I don't want to start a riot as some people seem very outraged by this change, but how often does the average person use a toilet on a 12 hour flight anyway?? Once, twice, maybe 3 times??
IMHO, I find that there is always a queue for the loos after meal service or from about 1-2 hours before landing - irrespective of how many toilets there are on board. I simply just make sure I try to use them outside of those peak times. I know sometimes it's unavoidable and you've just got to go, but I really don't think one less loo will cause that much inconvenience if people just time their use of the conveniences better.
It's clear other's disagree, but I am really struggling to see how this devalues the Qantas offering. I haven't flown other carriers, but can anyone rattle off the pax-toilet ratios for other carriers? I'd be intrigued to know how different they are...and then whether this, as opposed to other factors would sway you to fly elsewhere. For my 2-3 loo trips, its not enough to sway me.
As for the row 48 boarding, I agree that it seems coughbersome, but it's 3 pax. Again, unless you are in those seats, I fail to see how this will inconvenience the majority of people. And if you don't like the idea of late boarding or a free drink in the J lounge, then pick another seat. Simple.
There's been a lot of focus on the negatives of this reconfiguration, but does anyone see any positives of the change? I see that potentially there will be some lucky Y pax upstairs are probably going to get a more premium experience than the masses downstairs for example - seems like it will be a very exclusive Y cabin.