be served a good sized meal and will have access to a good range of beverages.

Cheers

 

[Keith009]

Also to factor into consideration is the fact that you get a limo transfer to/from the airport at both ends with EK. Available to/from within 40 driving km from the airport.

Emirates > Traveller Information > Before you fly > Chauffeur Drive

 

[pauly7]

Thanks very much for your detailed and helpful comments.

I did start researching myself but got thrown by the different configs for the 777s.

One thing our work TA did warn me about is that apparantly Emrates J is non-refundable which is why we don't use them much for work, as travel plans change quite often. I found this pretty strange...

Limo transfer is a nice touch (although work would pay for one anyway but good to know for personal travel!).

Thanks again.

 

[Homer]

This is a late post but as a frequent traveller on EK on this route (we have an office in AKL) I can add some detail/confirm things for you:

• The EK lounge at SYD is excellent. It's better than QF's J lounge. There's French champagne, a very good selection of both hot and cold breakfast items at the time you'll be flying and lots of space.
• I prefer the Boeing product used on SYD-AKL to the Airbus configuration on SYD-CHC (and on MEL-AKL too?). There seems to be more space in the cabin, the seat pitch seems to be greater and the seats themselves are more comfortable.
• On board EK's service compares well against QF. You'll get your pre-dinner drink, or two, (the one QF sometimes forgets about), they'll set your tray table properly using nice crockery and deliver your chosen entree, main and desert as three separate courses rather than trying to give you a couple of them on your tray at the same time. They'll also refill your drink without you needing to look longingly at an FA who is desperate to avoid eye contact...
• The in-flight entertainment is very reliable - I've never experienced a failure - and comprehensive. The arabic subtitles regardless of the language you choose can be annoying.
• When you leave AKL the EK lounge there is like the SYD version but much smaller.

Enjoy it!

 

[straitman]

This is a late post but as a frequent traveller on EK on this route (we have an office in AKL) I can add some detail/confirm things for you:

• The EK lounge at SYD is excellent. It's better than QF's J lounge. There's French champagne, a very good selection of both hot and cold breakfast items at the time you'll be flying and lots of space.
• I prefer the Boeing product used on SYD-AKL to the Airbus configuration on SYD-CHC (and on MEL-AKL too?). There seems to be more space in the cabin, the seat pitch seems to be greater and the seats themselves are more comfortable.
• On board EK's service compares well against QF. You'll get your pre-dinner drink, or two, (the one QF sometimes forgets about), they'll set your tray table properly using nice crockery and deliver your chosen entree, main and desert as three separate courses rather than trying to give you a couple of them on your tray at the same time. They'll also refill your drink without you needing to look longingly at an FA who is desperate to avoid eye contact...
• The in-flight entertainment is very reliable - I've never experienced a failure - and comprehensive. The arabic subtitles regardless of the language you choose can be annoying.
• When you leave AKL the EK lounge there is like the SYD version but much smaller.

Enjoy it!

Thanks Homer, another one to store away.

 

[pauly7]

This is a late post but as a frequent traveller on EK on this route (we have an office in AKL) I can add some detail/confirm things for you:

• The EK lounge at SYD is excellent. It's better than QF's J lounge. There's French champagne, a very good selection of both hot and cold breakfast items at the time you'll be flying and lots of space.
• I prefer the Boeing product used on SYD-AKL to the Airbus configuration on SYD-CHC (and on MEL-AKL too?). There seems to be more space in the cabin, the seat pitch seems to be greater and the seats themselves are more comfortable.
• On board EK's service compares well against QF. You'll get your pre-dinner drink, or two, (the one QF sometimes forgets about), they'll set your tray table properly using nice crockery and deliver your chosen entree, main and desert as three separate courses rather than trying to give you a couple of them on your tray at the same time. They'll also refill your drink without you needing to look longingly at an FA who is desperate to avoid eye contact...
• The in-flight entertainment is very reliable - I've never experienced a failure - and comprehensive. The arabic subtitles regardless of the language you choose can be annoying.
• When you leave AKL the EK lounge there is like the SYD version but much smaller.

Enjoy it!

Not late at all, not flying until mid November, so thank you for your post .

Our work TA is still struggling with the whole non-refundable Emirates J thing so hopefully can work around it to give it a go!

 

[BiziBB]

Where can I find more info from Emirates regarding the limo service?
I haven't yet checked the road distance from my place to SYD, but if we're 19km NW from the CBD as the crow flies, I'm unsure whether the M2-airport route from Beecroft will be within 40km.

