I've just completed a SYD-LHR-SYD in PE/Y+ with QF. I used points for upgrade on the outbound flight to J (16A
) which was pretty good value for 60K. Managed also to travel with my checked bags through LHR Terminal 5 (onto Germany) in both directions which I was somewhat anxious about after hearing about the Terminal 5 disasters. The baggage system can handles up to 12,000 bags an hour, but to where??
On the return flight with PE seat 34J was allocated which is the first row of PE. The cabin was not full on the LHR-BKK leg with only the aisle seats D&G of the middle 4 seat rows filled. BKK-SYD was full.
I found the seats to be pretty comfy (compared to Y) and managed to get a better quality sleep with the added pitch and seat width plus the fact that you don't have to share an thin armrest with the other passenger. The space around the headrests and their design is pretty good making it easier to sleep without staring into the eyes of the person next to you or risk an unwanted head (and accompanying drool) on your shoulder.
I must point out that I am not in the tall category (5' 10" on a good day). The legrest extension does not allow for your legs to be fully extended due to space limitations with the way it folds under the seat on take-off and landing. Having a bulkhead seat at least allows you to straighten your legs against the wall and the magazine holder gives sufficient support for your feet. For tall PAX's the inability to fully extend your legs in this row could be annoying.
Given a choice I would take 34A (first choice), 34B or 34K for a few reasons.
- It is easy to get in an out of the seat at the bulkhead plus no baby bassinets (only in middle of 34).
- The aisles appear to be quite narrow and the seat is continuously being bumped by the catering trolleys. Most of the traffic is on the right hand site where the galley is located . The 4 seat middle configuration appears to stick out (see seat maps) and the crew have to manoeuvure the trolleys towards the 34J and 35J seats. Also the curtains from the galley are continuously being brushed against you in 34J and the light and noise from the galley is a pain. Eyeshades and earplugs are a must.
- 2 windows in rows 34 and 35.
The cabin with the 2-4-2 configuration and 32 seats is light and airy and the service overall was quite good with respect to meals and the quality of the wines on offer. Touch AVOD screen is a good size (all from armrest) and same headphones as J. Offer of drinks on take-off is the same as J.
For toilets, you have to go aft to the Y toilets (I was reprimanded by a crew member when I used the J toilet to put on the PJ's - I wanted to hang up my shirt with the jacket they had taken from me and hung up with the J pax's jackets). Given that there is only 28 J seats surely the loos could be shared between J and PE.
With the addition of PE, the first rows of Y look a bit of a mess. The first row 40 in the middle (DEFG) is sandwiched between the toilets and the wall separating PE and Y. The curtain around the crew seats in 40HJK only makes it more claustraphobic.
Given the cost of PE being double that of Y, I am not sure I would take this option if it was to be paid out of my own pocket and the extra $2500 could be better used for accom and meals . I normally fly Y to Europe for work as J is not permitted and whilst the company is paying I will certainly push for Y+ in the future. The extra comfort, status credits and the smaller number of points required for a J updgrade is obviously a plus whilst it is company sponsored.
