SYD-JFK - QF A380 and AA767 or QF747 all the way?? J Class (which way to go)

[Kefci2000]

obviously chance to upgrade on A380

 

[zachary.august]

Personally, I'd take a layover in LAX for the day since that QF11 doesn't make the 107 connection and flying straight to the East Coast is a killer. You could do SYD-LAX QF11 and then LAX-JFK on QF107.

 

[Kefci2000]

Personally, I'd take a layover in LAX for the day since that QF11 doesn't make the 107 connection and flying straight to the East Coast is a killer. You could do SYD-LAX QF11 and then LAX-JFK on QF107.

Have to be there same day

 

[tuapekastar]

Option 1 for mine. The 380, including the upgrade possibility, plus the transcon 762s for AA, while I don't recall being flat beds, are quite adequate in J - are they not replacing these with A320s (or 319s or 321s) sometime relatively soon?

 

[Kefci2000]

Correct it is the 762 with First lie flat but only angled J class

 

[zachary.august]

Have to be there same day

Perhaps leave a day earlier then? Failing that I'd just do J the whole way.

 

[Swanhaven]

Go all the way on 107 - flight change to AA in LAX is a real pain - do it often - however be aware with the budget problems in the US the lines in LAX for admission to the US will be "hell on earth" - enjoy the trip and just relax on 107 - great 747 and good staff.

 

[Red Roo]

obviously chance to upgrade on A380

The inflight Business experience on the B747 now matches our flagship A380 offering. However subject to availability and the fare type purchased, you may be able to change your routing closer to departure. Depending on your preference of return flights, perhaps you could compare the two in a trip report?

 

[Arrow29]

Go all the way on 107 - flight change to AA in LAX is a real pain - do it often - however be aware with the budget problems in the US the lines in LAX for admission to the US will be "hell on earth" - enjoy the trip and just relax on 107 - great 747 and good staff.

Sorry to be slightly off-topic, but on the note of budget problems and long queues, I was wondering how long I should be allowing in LAX as a transit? Arriving from SIN via SQ38 scheduled arrival 17:50. Will be taking a flight onto MCO, the 2 options are either AA leaving at 21:45 or Delta leaving at 23:20. Would like to minimise time spent at LAX if possible, wondering if the 4hrs is enough? Cheers

 

[dajop]

Would like to minimise time spent at LAX if possible, wondering if the 4hrs is enough? Cheers

Take SQ 22 to EWR and connect there instead, that minimises time in LAX

As for OP, I don't understand the suggestions to layover in LAX a day when travelling in J. It's so much better to arrive in the evening in JFK and get the journey over with than have to spend the day staying up in LAX and then get up and go through the whole airport experience again for a flight leaving around 9am the next morning. As for flights, I dunno, like the A380 better as a plane if on board product is the same, and don't AA have a better product on the transcons than the average 738 or MD80 that is prevalent elsewhere in their network? For a 5 hr journey I don't see the problem, but I would really try and stay awake for that flight to adjust jetlag better, so wouldn't need a lie flat! But that's just me.

 

[Mardi]

Go through MEL A380 QF93 then change to QF107 from LAX.

 

[Hvr]

Go through MEL A380 QF93 then change to QF107 from LAX.

And the MEL F Lounge is more intimate but just as good.

 

[Kefci2000]

Thanks for all the replies, have decided on A380 with the hope of an upgrade.

had to book quickly as all the business saver fares were selling out (extra $3k otherwise)

as for Melbourne, that is my normal home but just started a job in Sydney commuting so want to try the F Lounge in Sydney.

the 1pm flight also gives me the chance to properly get lounged out!!

am flying home on QF8 from DFW so chance to sample new 747 service in 5B

 

[drsmithy]

Go all the way on 107 - flight change to AA in LAX is a real pain - do it often - however be aware with the budget problems in the US the lines in LAX for admission to the US will be "hell on earth" - enjoy the trip and just relax on 107 - great 747 and good staff.

For a taste of what might be, a few days ago I flew from Montreal to Phoenix and spent a bit under 90 minutes standing in line for security, immigration, etc, at YUL.

The irony of doing this whilst a model of the Statue of Liberty stood silent witness, was not lost on me.

 

[Kefci2000]

Go all the way on 107 - flight change to AA in LAX is a real pain - do it often - however be aware with the budget problems in the US the lines in LAX for admission to the US will be "hell on earth" - enjoy the trip and just relax on 107 - great 747 and good staff.

Dont you have to clear customs regardless of plane change?

 

[CaviAck]

Dont you have to clear customs regardless of plane change?

Yes, but with QF107 there's no terminal change and there's very little chance of you missing the flight because everyone who's continuing on has to clear immigration as well. ISTR that you get a guide through immigration if there's risk of delay as well.

 

[Kefci2000]

Glad I went QF11 on A380 as upgrade came through overnight

 

[Red Roo]

Glad I went QF11 on A380 as upgrade came through overnight

Great outcome as per your OP! Hope you enjoy the experience. Looking forward to your feedback.

 

[Kefci2000]

Great outcome as per your OP! Hope you enjoy the experience. Looking forward to your feedback.

Great experience, Jackie is probably the best QF FA I have experienced in any class.

a real credit to QF, pity there is not more of her on board, made a great experience fantastic.

 

[Berlin]

I would definitely go for the A380 and then change over. Have done it once, will do exactly that tomorrow and- yep, as hoped for- my upgrade to First came through yesterday and that alone is worth it. On the way back I'll go on the Qantas 747 from JFK to LAX, then treat myself to a three day stop over driving down to San Diego, and then back to Sydney on the A380 again.

I think with the re-furbed 747s it depends on how much value you personally see in the chance to get an upgrade to First on the big bird. For me, that's the number 1 use of points, both from a Dollar value and from a personal experience point of view (followed by JASAs which is a much more "rational" use of my points) so when ever I have the chance to get onto the A380 First, I'd do anything I can for the opportunity. And- I have never been disappointed by the experience on Qantas First. Ever!