F Options for the big Four Zero..

[11sjw]

Hi all,

Out of the blue Mrs 11sjw asked me what I'd want for my 40th. Given it's 18 months away you can see why I was surprised. Never having experienced F before made me think a shortish hop in F might be fun.

Thanks to knowledge gleaned from the AFF collective I've had a look and most likely narrowed it to two options MEL-SIN on Q or SIN-HKG on CX.

Can those of you experienced in the two offerings both aircraft and lounge (there is some desire on my part to try a QF F Lounge out, however this could be easily over ridden) provide an insight as to which way I should go?

All in all it's a little pipe-deamish yet but we'll see.

Cheers

 

[chrisb]

How short? SYD-AKL one way on Emirates A380 in F for <$1300 AUD.

It's a bit expensive for 3.5 hours but it's probably the only time i'll get into EK's F.

Actually, AKL-SYD is probably better - it's a dinner time flight rather than 8am...

 

[anat0l]

The only one of the combinatorial you suggested that I haven't experienced is CX F onboard.

QF F onboard

Assume you'll be aiming for the A380 services (i.e. good idea! Big four zero needs better than a seven four four!). Excellent cabin and ex-MEL (Australia) you'll be offered the degustation service. As a long service you should also be offered amenity kits and sleeper suits.

Some photos in this album set (but avert your attention if you wish to maintain a level of mystique. Look at about middle of page 2): FlyerTalk Photo Albums :: Saturday, 30 May 2009

QF F lounges (MEL, SYD)

Probably seen many reviews of that here, so no need to ramble on about it.

CX lounges

SIN - Skyview Lounge

Not an exceptionally great lounge compared to its HKG counterparts, but probably one of the better oneworld lounges in SIN.

HKG - Wing and Pier

Both excellent lounges and a credit to CX. The Wing is my favourite because it is open air and has the cabanas, which are basically larger bathrooms but is very relaxed. Food in The Haven restaurants are provided by The Peninsula Hotel, and are of very good quality (at least as far as lounge food goes) - probably only rivals are QF F Lounges and maybe (I have yet to experience) LH FRA FCT.


In saying this, if you want to do a shorthaul CX F hop, try to do it ex-HKG so you get better lounges and a (slightly) better check-in experience (not much, but better than being in slightly run down SIN T1 trying to weave in through tapes to the priority check-in). CX 744s are guaranteed to have F; if you book a 777 you are taking your chances. 777-300ERs are the only aircraft that have F fitted; other 777s (777-200 and 777-300 non-ER) are fitted with regional configuration (J and Y only). I'm not sure whether ex-HKG prices are higher than ex-SIN prices, however.

In all cases, pray for no equipment swaps (and in the case of CX, possibly involuntary downgrade). CX will not give you amenity kits or sleeper suits for a short hop flight (e.g. HKG-SIN).


Have you also considered EK across the Tasman? Another short flight, but possibly the cheapest of the three (factor in limo transfers at either end)? All EK F are suites, and EK A380s have showers (fad, fashion or whatever - you decide). EK longhaul may also come into consideration if you are thinking Australia - Singapore. In saying this, you did open up this discussion with a oneworld focus...

Long F flights are better than short ones, obviously, since you have more time to relax (although sometimes even 8 hours doesn't feel like long enough! ), but you will pay a good price for it. FWIW HKG-SIN is just under 3 hours in flight length.

 

[11sjw]

Thanks for the replies. Yes there was a OW bias as I figured I should try and make the spend count.

Interesting when running the scenario through the QF website MEL-SIN one way was almost the same as price a return flight in F.

Might use the AMEX free flight to travel PER-MEL (Virgin after Oct 2010 so the letter tells me) and go from there.

 

[Dave Noble]

If wanting to go to SIN from MEL for a special F flight, I would definitely be looking at EK. The suites are v nice; as mentioned there is also the option of Auckland from Melbourne/sydney or CHC from Sydney too for a cheaper option. beats both QF and CX

Given the CX withdrawal of F to Australia, I wouldn't be expecting there to be a 1st class option in 18 months

Don't let FF miles blinker the options

 

[sr81]

First of all great idea.
Don't forget that the USAirways gift/buy miles for 100% bonus is still up and running till the end of July.

Under this deal you purchase points then redeem them for award travel via USAirways with Star Alliance carriers (except SQ cause they are tight a*ses). I did this for my parents and we ended up with return First flights to Europe with Thai then Europe to USA with Lufthansa and back with Swiss. Ended up about AUD3200 inc taxes each.

The catch is that you will need to find available flights and become very up close and personal with the ANA booking tool. All easily done but not without some education and available time. Also that you can only book 330 out – not 18 months out. Happy to help with this if you are keen.

I think CX first is great but you will need to do long haul. Have you thought of getting upto HKG with QF points in Y then travelling on to a well priced city in F? HKG – JFK in first would be freakin awesome but I would imagine pretty expensive. You could also look at the possibility of a mixed class trip. One way in J the other in F.

Just one thing – don’t go BA or any American carrier. Their First is just not the same.