MH or JQ?

[acampbel]

Have to do SYD-KUL-SYD next week. Have the options of Malaysia or Jetstar. I would go for the former but the latter only have Starclass on the way over (though it will be a JetSaver on the way back).

Timetables and fares are much of a muchness, so which would you choose?


Cheers,

Andrew

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[Sequel]

I would go with MH, have done that flight a few times this year (in Y & J) and would have no complaints. The Y product is very good (J product even better - which reminds me I need to chase up QF following my complaints!).

I have never flown JQ internationaly, but have read enough that I will do everything I can to avoid flying them, especially on time sensitive trips (which all of mine are).

 

[NM]

I would be aiming for MH122 heading to KL and MH141 heading home. That way you have daytime flights each way. The JQ return flight is overnight and for that reason I would avoid it.

 

[JohnK]

Have to do SYD-KUL-SYD next week. Have the options of Malaysia or Jetstar. I would go for the former but the latter only have Starclass on the way over (though it will be a JetSaver on the way back).

Has to be a direct flight? One other option is QF to SIN and then SQ/MH to KUL.

I notice that a few people on this site recommend day flights for most travel. Unless you have to work early the next morning what is the reasoning behind preferring a day flight to an overnight flight?

Personally I prefer overnight flights as I like to get to destination in the morning with plenty of time to organise onward travel. The afternoon/evening flights on QF to SIN/BKK have always bothered me as they arrive very late, leave no time for connections which mean that I do not arrive at hotel until after midnight.

 

[acampbel]

I would be aiming for MH122 heading to KL and MH141 heading home. That way you have daytime flights each way. The JQ return flight is overnight and for that reason I would avoid it.

I understand your reasoning, but it was always going to be an overnight return as I need to work through to Thursday and want to be in Sydney Friday morning, so I was tossing up MH123 and JQ66. The Jetstar flight leaves/arrives over 3 hours earlier than the Malaysia one.

Also my theory is that Starclass during the day on the way over (midday departure) will make it worth suffering the JetSaver return precisely because its an overnight flight. Who misses the lack of meals/service/IFE when your punching out the Z's? And if I get cold I can always cuddle up to ...... actually scratch that one - I might just use my jacket.

The decision may be taken out of my hands in any case - the use of Starclass is being questioned as company policy is Y-only for scum like me. The fact that the airfare is $30 more than the Malaysia option will also work against me. Either way it will be a new product to praise/criticise when I get back.


Cheers,


Andrew

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[oz_mark]

I'd go for the MH flight as well, unless you particulalry want to try Jetstar and *class.

 

[NM]

I understand your reasoning, but it was always going to be an overnight return as I need to work through to Thursday and want to be in Sydney Friday morning, so I was tossing up MH123 and JQ66. The Jetstar flight leaves/arrives over 3 hours earlier than the Malaysia one.

Ouch, that's a shame. Its a pitty its not Starclass for the return overnight flight.

The decision may be taken out of my hands in any case - the use of Starclass is being questioned as company policy is Y-only for scum like me. The fact that the airfare is $30 more than the Malaysia option will also work against me. Either way it will be a new product to praise/criticise when I get back.

Ouch again. Did you try arguing that Starclass is Y? Hmm, probably not an argument you can win though.

I would consider offering to pay the diff to Starclass on the return and using any per-diem allowances or tax deductions to fund the difference.

 

[acampbel]

Ouch, that's a shame. Its a pitty its not Starclass for the return overnight flight.

Ouch again. Did you try arguing that Starclass is Y? Hmm, probably not an argument you can win though.

I would consider offering to pay the diff to Starclass on the return and using any per-diem allowances or tax deductions to fund the difference.

I have never "paid" for business class (if you ignore FF awards and upgrade credits) and I'm not about to start any time soon now. This is a pretty short hop anyway - just a direct flight of about 8 hours - which is a doddle compared to some 30+ hour itineraries of the past.

So although it would be nice to get a good night's sleep on the way back, I'll settle for a couple of hours of upright dozing.


But the fat lady has sung and I am sitting in the QC at T1, sipping my last free bubbly and feeling like a stranger in a familiar land. I don't suppose they do boarding calls for JQ so I better not get to the lounge late. I promise to scratch out a trip report when I get back so that the highs and lows of travelling JQ can get an airing for the unbelievers (like myself).


Cheers,


Andrew

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[straitman]

But the fat lady has sung and I am sitting in the QC at T1, sipping my last free bubbly and feeling like a stranger in a familiar land. I don't suppose they do boarding calls for JQ so I better not get to the lounge late. I promise to scratch out a trip report when I get back so that the highs and lows of travelling JQ can get an airing for the unbelievers (like myself).


Cheers,


Andrew

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In my limited experience of JQ (SYD-CHC-SYD) the QP did do boarding calls for JQ. Good idea was to ask on the way in.

Have a good trip.

 

[Mal]

I wonder if the T1 Qantas F lounge restaurant has a 'To go" option for those flying Jetstar?

 

[straitman]

I wonder if the T1 Qantas F lounge restaurant has a 'To go" option for those flying Jetstar?

Now there's a thought.

 

[acampbel]

In my limited experience of JQ (SYD-CHC-SYD) the QP did do boarding calls for JQ. Good idea was to ask on the way in.

Have a good trip.

I had been directed by the *class CIC to the temporary QC near Gate 24, but on entering was told I should have gone upstairs. For that reason I thought it best to not assume there would be a boarding call, so I left for the gate 10 minutes before the deadline. I had never been to the gates in the 50+ range and didn't realise what a long walk it was. In the end it mattered not a jot as we boarded 30 minutes late due to "late arrival".

Anyway - I will leave the rest for the trip report....


Cheers,

Andrew

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