Upgrading from J to F on A380

[oz74]

My +1 and I have paid j seats on qf 93 in August and can't wait! First long haul j trip.

As for upgrading to f with points we have put in a request but with us only being ps I doubt we will get it.

My theory is that you only live once and a380 f would be fantastic! Go for it I say!

 

[benmay]

I did first flight over 4hrs in Y in my adult life flying HKG-SYD. Not again please.

A day light flight in Y with no sleep required would be acceptable I think. But no sleeping in Y.

I never sleep well on a plane, and have always found J OK, and like others have suggested, going to F would make J unacceptable, so I'm have to live in ignorant bliss

 

[amaroo]

Upgrading in the OP circumstance is a no-brainer.

However - IMHO, believing it's F/J or nothing - is fools gold.

I've enjoyed all cabins on QF & a few other carriers........I've enjoyed F every time....in the main, I've enjoyed J......I'd be lying if I stated, I ever liked Y....(except for my first few OS trips)

However, I've loved every holiday. I've never left an aircraft and thought - I've just flown Y....my holiday is a waste of time & I wish I wasn't here!

Fly F, J, W or Y or a mixture.....have a great holiday & enjoy life

 

[MYT105]

If you have the points, your wife is in F, well, I just don't understand the hesitation? :shock:

Paddy55,

Yes I have the points, and will learn almost the same number needed for the one way upgrade from the return flight anyway, it is just I could put them to better use in the future, to pay for another trip somewhere else, no idea where yet. So it is really a matter is it that significantly different on the flight, as I will get all the other benefits, like lounge access etc, as a WP. Note I am not a big drinker and don't drink wine or champagne and usually eat in the lounge rather then on the plane, although on a 14 hour section will probably eat on the plane as well.
I suppose I can't see the value in applying for an upgrade at 60K when it might be an opup, if they do this. Yes it would be nice to travel in the same cabin, we will be on the way back in J, but in F you are not in adjoining seats, so not really close, is the food really all that much better from J to F?

The other fear is I won't enjoy J travel afterwards and that is where most of my long haul work trips are.

 

[Flying mermaid]

The other fear is I won't enjoy J travel afterwards and that is where most of my long haul work trips are.

I really don't think travelling F then makes J hard to bear. For me J is absolutely fine - as long as I have room to move and can lie down and sleep all is good. However I do find F terrific and and when we can afford it (which is fairly easy now, as F fares are more discounted and also we are no longer paying for 3 ankle biters), why not. If you are worried about doing it, then don't - it shouldn't be something to stress over, but more something to do because it is fun and you want to enjoy it. While I take Amaroo's point that the holiday is good no matter what class you travel, nothing would make me travel long haul and try to sleep sitting up - I don't have enough years left to me to want to waste days feeling miserable and exhausted

 

[dfcatch]

I wouldn't be assuming any chance of an opup - even if the F cabin is empty.

Only way "someone" might get op-upped is if J is full, F has space, and they need to bump someone up from Y to J as Y is also full.

So short answer - if you want to fly F you need to spend the points. Otherwise be happy in J.

But don't bank on an opup or you will end up disappointed.

 

[MH_fan]

Having not travelled below J on international for about 20 years, I'm bracing for a trip in Y with friends (definitely not FFers) to Europe later this year. I usually take a couple of temazepan to put me out. I think I'll need to graduate to Stilnox for this one (and no, not going via DBX!).

I've told my friends that they are more than welcome to join me in J on long-haul trips. I am NOT going back to Y no matter how good a friend they are.

 

[MH_fan]

By the way, how claustrophobic does the middle row in F (on the A380) feel? It looks like there will only be seats in that middle row available if my upgrade to F (from SYD to LAX next month) comes through. I know this is weird but not being able to see a window (no matter what class I'm in) creeps me out! I'd rather not upgrade if I won't get a window, as I'm currently sitting in 13A.

