QF24 BKK-SYD J on A332 (pre-refurb)

[AndrewL]

We're flying on QF24 on a pre-refurb A332 and have just had our successful points upgrade come through. I'd appreciate any advice people could give on what to expect.

- Lounge access: as a QC PS we were expecting the CIP Lounge but as far as I can tell we'll have access to the CX and EK lounges. Is there a general preference of one over the other? Looking for a quick shower, some pre-flight drinks and a small meal. A decent view would be a plus.

- Seat: we'll obviously miss the new J suites unfortunately. At the moment the seats available to us are 4A/B, 5B/E or 6E/F/J/K although I imagine that will change quickly as more upgrades are processed. Best choice for a couple? Prefer away from toilets and possibly galley so at the moment I've got 5B/E.

- Anything other perks I may be missing? We have a tight connection to a QF Y flight so hopefully there's an express pass of some sort for immigration. I've flown QFd J and MH J before but not QFi J so looking forward to it, even without the new business suites.

Thanks in advance.

 

[aussiel]

Arriving at SYD, my experience has been to use the smartgates (look out for the kiosks to get your gate ticket before you get to the main immigration hall, might save a few minutes of queuing). You should get an express pass, but the express immigration line is in the manual queue. There is also an express lane for customs, which often is busier than the general lane. Play it as it lies on the day! Then go on jump on the cattle truck across to the domestic terminal.

I'd personally take 4A/B, unless you're planning on skipping the service and going straight to sleep.

 

[AndrewL]

Is that row 4 choice based on meal selections? We've pre-selected our meals so I'm not too worried about running out of options and I think row 4 might get a bit more noise/light from the galley.

 

[aussiel]

Is that row 4 choice based on meal selections? We've pre-selected our meals so I'm not too worried about running out of options and I think row 4 might get a bit more noise/light from the galley.

Based on sitting together, and away from the crying babies in the front row of Y!

 

[kermatu]

I agree - go as far up front as possible.

Pre-selected meals aren't guaranteed in my experience. Several times the crew have had no record of my selection - though I've still eventually received what I wanted. Also it's been a bit of time since I've flown QF J medium/long-haul as I've been flying on other airlines.

 

[Hvr]

Is your connecting flight on the same PNR? If so don't stress about it. Qantas is very good at putting you on another flight if required.

 

[under the radar]

Based on sitting together, and away from the crying babies in the front row of Y!

Do J/C babies cry less? I highly doubt a baby knows what cabin they are in:shock: Note on this aircraft J/C bassinets are in rows 1AB,JK AND 4AB,JK

 

[whughes3]

Do J/C babies cry less? I highly doubt a baby knows what cabin they are in:shock: Note on this aircraft J/C bassinets are in rows 1AB,JK AND 4AB,JK

At least it is highly unusual for the bassinets in J to be actually used, unlike those in Y.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Agree - 4AB. Also less traffic during boarding as the front cabin should be reserved for J class pax only, the second cabin will have all of economy passing through.

 

[aussiel]

At least it is highly unusual for the bassinets in J to be actually used, unlike those in Y.

While this explanation is what I was getting at, my experience with babies in J has been great (apart from seeing them board, haven't heard a peep!). With less passengers in J, the probability of getting a baby in the cabin is less, and any Y screamers will end up in row 23.

 

[Shan Man]

CX lounge in Bkk is new and very nice! I would go there over anywhere else.

 

[Ansett]

CX lounge in Bkk is new and very nice! I would go there over anywhere else.

Thought they also used the JAS Premier or Purah India lounges?

 

[JohnK]

CX lounge in Bkk is new and very nice! I would go there over anywhere else.

If you want a good variety of food then definitely the Emirates lounge. Noodle bar doesn't do it for me. Or Thai curry pastry. Or sandwiches.

 

[moa999]

Both CX and EK lounges have recently been renovated.
I noted the mention of showers - CX doesn't have any. EK does.

As for seats - on SYD-BKK if its not refurb, it will be SkyBed's so only galley between Rows 3/4 - no toilets.
Seat map here. As a couple I would be taking an A/B, E/F or J/K pair and not splitting across aisles
http://www.qantas.com/infodetail/flying/inTheAir/ourAircraft/332-36J199Y.pdf

Coming back from BKK its an overnight flight so I wouldnt expect much noise from the galley

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Coming back from BKK its an overnight flight so I wouldnt expect much noise from the galley

Given the length of time for QF to serve meals, and the potential crashing around as they are preparing breakfast (on some flights it's been a shocker - even in F) - I would stay well away from the galley if possible!

 

[moa999]

You're never that far away in the international 332