F & J in 777 vs A380

[richie9x]

I am considering flying to AKL on Emirates over the holiday period. Given the current special for mixed first and business fares, it is looking like a good deal.

I was planing to fly from BNE which would be on a 777-300ER. But I have been thinking of instead going via Sydney to get on the A380. According to Emirates online tool the 777 will be one with full F suites. Are these the same F suites as what you would find on the A380? The advantages of the A380 appear to be it will be quieter, has an on board bar, it has an upstairs and also have showers. Are there any other benefits of the A380 over 777?

What is the Emirates lounge like in Sydney? Is there a separate F lounge or area?

 

[Homer]

It's times like this I miss Dave Noble...

I've flown the EK 380 in F about six times so I can help out with those questions. However I've only ever flown the 777 in J so I don't have first hand experience with that F product.

As far as I know (again, from the aforementioned Dave Noble mostly) all the 777s now have the full F suites so they are equivalent to the 380s in that regard. There are also less suites on the 777 so it may seem "cosier".

I don't find the F bar on the EK 380 all that great. It's located up the very front and, for a lot of the flight, it seems to be more like a spa reception with a waterfall thingy running and the two "spa attendants" (i.e. shower attendants) hanging around it. It does have booze (and it's where you'll find the odd bottle of Dom...) but it's not a sit-down bar as such. The J bar is just behind F and I find that much more bar-like. It has bar stools and couches on the side and there are usually quite a few pax sitting there. So if the 777 also has the J bar (not sure if it does) then I don't think you'd need to worry about missing out on the F bar. Oh and if you do decide to "slum it" in the J bar, just ask an FA to send down a chilled bottle of Dom so that you don't have to drink that J swill...

Having said all that - I think the showers make it worthwhile trying to get on an EK 380 in F at least once. Sure you won't need a shower having just come out of the EK lounge and when you're only flying three hours to AKL but you can use them and it's fun! I have used them on all but one flight, mostly just because I could, but after a long flight such as just before arriving into LHR it can make a real difference.

SYD does not have a separate F lounge, just a single EK lounge. I can't compare it to the EK lounge in BNE as I've never been in there.

I hope this is helpful. I'm sure you'll enjoy it whichever option you choose.

 

[richie9x]

Homer, thanks for the info, most useful. I think I was was almost convinced. You just managed to convince me. A mid air shower seems strangely appealing. I think I'll do F in the A380 and J in the 777.

 

[infinity]

I am going on the A380 in 1o days to Auckland for a birthday trip in F.

Tried the J class in September for a rugny match. Great crew and drank bubbles at teh J bar most of the way!

Awesome aircraft. didnt even need the expensive Bose NC headsets I have. Its so quiet. you'd never fly a QF jumbo again!!

And yes the shower is a drawcard for the novelty. Cant wait to get the shampoo out at 35,000 feet!!