Experiences with flights BA16 and BA15

[Katie]

The issue is whether your luggage will be checked through. BA have some weird rules around this.

It doesn't matter if it's checked through, because if it's only checked to SYD, then you can check the luggage in at the transfer desk for the SYD-BNE domestic leg on Qantas rather than just dropping it off at the same transfer desk.

 

[mrflyby]

Anyone know why G-ZBKC has been parked in Sydney for the past week?
It flew in on 28th May as BA15.
Then the subsequent BA16 got cancelled and it's sitting in Sydney since.
Must be some serious mechanical issue to leave it for a week??

 

[markis10]

Sounds like a new engine is required

 

[kelvedon]

Apparently a baggage truck ran into the engine damaging the cowling.
The replacement part was fitted yesterday so should be leaving today.

 

[mrflyby]

Apparently a baggage truck ran into the engine damaging the cowling.
The replacement part was fitted yesterday so should be leaving today.

Bad luck for the people intended to be on it. I suppose these things happen though.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Bad luck for the people intended to be on it. I suppose these things happen though.

You do wonder how given they place those cones everywhere possible to warn about various bits of aircraft like engines and wings!

 

[kelvedon]

Imagine the ground handlers insurance claim !

 

[kamchatsky]

I just recently booked 4 * J awards for BA16 SYD-SIN, and BA15 SIN-SYD. One trip on AA miles (40K each), and another trip on QFF points (75K each).

The annoyance I have though for the awards is the huge tax/fuel surcharges charged by BA ($363 each for SYD-SIN, and $539 each for SIN-SYD), totaling $902AUD each person. Also I need to book separate Y flight from SIN-HKG and back ($480AUD each person on CX) as ultimately, we want to get to HKG rather than SIN. We would also need to pay say $500AUD overnight at SIN before flying to HKG next day.

The trip is for upcoming Christmas - New Year holiday so Y cash fares are high. I would need to pay cash fares for Y SYD-HKG return for about $2200 AUD each person. I already checked SQ J awards are not available, QF and CX J on SYD-HKG are not available in QFF or CX Asia Miles either, not even for 1 person, let alone 4 J awards.

Therefore, I am trying to work out whether it is worth sticking with BA15/16 for the J experience, as I have seen mixed reviews on it. I have never flown BA before, and my J experience are mainly on SQ, QF, CX etc. Is it really worth spending high cash amount on BA J awards?

Another thing, do we get lounge access if we book SIN-HKG Y on CX on cash separately, on the basis that we travel on BA J before or after the CX flight?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I just recently booked 4 * J awards for BA16 SYD-SIN, and BA15 SIN-SYD. One trip on AA miles (40K each), and another trip on QFF points (75K each).

The annoyance I have though for the awards is the huge tax/fuel surcharges charged by BA ($363 each for SYD-SIN, and $539 each for SIN-SYD), totaling $902AUD each person. Also I need to book separate Y flight from SIN-HKG and back ($480AUD each person on CX) as ultimately, we want to get to HKG rather than SIN. We would also need to pay say $500AUD overnight at SIN before flying to HKG next day.

The trip is for upcoming Christmas - New Year holiday so Y cash fares are high. I would need to pay cash fares for Y SYD-HKG return for about $2200 AUD each person. I already checked SQ J awards are not available, QF and CX J on SYD-HKG are not available in QFF or CX Asia Miles either, not even for 1 person, let alone 4 J awards.

Therefore, I am trying to work out whether it is worth sticking with BA15/16 for the J experience, as I have seen mixed reviews on it. I have never flown BA before, and my J experience are mainly on SQ, QF, CX etc. Is it really worth spending high cash amount on BA J awards?

Another thing, do we get lounge access if we book SIN-HKG Y on CX on cash separately, on the basis that we travel on BA J before or after the CX flight?

So if I read it right… about $1550 per person (splitting the hotel by 4) to go BA J and CX Y, vs $2200 per person non-stop SYD-HKG?

Where the SIN-HKG is around 4 hours in economy, so just under half of the HKG-SYD?

It seems like a lot of hassle for BA J. Which, on the return flight from SIN is a very short red-eye, so not much time to experience anything at all.

If you’re willing to do four hours in Y, you might as well do 8 and get it over and dine with.

You would not get lounge access in SIN before the HKG flight if it is the next day. The one world connecting rules are for same day travel only (which includes departures after midnight, but not the next day).

Aside from that… no business class is perfect! BA is just as good - or not - as CX, QF and SQ. And often it can be even better trying something for the first time.