Perth to JFK in Qantas PE

[CatherineC]

I took advantage of the double status credits promotion and booked Perth- JFK return via Sydney and LA. I travelled to US with Qatar earlier in the year so was keen to try the 'other way'. I booked the 'upgradeable' economy fare and immediately requested a points upgrade to PE on Sydney to JFK segment and return. I was pleasantly surprised when the upgrade Sydney to JFK came through! I travelled to Sydney late afternoon and stayed overnight in Rydges at International Terminal. This was very convenient and I had a very comfortable room. Short walk the next morning to departure terminal. Sydney to LAX is on the A380 and PE is on upper deck. I chose aisle middle section and had a spare seat next to me. The seat was very comfortable with plenty of leg room. The meals were excellent and plenty of snacks and refreshments were offered throughout. I found the staff very pleasant and helpful and the time passed quite quickly. The changeover in LAX (2hours) was a bit stressful as delays with luggage collection, customs and security took up most of the time but it's always good knowing you are on a connecting flight which will be there when you eventually arrive at the gate. When we left the first flight into LAX we were given 'Express' tickets to apparently move through the queues quicker but they were of little use! Luggage has to be collected, taken through customs and then rechecked into connecting flight. Security lines were lengthy and there was no 'express' service! Fortunately, all was done within 2 hours! The next flight from LAX to JFK was also really enjoyable and we arrived in JFK slightly ahead of schedule. I was really happy with the trip and particularly enjoyed PE! I went economy with Qatar earlier in the year and flights were packed so can't really compare but think Qantas PE is well worth the extra money/points. Here's hoping the return flight is as good!

 

[RooFlyer]

Interesting (and surprised) to hear your experience with the 'express' tickets at LAX - you mean the orange things?

Was the immigration/customs slow? If so, was it because the people at immigration didn't recognise them / allow any 'priority' queues, or were the 'priority' queues were very long anyway?

Were you directed to the electronic gates, or manual booths?

Or was it just security for the onwards leg that was slow?

 

[CatherineC]

After passing quickly through passport control the luggage was slow coming to the dedicated collection point. The queues after this to go through customs were very lengthy. Despite holding the orange tickets the 'officials' directed us into mainstream queues which seemed to take forever! Once in a queue it takes a brave person to exit and try another! Once manually checked by customs it was on to luggage check which was quick and efficient. Upstairs then to security which was really slow!! No one was interested in when your flight was leaving - just join a queue and seemingly hope for the best! A Qantas rep was on other side of customs directing us to the departure gate and that was helpful!

 

[Mattg]

Thanks for the report. I would agree that Qantas premium economy is a nice way to fly. The meals are basically the same as domestic Business class and the crew are usually excellent.

Hope your upgrade comes through for the return leg!

 

[CaptJCool]

Yes I did this trip in September 2012 on the 747. well before I joined AFF.

had done Y to PE Op upgrade in 2008 (got the red Beep at the gate).
Food was excellent, spirits great. Haha two of us drank a bottle of some sticky wine

Watch out for the odd lounge configuration at JFK. The entry check is before both lounges and there was open access to either lounge even if directed one way or the other. Strange. I loved the fountain in the business lounge as the showers are only on that side. The first lounge was small but always good to see JW Blue on shelf...

and JFK to LAX two of us drank seppelts para liqueur. Another fine sticky mmmmmm
i can remember my footrest didn't work on the LAX to SYD sector but my cabin baggage worked a treat against the bulkhead. Slept like a baby! Helped to have good company to I suppose

Oh and this route was one of the few where SCs were enhanced upwards. The SYD-JFK sector used to be less than the split sectors and now it's more.

 

[CatherineC]

Suffice to say I had no luck on the return flight! Each sector was apparently a full flight so economy it was! JFK to LAX was comfortable enough even with my middle row being fully occupied. Qantas service was good and although we were nearly an hour late leaving JFK we managed to arrive in LA on schedule. I had asked at the service desk before boarding about PE availability but no go. I was intrigued however to note 2 people with cabin bags being taken from economy 'towards the front' of the plane by cabin crew soon after we left..... Anyway, this turned out to be a relatively quick flight so all good. On arrival at LAX I enquired again about PE availability but negative response. Boarding was delayed due to terminal traffic and we then sat on the Tarmac for nearly an hour waiting our turn. Economy was essentially full - the man next to me couldn't even get a seat with his wife who was in the row behind. I might have helped out except I wasn't prepared to give up my aisle seat for anyone! Flight was uneventful. Explored the amenities area at back of A380 economy - good magazines, muesli bars, kit Kats and drinks on offer which was a handy distraction over 14 hours. Crew were quite chatty too which was nice. Food service was fine and generally, the flight wasn't too bad. Managed some sleep in between letting my restless neighbour in and out of his seat.... Arrival into Sydney was on time and then back to Perth on a 737 - happy not to have spent any points on a business upgrade on that flight - why would you??? All in all PE was clearly the better option and was pleased I could enjoy this at the start of my trip. Economy coming home wasn't too bad. international cabin crew are clearly a few steps above the domestic crew in all respects however they were all pleasant enough and proficient.

 

[Snoopydoo]

Thanks for sharing I was initially looking at J fares SYD - JFK via LAX but the price keeps going up so am now looking at PE as an option (have been told by other AFF-ers that upgrading to J on any US leg is close to zilch because I have no SC).

 

[Spongbob]

Thanks for sharing I was initially looking at J fares SYD - JFK via LAX but the price keeps going up so am now looking at PE as an option (have been told by other AFF-ers that upgrading to J on any US leg is close to zilch because I have no SC).

And yes, thank you for sharing your flight experience. I flown a few times in PE with QF and I agree it is pretty good, certainly better than BA's WTP.

I am planning to try PE in CX. Some reviews are not good, yet others seem to have been impressed.