the long way around (cheap way to try EK A380)

[trixydoza]

Not sure of the best forum for this, but it's largely QF-related so I'll start here. I'd like to keep it general, though, as it'd be really interesting to hear similar examples of prioritising "the experience" over efficiency.

I need to go to Japan around four or five times a year, and have fallen in love with the NRT<>SIN F service on NH, which is a steal using (50,000) LifeMiles.

So that leaves me needing to get to or from SIN from or to CBR. I've been doing this with EK F via MEL or BNE, which costs 90,000 points and comes with limo transfers.

Was looking at a SIN-BNE-CBR trip recently, and realised that for an extra 36,000 points it can be converted into SIN-BNE-AKL-SYD-CBR (EK-EK-EK-QFJ). So effectively adding in two legs in EK A380 F for 36,000 points. It'll be my first time(s) on the EK A380, so it seemed like too good an opportunity to pass up.

Easiest way would of course be 72,000 points on QF HND-SYD-CBR, but for 50,000 LifeMiles + 126,000 QF points, this seems like it will be more fun. I'd also consider JAL F if it were the right time of year, but the NH leg is a pretty good substitute.

 

[boomy]

Always fun to fly the long way if it's in F

 

[kermatu]

I'd consider an extra leg in F for sure, but a 46 hour journey sounds too painful! Presumably you'd need to overnight in Sydney before the return to Canberra?

I have not flown EK F on the A380 (only on the 777). My understanding though is service and suites are identical. Not sure if the showers operate trans-tasman. If not, I have my doubts as to whether it is worth it given you are a regular F flyer already. But, I have no direct experience so others may be better placed to comment.

 

[trixydoza]

Presumably you'd need to overnight in Sydney before the return to Canberra?

Right, probably straight to the Rydges.

It's all a bit of an extravagance, really. I don't think I'll be feeling too much pain.

 

[Flying mermaid]

I'd consider an extra leg in F for sure, but a 46 hour journey sounds too painful! Presumably you'd need to overnight in Sydney before the return to Canberra?

I have not flown EK F on the A380 (only on the 777). My understanding though is service and suites are identical. Not sure if the showers operate trans-tasman. If not, I have my doubts as to whether it is worth it given you are a regular F flyer already. But, I have no direct experience so others may be better placed to comment.

We did the A380 to Dubai last year and then the 777-300 to Nairobi. Suites looked pretty much the same, but the 777 felt narrower. E.g. The basket of snacks they give you seemed to be more in the way, but on the A380 seemed more room to put it. Television was slightly different as well.

Otherwise service etc seemed the same - Dxb to Nbo is only 5 hours so not the same time to enjoy service as on the first leg, but bubbly was still Dom and a good menu. I would pick the A380 by preference, because of the shower, but the 777 was fine as well.

 

[smit0847]

I need to go to Japan around four or five times a year, and have fallen in love with the NRT<>SIN F service on NH, which is a steal using (50,000) LifeMiles.
View attachment 51655

SIN-NRT-JFK on NH F is even more of a steal

 

[trixydoza]

SIN-NRT-JFK on NH F is even more of a steal

Agreed... I have three SIN-NRT-SFO/ORD bookings over the coming months at 99,000 LifeMiles a pop.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

I would only do a 24/46/48 hour trip if there is any SC in consideration.
But thats me.