I suppose I'll phone once the J ticket is definite.

Too bad that BKK isn't on the limo list; the offer of the limo service on stopovers would be great for BKK.

 

[abc12345678]

You can book in the limo service when booking your actual ticket.

If you are outside the 40km zone, you can pay the difference to the driver.

The lounges: as mentioned above EK lounges absolutely blow the QF lounges away in all aspects. The price for J is very reasonable SYD-AKL is usually $700 ew which is sometimes the same price as the QF Flexis.

Going back to AKL at Christmas (and only booked a week or two ago) and its cheaper for me to go J on EK than Y on QF. Saving $100 on transfers aswell.

Just my thoughts

 

[pauly7]

This is a late post but as a frequent traveller on EK on this route (we have an office in AKL) I can add some detail/confirm things for you:

• The EK lounge at SYD is excellent. It's better than QF's J lounge. There's French champagne, a very good selection of both hot and cold breakfast items at the time you'll be flying and lots of space.
• I prefer the Boeing product used on SYD-AKL to the Airbus configuration on SYD-CHC (and on MEL-AKL too?). There seems to be more space in the cabin, the seat pitch seems to be greater and the seats themselves are more comfortable.
• On board EK's service compares well against QF. You'll get your pre-dinner drink, or two, (the one QF sometimes forgets about), they'll set your tray table properly using nice crockery and deliver your chosen entree, main and desert as three separate courses rather than trying to give you a couple of them on your tray at the same time. They'll also refill your drink without you needing to look longingly at an FA who is desperate to avoid eye contact...
• The in-flight entertainment is very reliable - I've never experienced a failure - and comprehensive. The arabic subtitles regardless of the language you choose can be annoying.
• When you leave AKL the EK lounge there is like the SYD version but much smaller.

Enjoy it!

Homer, couple more questions as you are the Emirates 'Ditch Route' Expert!

Seat Guru & Emirates seat maps do not match (suprise suprise!) and I guess I was a little concerned because alot (more than half) of the 777-300 J class seats on seat guru are coded 'be aware' for various reasons! I'm guessing the Emirates seat map has to be more accurate but there is no seat guru equivalent to check.

Can you suggest your favourite seats?

Also, when I saw F was only a couple of hundred bucks I thought I might treat myself on the way back. Any experience there? Worth it?

Finally the chauffer drive, am I right assuming there are 4 transfers on a return flight provided? car-airport-flight-car-hotel-car-airport-flight-car-home? It isn't really that clear on the website.

Flying next week, very excited to be trying something new on the ditch.

Thanks for your help.

 

[littl_flier]

Finally the chauffer drive, am I right assuming there are 4 transfers on a return flight provided? car-airport-flight-car-hotel-car-airport-flight-car-home? It isn't really that clear on the website.

Correct, the chauffer will pick you up before and after both of your flights. Don't forget to ring up and book the service though.

Also, when I saw F was only a couple of hundred bucks I thought I might treat myself on the way back. Any experience there? Worth it?

Would you mind posting back some specific details on the First service pauly7? I'm hanging out for the First service on the 345 though, they are proper individual suites which look amazing.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[pauly7]

Correct, the chauffer will pick you up before and after both of your flights. Don't forget to ring up and book the service though.

Would you mind posting back some specific details on the First service pauly7? I'm hanging out for the First service on the 345 though, they are proper individual suites which look amazing.

Enjoy your trip!

Thanks for clarifying the chauffer question. Now just to work out the seats...!

Absolutely will post a mini 'trip report' on both J and F, I'm flying on the 26/27th so look out for it after that in this thread

 

[littl_flier]

Thanks for clarifying the chauffer question. Now just to work out the seats...!

No probs, there is some more infor on the Chauffer drive here Emirates | Plan & Book | To and From the Airport | Chauffeur-drive but essentially,

Transfers are available:

• From your home or hotel to the airport
• From the airport to your final destination
• To and from the airport when making a stopover

If you would like to post your flight dates and flight numbers, I can check EF and see what the seat config is showing for those specific days. This might help you decide which seat map is correct.

And thanks for volunteering to post a mini TR.

 

[pauly7]

No probs, there is some more infor on the Chauffer drive here Emirates | Plan & Book | To and From the Airport | Chauffeur-drive but essentially,

If you would like to post your flight dates and flight numbers, I can check EF and see what the seat config is showing for those specific days. This might help you decide which seat map is correct.

And thanks for volunteering to post a mini TR.

Thanks very much that would be awesome.

I'm on EK418 syd-akl on the 26th and EK419 akl-syd on the 27th.