 

[pagingjoan]

By the way, how claustrophobic does the middle row in F (on the A380) feel? It looks like there will only be seats in that middle row available if my upgrade to F (from SYD to LAX next month) comes through. I know this is weird but not being able to see a window (no matter what class I'm in) creeps me out! I'd rather not upgrade if I won't get a window, as I'm currently sitting in 13A.

I'm a window seat fan, too, MH. But would take any F seat on the A380, over 13A or any other seat on the plane.
For me, it's not at all claustrophobic.
And you may find that a window seat becomes available on the day anyway, and that you can switch.
Best of luck.

 

[serfty]

There's nothing claustrophobic about anything in in relation to QF 388 First, not the lavs, not the seats.

FWIW, when seated it is not that easy to see properly out the windows in any case - that's what "tail cam" is for.

 

[bossreggie]

MH_fan

I wouldn't say the middle row is necessarily claustrophobic as such. As you board, access to all the seats in the middle row is via the 2nd aisle.

Unless you raise the screen, (on the left of your seat) you can easily see out left or right from your seat.

I have never travelled in the middle row, however that's down to my personal preference to always travel in 1A.

I'd do the middle row in F, over a window seat in J, every single time.

As I said in my earlier post; The seat alone makes it worthwhile to me. (And I pay, not use points)

 

[MH_fan]

Thanks for the advice, Boss. I'd love to be able to pay for F but my income limits me to paying for J only...and I always pay for my J trips. My points always go to my OH or my mother.

 

[RooFlyer]

<snip>

I have never travelled in the middle row, however that's down to my personal preference to always travel in row 1.

<snip>)

BR ... wonder why your preference is for Row 1? I've been innoculated against Row 5 due to proximity to side storage cupboard and traffic and light coming from galley. I would have thought Row 1 would be similar, with proximity to lavs and pax behind you possible going to upstairs lounge?

I know these are just marginal issues in F, but as you would have most freedom to choose, why Row 1? (And as a points-for-F person, I won't be competing with you for this possie anytime soon )

 

[Nizar]

As I said in my earlier post; The seat alone makes it worthwhile to me. (And I pay, not use points)

Hi Boss,

(sorry for the OT)

Are you a member of the QFF program ?
Just wondering, as you are paying, have you tried F class in other airlines ?
I know the prices are probably competitive, but how goes Qantas fare in food/seat/total F experience when compared to EK or EY or SQ or others ?

Keen to hear your thoughts,

Thanks

 

[Flying mermaid]

Hi Boss,

(sorry for the OT)

Are you a member of the QFF program ?
Just wondering, as you are paying, have you tried F class in other airlines ?
I know the prices are probably competitive, but how goes Qantas fare in food/seat/total F experience when compared to EK or EY or SQ or others ?

Keen to hear your thoughts,

Thanks

I would be interested to hear this too - Mr FM is very keen to try SQ and EK. We did fly F in EY a few years ago, the suites are fabulous and the food both on board and in the lounge in Abu Dhabi was very good as well. Service was much less consistent than Qantas - some legs very good others hmm. Price was good for what you got.

 

[bossreggie]

T

Hi Boss,

Are you a member of the QFF program ?
Just wondering, as you are paying, have you tried F class in other airlines ?
I know the prices are probably competitive, but how goes Qantas fare in food/seat/total F experience when compared to EK or EY or SQ or others ?

Keen to hear your thoughts,

Thanks

I am a member of Qantas FF. Also Emirates, Air New Zealand, Virgin & Etihad.

I have flown first in all except Virgin. (Even AIRNZ before they had Business Premier)

My top in hard product is EK. I know the woodgrain and gold is a little gaudy. But the onboard lounge and showers, (A380) along with the ability to close the doors around your seat put it on top for me.

My favourite soft product is Qantas. For me, they just get it right. I get great level of recognition and mostly, they know I prefer to be addressed by my first name, I don't need to be asked about my pre flight champagne. (It's just poured for me) I get a double scotch, the way I like it when there is turbulence. Also the food is of a quite high standard.

Singapore Airlines have always been excellent. Great hard and soft product. I would have flown them more often, however I used to travel mainly to the USA from Australia so they were not convenient. I also had top status with QF so used them above any other airline even after my travel became more skewed to Europe.

