Sampling QF First (sort of) on QF8 BNE-SYD

[newformula]

Bit of a kooky idea, but thought I'd run it past the brains trust on AFF.

I'm thinking there's very little chance I'm going to be able to sample the QF 747 F cabin before it slowly gets phased out over the next couple of years. AFAIK, QF8 is still running a 4 class 747 sold as a 2 class cabin, so I could book / upgrade into business on QF8 between BNE and SYD one morning and see what it was all about.

Couple of questions...
I'm QF SG so should be able to select seats in the F cabin, right? I will check on Expertflyer to see seats are available on the seat map before deciding whether to actually do this.
With the 6.30 departure, what time do QF want you at BNE (with no bags)? Would 1.5 hours beforehand be OK?
Finally, how do you get treated at SYD on arrival as a domestic passenger in the International terminal? Can you swan through immigration and customs or are you treated like everyone else?

Thanks!

 

[pauly7]

There are no such things as kooky ideas here!!

I have heard that sometimes QF will block out the nose on these domestic hop flights if their aren't sufficient bums on seats. But that's unconfirmed.

I'll leave it to someone more learned to jump in

 

[newformula]

For example, here's the seat map ExpertFlyer is showing me for QF8 tomorrow (with my QF# included in my EF preferences). White seats are available.
Looks like there's a good chance I could do this, right? Could be interesting at least.

 

[markis10]

Allow plenty of time for delays with this service, and in terms of arrival, you get treated the same as everyone else although your bags are unlikely to bear much scrutiny given the d sticker on your BP, which you should never leave on the plane!

 

[frankxinyu]

i was on the QF8 BNE-SYD about 3 weeks ago, and yes as a QFF Gold member i had 2A.

great seat, although there was hardly any service (well, not much time really)

i was actually going to SYD to get on another international flight so everything worked out perfectly...much better than flying from BNE Domestic.

 

[serfty]

Flew in 1A DFW-BNE in July.

The Flight services director (AKA Head honcho FA) came around to each PAX detailing what they needed to do on arrival into BNE.

There were people in with DFW-SYD BP's and they were to keep the same seats.

BNE-SYD is really to short a time to experience the best of the seat (IMHO for sleeping) although as indicated the flight is great for connecting to international flights out of SYD.

 

[TravelingSmithy]

Have used it a couple of time in a cheap Eco Seat for a BNE-SYD to Int QF127 & Dom and got the PEco seats straight up (Plat QF). Can I ask if you have a First Int Seat or Bus Seat as interested you got 2A which was great. You are correct was very handy for an early morning check into customs although there was a queue at the Transfer Desk into SYD

Thanks for info