Cheers

 

[Homer]

Homer, couple more questions as you are the Emirates 'Ditch Route' Expert!

Seat Guru & Emirates seat maps do not match (suprise suprise!) and I guess I was a little concerned because alot (more than half) of the 777-300 J class seats on seat guru are coded 'be aware' for various reasons! I'm guessing the Emirates seat map has to be more accurate but there is no seat guru equivalent to check.

Can you suggest your favourite seats?

Also, when I saw F was only a couple of hundred bucks I thought I might treat myself on the way back. Any experience there? Worth it?

Finally the chauffer drive, am I right assuming there are 4 transfers on a return flight provided? car-airport-flight-car-hotel-car-airport-flight-car-home? It isn't really that clear on the website.

Flying next week, very excited to be trying something new on the ditch.

Thanks for your help.

I've never felt like an "expert" on this forum pauly7 ... but I will do my best.

• If you asked for my opinion on the best J seats on the upper deck of a QF 744 then I could reply with some confidence. However I've never worried too much about seat positions on EK due to the short flight. On EK SYD-AKL I usually sit in row 8 for some reason and I've never found it to be a problem. If you were flying longer than 3 hours then you probably wouldn't want to be so close to the galley. If I've had time or the inclination to choose, I've always gone with SeatGuru and chosen row 9 or 10 in J. However at least once I've had row 7 which SeatGuru reports as having limited recline. It is true that there are some seat electronics behind row 7 and the crew tend to stuff their demo kit or magazines in behind here but I didn't think that it affected the recline. In summary...on a 3 hour flight there really aren't any bad seats IMHO.
• No experience on EK F, sorry. Only QF F. I took the family for a long weekend in CHC a few weeks back flying EK and I was thinking of travelling in F because, as you note, it's pretty good value and also because it was on the Airbus with the new configuration F suites. However in the end I just went with J because the company was paying for my flights and I have less explaining to do if I just book J.
• Yes the chauffeur drive consists of 4 transfers on a return flight. You get a transfer to/from in SYD and again in AKL. I understand from a couple of moaning drivers that EK has struck a pretty aggressive deal with the car companies in order to provide this but you don't need to worry about that - it saves at least AUD$150 for me each time I fly EK on this route. The only small negative is that if we take our baby daughter we need to pay the driver an extra $11 for the baby seat which EK won't cover. However this is very minor considering the benefits and I've only ever been asked to pay for this twice. One driver recently told me that even someone who has paid for a full fare $11,000 F ticket has to pay the $11 - and that has caused more than a few arguments and disgruntled EK customers - which does seem pretty short-sighted of EK. Still...none of this is any worry to you.

Enjoy the flight!

 

[littl_flier]

Thanks very much that would be awesome.

I'm on EK418 syd-akl on the 26th and EK419 akl-syd on the 27th.

Cheers

No probs.

EK418 shows as a 42J, 2-3-2 config in J starting at Row 6 and finishing in Row 11. First 12F in 2-2-2 in Rows 1 and 2.

EK419 is exactly the same. Hope this helps!

 

[pauly7]

I've never felt like an "expert" on this forum pauly7 ... but I will do my best.

• If you asked for my opinion on the best J seats on the upper deck of a QF 744 then I could reply with some confidence. However I've never worried too much about seat positions on EK due to the short flight. On EK SYD-AKL I usually sit in row 8 for some reason and I've never found it to be a problem. If you were flying longer than 3 hours then you probably wouldn't want to be so close to the galley. If I've had time or the inclination to choose, I've always gone with SeatGuru and chosen row 9 or 10 in J.

Enjoy the flight!

Thanks Homer I have gone with 9A both ways (still hoping to upgrade to F on the way back though)

 

[pauly7]

No probs.

EK418 shows as a 42J, 2-3-2 config in J starting at Row 6 and finishing in Row 11. First 12F in 2-2-2 in Rows 1 and 2.

EK419 is exactly the same. Hope this helps!

Thanks it does, as above I went with 9A and will see if I have any money left after Xmas shopping for the UG to F.

 

[abc12345678]

Another tip for EK flyers.

• Use the EK OLCI (on line check in).

Not only can you secure the seat you want, you also get bonus Skywards miles. Which is very generous...off the top of my head 500-600 points per AKL-SYD.

Skyward miles to upgrade Y to J only 12500 for AKL-SYD or SYD-AKL and you still get the full benefits of the limo to/from airport. A nice touch to a great airline. (Its just a shame they don't have the frequency of QF or else I'd be on then each tasman flight)