Qantas A330-200 Upgraded Business Class

[hugowood]

Hi all,

I'm set to fly on QF497 from Sydney to Melbourne on the 31st of March on an A330.

Does anyone know the likeliness I will get one of the new refurb a330's? I understand they are generally put on the coast to coast routes but do they ever do SYD-MEL?

Is there any way to know in advance?

Thank you!

 

[mannej]

I'd put it at roughly a 2in15 chance off the top of my head.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Posting from my phone so the E/F seat map posts 'funny' however it's not showing as a refurbished 332 due to the 2x2x2 config 36 seats in J.

You're after the 1x2x1 config with 28 seats in J.

Results from ExpertFlyer.com

Seat Map Search:
Departing SYD on 31/03/15 for MEL
Flying QF flight 497 in Business

        A   B       E   F       J   K   
1       -   X       X   X       X   X       
2   W   +   +       +   +       +   +   W   
3       +   +       +   +       +   +       
4       +   +       +   +       -   -       
5       +   +       +   +       +   +       
6       +   +       +   +       +   +       
        A   B       E   F       J   K   




Seats
Premium Only             P                        
Available                +                        
Handicap-Accessible      H                        
Paid & Premium           #                        
Occupied                 -                        
Blocked                  X                        
Lavatory                 L                        
Paid                     $                        

Location
Exit Row                 E                        
Wing                     W                        
Upper Deck               U

 

[cove]

The crowd in J on QF581 were quite impressed with the new fit out on the run from SYD to PER. I needed the CSM to get the sound working to watch Big Bang Theory. All went well and I used the back massage feature, the meal was good and I slept.
We bought some Sheldon tee shirts in the US for both of our sons.

 

[harvyk]

I would say it's an almost zero percent chance of getting new J on a SYD-MEL, I do believe new J is limited to transcon flights (where you can actually get some use from the flat bed).
Even then it is hit and miss.

That said the new J is very comfy, and it's almost an insult that both old J and new J are effectively the same price since flying on new J and then flying on old J on the next flight feels like going from F to PE and get charged the same.

 

[under the radar]

I would say it's an almost zero percent chance of getting new J on a SYD-MEL, I do believe new J is limited to transcon flights (where you can actually get some use from the flat bed).
Even then it is hit and miss.

New J just did QF405 today....and I have noticed the New J a/c have done SYD/MEL/SYD sectors in the past (especially in the mornings)

 

[hugowood]

Hey Everyone! Thanks so much for the replies, I was looking at the seat map last night and noticed that it's indicated there is a galley in between rows 3&4. I've been on many a330-200 domestic business class flights and it's always one cabin.

Is there a chance it could be one of the a330-200 international config with the skybed mark 1?

Thanks!

 

[defurax]

Hey Everyone! Thanks so much for the replies, I was looking at the seat map last night and noticed that it's indicated there is a galley in between rows 3&4. I've been on many a330-200 domestic business class flights and it's always one cabin.

Is there a chance it could be one of the a330-200 international config with the skybed mark 1?

Thanks!
View attachment 43740View attachment 43742

Yes, this is the Intl config 332 with MKI beds.

 

[jackthomas]

A friend of mine travelled in J on a new 330 SYD-MEL return about a month ago, so definitely possible.

 

[Quickstatus]

Does QF enplane/deplane from left door in front of Row 1 or the second left door in front of row 7 in the new 28J config A332?

Also looking for comments regarding new config A332 J seats comparing window seats with console next to window or console next to aisle.

 

[whughes3]

Does QF enplane/deplane from left door in front of Row 1 or the second left door in front of row 7 in the new 28J config A332?

Also looking for comments regarding new config A332 J seats comparing window seats with console next to window or console next to aisle.

They almost always use the second left door in my experience.

I don't perceive much difference between the 2 seat formats; maybe on redeye flights there may be an advantage to having the console next to the aisle.

 

[kermatu]

Does QF enplane/deplane from left door in front of Row 1 or the second left door in front of row 7 in the new 28J config A332?

Also looking for comments regarding new config A332 J seats comparing window seats with console next to window or console next to aisle.

About 50/50 for use of one door or both in my experience. Depends on the gate setup I reckon. My most recent flight from Perth to Melbourne on a refurbed A330 used only the front door (ahead of row 1) - so all pax traipsed through J.

There's a thread on best seats. AusBT seat review is also pretty good. I'd always go for the console to the aisle. More privacy and you won't get bumped by passing traffic. But slight downside is less space / width.

 

[TheInsider]

Does QF enplane/deplane from left door in front of Row 1 or the second left door in front of row 7 in the new 28J config A332?

Depends on what gate they are at. If one bridge, it will be 2nd left door.

 

[v1nce007]

Also looking for comments regarding new config A332 J seats comparing window seats with console next to window or console next to aisle.

Console next to the aisle provides more privacy and make you feel like you are in your own little space. However those who have rotund proportions or elderly folks will probably find the console next to the window to be easier to get in and out of.

 

[j30max]

Most times for my syd-mel and back treks on 332 have been the upgraded aircraft. Last trip syd-per a few months ago, used points for business and had the new suites, very impressive.

 

[Quickstatus]

Does QF enplane/deplane from left door in front of Row 1 or the second left door in front of row 7 in the new 28J config A332?

Also looking for comments regarding new config A332 J seats comparing window seats with console next to window or console next to aisle.

To asnswer my own question:

have had 2 hoardings with one aerobridge to 2L and 2 deplaned with aerobridges to 1L and 2L
the two single aerobridges hoardings occurred at SYDT2 gate 4 and MEL gate 7

 

[Quickstatus]

Upgraded A330 J seats laps sash belt:

I find these uncomfortable as they did into the left shoulder. Unlike car lap sash belts they do not have a vertical adjustment for tall people. The exit point for the belt from the seat is lower than my shoulder.

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

Upgraded A330 J seats laps sash belt:

I find these uncomfortable as they did into the left shoulder. Unlike car lap sash belts they do not have a vertical adjustment for tall people. The exit point for the belt from the seat is lower than my shoulder.

These are similar to the 388 F belts. You only have to wear them for 10 mins max. During the flight the waist belt is sufficient.

 

[Quickstatus]

These are similar to the 388 F belts. You only have to wear them for 10 mins max. During the flight the waist belt is sufficient.

Ah thanks for info I had thought like F belts both lap and sash had to be used when seat belt sign comes on

 

[ComeFlyWithMe]

Ah thanks for info I had thought like F belts both lap and sash had to be used when seat belt sign comes on

Possibly but that rarely happens IME.