I need your *urgent* advice. QF or VA in business to LA?

[Globetrotter]

So my trip to Vegas is in two weeks time and I need to sort out my flights. I'm flying ex Brisbane to LA and will use a Southwest credit to confirm the domestic flights onto Las Vegas. With regards to the international flights, both QF and VA operate a direct service going out but on the return, only VA offer a direct flight that day, QF is via Sydney.

The available business class return fares including taxes are...

Qantas $10,394 ($10,078 on Zuji)
Virgin $9958 ($9602 on Zuji)

What ever happened to SME fares?

I haven't flown QF international J for some time, however I flew VA in J to LA in March and it's a pretty good product although I didn't pay for it, I used points! Now that I'm having to hand over my own hard earned cash (I'm a small business owner) I'm not sure VA's business class product is worth $10k so if I chose them it would be purely based on the convenience of their direct flights.

I'm red velocity (45 status credits) and bronze qantas (70 status credits + qf club) - don't really travel that much anymore.

Should I go with QF and suck it up on the return via SYD or just sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight service of VA lol

Help me make a decision!!

 

[moa999]

Do you have Double SC promotions with either QF or VA at the moment?
That would be the decision maker for me.

Is the QF flight on the A380 or a refurbed 747 (ie Skybed MkII which is fully flat) versus non-refurbed 747 (ie lieflat Mk I.)
VA also has fully flat
With QF on the return could you fly to Dallas, then direct to BNE?


I would probably be QF A380 > VA 777 > QF 747 particularly given the non direct flights.

 

[lovestotravel]

School holidays and booking quite late mean the $7-$8500 fares are already gone...

Air NZ has some $6717 fares available and for a $3000+ saving, I'd be happy with an extra few hours each way and an extra lounge to drink in!

You can credit your points and SC to Velocity as well!

Ensure you book the 777-300 over the 777-200 or anything else

AVOID the 767-300 and 747-400 if you can .....

 

[lovestotravel]

Oh and if you didn't like VA 777 in J

You won't really like QF in J either, they are all much the same

QF A380 and VA B777

The old B744 in J is a joke (angled bed)
The refurbished B744 would be better, but it's still an older aircraft

 

[Globetrotter]

Oh and if you didn't like VA 777 in J

You won't really like QF in J either, they are all much the same

QF A380 and VA B777

The old B744 in J is a joke (angled bed)
The refurbished B744 would be better, but it's still an older aircraft

Hi lovestotravel. I really liked the 777 aircraft and Virgin's service. I considered Air NZ but given I'm only staying overseas for 5 nights plus have to catch domestic flights between LA - Vegas, it just makes the whole trip that bit extra. But then again I probably need to weigh up cost versus convenience .

I believe the BNE-LAX QF 744 is a refurbished aircraft.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[Globetrotter]

Do you have Double SC promotions with either QF or VA at the moment?
That would be the decision maker for me.

Nope, neither airline offered me double sc, well I don't recall receiving an email about it. I agree, that offer would have made my decision a lot easier!

 

[lovestotravel]

I prefer the "coffin" style set-up on J on Air NZ over Virgin or Qantas, it's more private, and the food/service on Air NZ has always been top notch !

Yep $3000 vs an extra stop/more time and a little bit more of a hassle

I know what I'd be doing

 

[docjames]

I'd personally be saving the $3k and going NZ provided I could get 777-300 or 744 all the way. NO WAY would I accept trans tasman in a A320.

Otherwise, there's so little to choose between QF and VA (both have pros/cons) so i'd go on a) schedule and b) price (even if only by a small margin).

 

[Simsy85]

I'm a big fan of AirNZ new product - Realistically their Y+ service is better than most J class - I know many will disagree with me on the fact it isn't a lie flat bed, but its designed to mould to your body.

I'm doing DRW - BNE - AKL - LAX - AKL - BNE - DRW all in PE - fare was $2400, then used my complimentary GE to upgrade which was confirmed right away.

the J on AirNZ is a full flat bed, with exceptional service.

I'd take it any day over QF or VA - paying full J on AirNZ is $6.7K atm - MUUUUCCCCHHHH better than QF or VA...

#justsayin...

 

[mella2007]

I do like Virgin's J service (but depends on the crew which can be hit/miss), however for a last minute fare for that price (and yourself as a small business operator) go the Air NZ option...yes it will take a lot longer, but saving a significant amount of money like that does come into effect.

 

[Globetrotter]

You guys are awesome! thanks or the advice, it's greatly appreciated? I'm definitely considering AirNZ.

 

[Greggsy]

Given the 787 tour announcement hasn't taken place yet, I'd definitely say Qantas.

But, Air NZ is a great option if the Flounge isn't your thing.

 

[rotuma1]

For cheap J ticket to usa, book as follows:
Bne-nan on air pac approx $768aud
Nan-lax-nan air pac approx $2020aud
Nan-bne air pac approx $740aud


Sent from my iPhone using Aust Freq Fly app


Sent from my iPhone using Aust Freq Fly app

 

[Globetrotter]

I've researched Air NZ's J class on the 773 and it's quite impressive. I have flown Virgin Atlantic J (herringbone seat) a few times in the past and whilst Air NZ has the same product, it's nice to know they have made improvements to the comfort of the seat. The white cabin looks great - I expect it might look tired and a bit grubby now?

So now I'm deciding between...

(Ex. Bne)

Air NZ business class return via Auckland for $6716

- or -

Virgin Aust: to LAX in PE and return in J for $6521 (direct flights)

As mentioned, I'm going to Vegas for 5 nights so I'll be catching domestic flights too.

Which option would you go for based on the above?

(sorry guys I'm a Libran so making decisions takes time and requires input from others lol)

 

[Globetrotter]

I decided on the VA option but I'm already regretting it!

 

[lovestotravel]

I decided on the VA option but I'm already regretting it!

Well you should be, there was no reason IMO that you would pick PE over J on Air NZ for pretty much the same cost

Fully flat bed vs a reclining seat

Was a no brainer to me