Question re Classic Award options

[Guvner]

Hi, looking at booking a classic award BKK>MXP in Sept 2017

Availability is good and I have a number of options:
I can do
EK in F BKK>DXB>MXP for 126,000 points + $610 (approx)
EK in F then J same route for 125,000 (1,000 pts less for one leg of J..?!!) + $610
EK in J for 84,000 + $610
QR F then J BKK>DOH>MXP for 131,000 + $321
QR J for 92,000 + $262
BA J BKK>LHR>MXP for 92,000 + $385
CX F BKK>HKG>MXP for 133,000 + $107
CX J for 92,000 + $107


to me, the points + $ would suggest that CX F all the way is the best bang for buck and this route also has a 12 hr leg (not 2 shorter legs like EK) but I've never flown CX F so am wondering if the hard product is as good as EK.

Any thoughts from those more experienced than I?

 

[travelislife]

I would contend QR J is prob the best value J product too.

 

[Dr Ralph]

EK F definitely better than CX F. But CX taxes are very attractive.

 

[JaneFlyer]

I'd opt for QR myself - find the EK F and J seats very cramped and don't tend to sleep much in them but YMMV, this is just personal opinion. Haven't tried CX F but there are similarities between QR and CX service especially compared to airlines like QF - they tend to be less personal but still polite and efficient.

 

[scwappy]

CX has a great first lounge in BKk to sample , as do EK and QR

 

[JohnK]

CX has a great first lounge in BKk to sample , as do EK and QR

Where is the CX First lounge in BKK? Their refurbished lounge in BKK is OK but I wouldn't go out of the way to visit.

The EK lounge is good but lacking character like any EK lounge I have visited. Haven't visited the QR lounge yet.

 

[RichardMEL]

The EK taxes/charges are off the wall (or what QFF is charging for the EK I mean) ... similar for QR. I guess CX is far less due to the HKG rule about award ticket fees(?)

anyway I think it all comes down to preference vs. cost.. eg some might view EK F as being superior for the bar, showers etc while others might feel the CX F product is better even without the showers (the food is probably better and the seat is pretty nice too). QR is supposed to have a very very good F and J product too, but unlike the others I haven't tried it.

I guess if it was me I'd go for CX F for a) ease of connection, b) product on board, c) lounges at HKG if a stopover/longer transit involved. Then I'd prob go QR to try it out, and finally EK (based on cost as much as anything). However everyone's mileage is different (punt intended)

 

[scwappy]

Where is the CX First lounge in BKK?

Woops!! Meant HKG, and the home port first lounges for DXB and DOH

 

[Dr Ralph]

CX has a great first lounge in BKk to sample , as do EK and QR

The EK lounge in BKK is very ordinary. Seats in particular are very uncomfortable.

 

[snabbu]

I'd be taking the CX option for sure. Taxes low, points similar across the board in F, HKG is a wonderful place to spend a few hours if you are on an F ticket or OWE, etc.

 

[clazman]

CX would be my choice, for no real reason...

Downside is BKK to HKK and then Milan possibly a longer route, but i suppose more time to enjoy F

 

[Guvner]

Thanks for the feedback all. Have booked CX F with 2 days in HKG, just need to find a nice hotel and a top notch dinner venue. Suggestions welcome..

 

[Limewood]

Been going to HK for decades, best one to date is Cordis Hotel Club Floor, includes breakfast (+ light meals for dinner) and booze, can eat in club or main for beaky, is best, big rooms too. From curb-side to departure could not fault it. We spend 5 nights there April 2016.