I love Air New Zealand. Service always top notch and food pretty good. I am just not a fan of the seat for sleeping so generally only fly them if I want to go to London via the USA.

When I bought my Ghost, as I had wanted a bespoke paint job and interior, Rolls Royce flew me to London to meet with their design specialist. They flew us Etihad Diamond First Class and I was impressed with the whole experience. The food was about the best I have ever had on an aircraft. I would definitely recommend them.

In terms of pricing. Qantas has been at the top end. We've spent in excess of $60k for the 4 of us to LAX. Similar to London. Generally around $15k per person. Singapore is not that dissimilar.

EY sometimes has return to LHR for $10-12k.

Best deal I ever got was LGW-SYD in F with EK. £3,600 return in F. (777 LGW-DXB A380 DXB-SYD) I bought 8 return tickets each as it was about 1/3 if what I spend on QF. Even after paying £200 for date changes it was a bargain.

I hope this helps.

 

[pagingjoan]

I would be interested to hear this too - Mr FM is very keen to try SQ and EK. We did fly F in EY a few years ago, the suites are fabulous and the food both on board and in the lounge in Abu Dhabi was very good as well. Service was much less consistent than Qantas - some legs very good others hmm. Price was good for what you got.

Can't give you first hand experience of EK F but have had quite a few flights in QF F on the A380 - and have nothing but praise for the package of service and facilities.

In March/April, as I've reported briefly in another thread, we had four flights in SQ Suites, so have a reasonable basis for comparison against QF.

Overall, we really enjoyed SQ and I would be happy to repeat at any time.

Comparison by components?

Service:
Quite different styles, so comes down to personal preference, I think. My partner was less than enthused by the SQ "kneeling to talk and serve" approach and prefers QF on that aspect. I was less bothered by the SQ style; it is a reflection of the culture.
Both versions, in our experience, are excellent.

Food:
On three of the four SQ flights, I thought that they shaded QF in this area. One breakfast was rather odd. However, the combination of Caviar and bubbles is a winner!
That said, we've never had anything less than excellent meals on QF, with particular points for the tasting menu on the flights on which it is offered.

Beverages:
My preoccupation is Champagne - and it's a tie, for me. Easily satisfied with the best of everything. Both the QF Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, in its various vintages presented of late, and the SQ choice of Dom Perignon or Krug (what am I saying???) - the SQ offering of DP AND Krug are a delight.

My partner's focus would be on the range of table wines - and there, on our experience to date, at least, SQ has a points win over QF. I was weaned off the Champagne briefly to try a small sample on a couple of the flights, while he did a much more serious tasting and we both gave the win to SQ.

Seating/Bedding:
I liked the ambience of the SQ Suites, particularly for novelty value, I suppose. Rather like travelling on a posh train a few decades ago - but with heaps better food, wine and entertainment options.

Again, for novelty value, the middle seats made up as a double Suite is very very pleasant.

I had the total indulgence of the "Cove Service" of one suite for relaxing and one for sleeping on each flight. (Partner didn't bother with that - but he joined me for dinner in my Suite while his was being converted, so had the same deal, in effect.)

Mind you, have had a similar service a couple of times on QF, when a light load led to the offer of making up a different bed while we had dinner together, so points all round on that one!

The SQ beds feel rather too firm at first - but are surprisingly comfortable for a few hours sleep.

QF wins by a small margin on bed comfort though, for me.

IFE:
Easy win for QF.
Much better range, and better IFE controls. Also like the fact that you can check your "Time to Destination" at any time on QF, just at a glance. (I know it's shown on the control handset on SQ but, for me, it was virtually unreadable.)

Temperature Control:
QF win, with individual control over air flow.

Lounges:
Well, who could say anything bad about the QFF offering in Melbourne or Sydney, including pre-flight spa. A winner.
SQ got off to a very poor start, with no F Lounge available in Melbourne, and a Cafe Vue voucher substituted. Not even in the race.

