Sri Lankan Airlines CMB-MEL business

[RooFlyer]

I'm trying to decide if I should fly CMB-MEL direct on UL next year or go CMB-xSIN-MEL/SYD, in which case SIN-MEL/SYD would be on QF metal. It would be a QFF redemption (seats are available for my travel dates, at least for the direct flight).

Key point would be if CMB-MEL on UL has flat beds on their A330-200 on that sector? Does anyone know?

Seat Guru doesn't say which of the 5 versions of the plane is used on the sector.

 

[Pushka]

In my last trip review we flew UL Heathrow to Colombo. But our route home was via HK on Cathay. This was before the direct to Mel flight. I slept well and think it was the same plane.

Has CMB - MEL even started yet?

 

[RooFlyer]

Have been looking closely at that Trip Report and others to Sri Lanka Destination Trip Reports and will have some follow-up questions, for sure.

Yes, CMB-MEL now flying.

 

[defurax]

The 332 has the older generation J seats. I find the flat bed to be comfortable. The ackward part is actually when reclining because the seat becomes elevated, so when watching a movie it's a bid odd. But I would take that any day over BA Club World...

 

[NinnyPoo]

It looks like they will use the older A330-200 as per Aus BT SriLankan Airlines to fly Colombo-Melbourne from October

I have flown this configuration from Colombo to Rome (When they did this route) and it was fine.

(Also if you go via SIN on QF, and then SIN-CMB on Sri Lankan Airines this leg will be on an A320. Lots of room, but very "regional business class".)

 

[RooFlyer]

Thanks to all, esp for the link to the AusBT article; those seats/beds look OK, especially for the last flight of a trip - own bed the next night! I was thinking they might be recliners.

 

[bobe]

Nothing wrong at all with the older type flown a few times From Colombo to Rome and they were excellent.

 

[Major]

I have booked CMB-MEL -BNE for May in J. Unfortunately 7 months before I can report back

But it was quite economical

 

[RooFlyer]

Just phoned Qantas:

Award flights:
UL604 CMB-MEL direct, business 78,000 points and $162 extra charges
CMB-SIN on UL, SIN-MEL on QF: 98,000 points and $583 charges (!!!)

So, that decision is pretty clear cut!

I also called Sri Lankan Airways Australian office. Call answered promptly, but agent not very knowledgeable about the aircraft type/config to be used. Eventually came up with 'refurbished A330 with 2-2-2 configuration'.

The 'on-hold' music with UL is a rousing rendition of Offenbach's 'Can-can' music

 

[MEL_Traveller]

There is no question - they are full flats.

 

[Mattg]

Sri Lankan Airlines is upgrading its daily CMB-MEL flight to the Airbus A330-300 from 28 October. This aircraft has lie-flat J seats in a 1-2-1 config. It's the same as used on the CMB-LHR route.

 

[defurax]

Sri Lankan Airlines is upgrading its daily CMB-MEL flight to the Airbus A330-300 from 28 October. This aircraft has lie-flat J seats in a 1-2-1 config. It's the same as used on the CMB-LHR route.

Looks like it reverts back to a 332 at the end of March 2019.

 

[Pushka]

Sri Lankan Airlines is upgrading its daily CMB-MEL flight to the Airbus A330-300 from 28 October. This aircraft has lie-flat J seats in a 1-2-1 config. It's the same as used on the CMB-LHR route.

Flew that plane from LHR. Rather nice and good price.