PE Fares Pricing to LAX

[Saab34]

I am looking at heading over to LA late Aug/Sep, for once I was going to splurge and go PE.

For those who have done it, is it worth it? Compared to being stuck down the back.

I can get a fare with a promo code down to around 3k. I can’t say I have ever watched VA PE prices, is this reasonable or do they regularly go on sale under 3k? Not interested in QF as this one would push me back to Gold.

Thanks.

 

[VulpesVulpes]

On one hand, yes it's much nicer than being in Y, very similar to domestic business. If you can pick it up on sale for $2k then you're doing well.

However VA have arguably the best Y hard product across the ditch with a 777 that has 3-3-3 abreast seating (IMO YMMV). And you can upgrade to Economy X for a reasonable price. Get a good Y fare and splurge on EcoX and spend the savings at a nicer hotel somewhere.

 

[serfty]

Do you need the PE SCs to get back to SG?

 

[n7of9]

I always think of it this way: after 5 hours in an economy seat, sore, bored, squished, facing another 8 hours of the same, if someone walked by and offered me a better seat for $500 I'd give it to them on the spot say thank you. I always purchase the best seat I can afford

 

[CPMaverick]

On one hand, yes it's much nicer than being in Y, very similar to domestic business. If you can pick it up on sale for $2k then you're doing well.

However VA have arguably the best Y hard product across the ditch with a 777 that has 3-3-3 abreast seating (IMO YMMV). And you can upgrade to Economy X for a reasonable price. Get a good Y fare and splurge on EcoX and spend the savings at a nicer hotel somewhere.

I agree with this advice, I would just add that IMO an empty row in VA Y is better than (or at least as good as) a seat in PE, so it also depends on loads.

Of course whenever you talk about $$$, it's relative to how much you value the cash, which is different for everyone.

 

[Saab34]

Thanks guys. Cash not an issue wouldn’t want to spend more than 3k, will keep an eye of fares as they have not really dropped for all cabins in the back half of the year, someone told me today LAX is a frequent occurance on Happy Hour Sales.

An empty row would be a steal but is very hard to snatch. Got lucky with this last year on the EY A380, full window row which essentially became a lie flat bed. These are defiantly hit and miss!

 

[clipped_wings]

We flew SYD-LAX in PE in 2015, in the old configuration. We paid $5000 for two pax and loved every bit of the trip over. It definitely felt special and the service was impeccable. We had two seats near the window and it was like having your own mini row. We bummed out with D/G on the way back (middle row) and I must say, the experience was less favorable.
This year, we are booked in PE for the same journey, we paid $5100 and thought this was pretty good value, especially as I secured 16A/C both ways. This, in my opinion is the sweet spot in the 20 seat cabin. Unless you're a bulkhead fan, row 16 window seats are the best in the bunch. The cabin has been upgraded and the seat pitch is now a whopping 41". Plus, the meal service is more like Business. We flew Y+ last year and while it was better than economy, I would never step up the one class again, I'd go straight for Premium.

However, I also have us waitlisted for a J upgrade and to be perfectly honest, I won't look backwards to PE if that manicured finger beckons from beyond yonder purple curtain.......

 

[Saab34]

We flew SYD-LAX in PE in 2015, in the old configuration. We paid $5000 for two pax and loved every bit of the trip over. It definitely felt special and the service was impeccable. We had two seats near the window and it was like having your own mini row. We bummed out with D/G on the way back (middle row) and I must say, the experience was less favorable.
This year, we are booked in PE for the same journey, we paid $5100 and thought this was pretty good value, especially as I secured 16A/C both ways. This, in my opinion is the sweet spot in the 20 seat cabin. Unless you're a bulkhead fan, row 16 window seats are the best in the bunch. The cabin has been upgraded and the seat pitch is now a whopping 41". Plus, the meal service is more like Business. We flew Y+ last year and while it was better than economy, I would never step up the one class again, I'd go straight for Premium.

However, I also have us waitlisted for a J upgrade and to be perfectly honest, I won't look backwards to PE if that manicured finger beckons from beyond yonder purple curtain.......

5100 is a good price for two when did you book it?

 

[Dan_]

I am going mid April. Booked early Jan. Cost for the two of us $6900. There were no Y+ seats out of Syd so our routing goes SYD->BNE->LAX-> MCO. MCO-> LAX -> SYD. I've also thrown my hat in the ring with an upgrade cash bid. We are 3 weeks out and there are 14 J sets left, so fingers crossed.

 

[clipped_wings]

We booked on 11 January 2018. Agree it was a steal at the price, especially when the cabin was empty and we had the pick of the seats

 

[Spacetravel]

I usually see it in happy hour or another sale about twice a year between $2000 - $2500. If that is going to turn up in time for your trip, don't know.

I flew the old config a number of times. Especially before the upgrade it was OLD, felt like the worst maintained cabin on the plane, however I still found it much better than econ. They have upgraded it now, I haven't flown on the new config yet but I have been in business and walked back to take a look (and pinch some PE snacks as they don't have the same in Business). It looks like the same seats as before just refurbished, reupholstered and the pitch increased.

It's really up to you if you think its worth it, I love flying premium cabins and loath economy. People die when they hear how much I drop on flights just not to be up the back but to me I think its worth it. Other people just want to make it to the destination for as little as they can. If you book PE and wait list for an upgrade there is a very good chance you will get it. Most people don't realise VA open all their seats up to reward seats about 5 days out and 99% of the time I snag an upgrade.

 

[Saab34]

Ended up getting a fare for $2800. Will gain over $100 cash back via Cash Rewards and will net an extra 40,000 points via the triple points offer. whole cabin was open so can’t complain.

Best PE seats for solo flyer 16A?

 

[serfty]

IMHO 16D - unless you really want a window

 

[Denali]

Problem with an A seat in PE is that youre trapped if your seat mate goes to sleep and you want to go to the toilet.

 

[clipped_wings]

I love flying premium cabins and loath economy. People die when they hear how much I drop on flights just not to be up the back but to me I think its worth it. Other people just want to make it to the destination for as little as they can.

Couldn't agree more. I don't know anyone on the AFF forum that doesn't aspire to sipping the good stuff with the Beautiful People Up Front. Ok, I'm not beautiful, but I sure feel it when I sink my toosh in "The Business" cabin. I actually FEEL like the owner of Globo Gym "We're better than you. And we know it".

Problem with an A seat in PE is that you're trapped if your seat mate goes to sleep and you want to go to the toilet.

I'm hoping the 41" pitch resolves that issue somewhat.

 

[Denali]

Nope, not enough room, unless you are as nimble as a ballet dancer or youve had training with the Ministry of Walks.