SYD->LHR in F Classic rewards - Seat selection QF vs BA

[Nat]

Hi,

I'm currently planning a F trip SYD->LHR using Qantas points classic rewards (I'm QFF Bronze)

There is availability for the dates I want to travel on both Qantas and BA flights. The only other time I have booked a F reward was on a BA flight and I was able to select my seat months before (I'm assuming this is the same?). I was wondering if being a Bronze QFF I am allowed to select my seat if I book using points or do I have to wait 48hrs before etc for OLCI?

Also as no Qantas A380 flights are available on my travel dates, any suggestions on picking either BA or Qantas for this trip? I've never tried Qantas Business or First.

Thanks!

Nat

 

[Hawkeye]

In answer to your second question, and given the the choice provided, I would unequivocably choose Qantas.

There is little to differentiate the seats, but Qantas seat certainly feels bigger. Service is also relatively even, but a good QF F crew can be outstanding.

The biggest difference for me is in the quality of food and wine. SYD-SIN in QF F is one of the flagship menus, with the option of the degustation menu. The long segment to LHR is a simple supper menu before sleep, so much less to rave about.

 

[Stealth]

"I would unequivocably choose Qantas".

Ditto, far more consistent and use much more recent equipment in most cases. For years I was a BA stalwart, but not now.

 

[MrJetset]

When are you traveling?

BA is updating their fleet with Next Generation First First - On board at a cost of $176 million. Given that you'r options are the QF 747s, this hard product is by far newer and superior.

The catch is that not all of the fleet is fitted, and it looks like BA 777s are being fitted first. It is supposed to be completed by August 2011. BA cannot tell you if you're aircraft will feature Next Generation First until 48 hours prior. This thread of flytertalk is useful and provides a link to which aircraft have been fitted Tracking NF [New First] - FlyerTalk Forums

I have always preferred QF's soft product over BA. The service, and particularly food are incomparable.

 

[Nat]

Looking to travel in October. Thanks for the info all