Six Flights Five Airlines from Oz to USA then home, what should I expect?

[Colin D]

Previously I've only had a return flight, but my first trip to USA I've got the following and look forward to comparing the planes, the boarding and inflight service and the company approach.

1/ QF93 - A380 to LAX
2/ AA172 - 32B to New York (not sure about that plane model but that is what their website said)
3/ VX251 - ??? to Vegas
4/ HA1 - A330 to Honolulu
5/ NZ9 - 767-300 to Auckland
6/ NZ123 - 777-300 to Melbourne

I've only ever flown on a 747 (Malaysian, Fiji), 777-300 (Emirates), 737-800 (Virgin), and whatever Tiger, Virgin and Jetstar use for domestic flights.

The opportunity to fly on an A380 appealed greatly so I grabbed it. I'm aware of the debate over the Airbus v Boeing comparisons and look forward to experiencing the differences first had. Many others on here would have had the same experience I'm sure, what should I expect between planes and carriers?

I have paid extra for more comfortable seats on the QF, VX, HA1 and NZ9 flights.

Cheers

Colin

 

[knasty]

32B is AA's new A321 which should be a nice way to travel coast to coast in any class...

 

[TomVexille]

Are you travelling in Y?

2/ AA172 - 32B Is the designation for AA's 321 3-class Transcon aircraft

3/ VX251 - ??? Will be either a A319 or A320

6/ NZ123 - 777-300 (Assuming Y) See if it's possible to pay for a PE seat on the seat selection page.

 

[Denali]

So on the NZ flights, you have Deluxe Works (767-300) and Premium Economy (777-300)?

 

[Colin D]

So on the NZ flights, you have Deluxe Works (767-300) and Premium Economy (777-300)?

Not exactly, I just paid extra to get seats with more leg room on the 767-300 and flying cattle class on the 777-300 from Auckland.

 

[Colin D]

Returned after the sojourn through the US without major dilemma. The report card on the airlines and planes is mixed, here is my summary:

1/ A380 is a dream to fly on, smooth, quiet, roomy, overall an excellent long haul choice I will be seeking on my trip to Europe.
2/ QANTAS service was below par compared to what I am used to getting on Emirates. The food was acceptable but the level of attention from the attendants seemed less than enthusiastic. Having said that none of the other carriers were much different which either means my expectations are too high or things are going south with in flight service.