At CDG, the SQ offering was the Star Alliance F Lounge, which we had virtually to ourselves for several hours. Very helpful service and a pleasant place to relax and freshen up after an overnight flight (Showers in J Lounge downstairs but priority given to F passengers.). We didn't need much in the way of F&B but the offerings were adequate.

SQ in SIN, of course, is brilliant. I think the J Lounge is excellent. Have not actually tried the F Lounge, other than to walk through, but spent a lot of time, with two long transits, in the fabled Private Room. There were very few passengers there at any time, so it was an oasis of peace; the service was impeccable and proactive; the food very good.

In contrast with CDG Star Alliance lounge, we would probably have been in LHR T5 F had we been on QF.
I would take T5 F over CDG *A - IF you didn't have to fly into or out of LHR to do that!

On Ground Service:
Perhaps not a fair comparison as we have P1 status with QF and almost invariably have had great service at all levels - check in, telephone advice, sorting out any in transit issues etc.

SQ did poorly on their telephone service pre-flight, to the extent where I almost cancelled the booking. Then the outgoing check in was a total muddle, and took way too long. Boarding was also poorly handled in the lead up but we were eventually taken in hand and given a personal escort past all the road blocks and so they did recover.

Similarly poor experiences in Paris, with a messy process for obtaining BPs which were not available at our initial check in point.
BUT - and I look forward to comparing this with EK - we had a dedicated gate at CDG. For four passengers! Slightly surreal, I must say.

So QF a winner on that, other than in SIN, for obvious reasons.

If I've missed anything that you are interested in, ask away!
It's embarrassingly indulgent, isn't it!

 

[Flying mermaid]

If I've missed anything that you are interested in, ask away!
It's embarrassingly indulgent, isn't it!

That is incredibly comprehensive thank-you. Yes it is indulgent but I don't find it embarrassing I am sure pretty much all of us on this board who indulge in F whether via cash or upgrades or business, have worked for their indulgence - don't think there are too many trust fund recipients on here. While I feel one should have a social conscience and do share with others in not such fortunate circumstances, I am also not a saint and want to enjoy what I have worked for! EK F will be happening next year as part of a trip to Africa to Singita Grumeti, I definitely will have to try SQ as well - although maybe at a lower priority. Not too sure about kneel and serve ....I love our egalitarian Aussies.

 

[legroom]

That is incredibly comprehensive thank-you. Yes it is indulgent but I don't find it embarrassing I am sure pretty much all of us on this board who indulge in F whether via cash or upgrades or business, have worked for their indulgence - don't think there are too many trust fund recipients on here. While I feel one should have a social conscience and do share with others in not such fortunate circumstances, I am also not a saint and want to enjoy what I have worked for! EK F will be happening next year as part of a trip to Africa to Singita Grumeti, I definitely will have to try SQ as well - although maybe at a lower priority. Not too sure about kneel and serve ....I love our egalitarian Aussies.

I didn't come across any "kneel & serve" with SQ Suites in Jan 13

 

[legroom]

T

I am a member of Qantas FF. Also Emirates, Air New Zealand, Virgin & Etihad.

I have flown first in all except Virgin. (Even AIRNZ before they had Business Premier)

My top in hard product is EK. I know the woodgrain and gold is a little gaudy. But the onboard lounge and showers, (A380) along with the ability to close the doors around your seat put it on top for me.

My favourite soft product is Qantas. For me, they just get it right. I get great level of recognition and mostly, they know I prefer to be addressed by my first name, I don't need to be asked about my pre flight champagne. (It's just poured for me) I get a double scotch, the way I like it when there is turbulence. Also the food is of a quite high standard.

Singapore Airlines have always been excellent. Great hard and soft product. I would have flown them more often, however I used to travel mainly to the USA from Australia so they were not convenient. I also had top status with QF so used them above any other airline even after my travel became more skewed to Europe.

I love Air New Zealand. Service always top notch and food pretty good. I am just not a fan of the seat for sleeping so generally only fly them if I want to go to London via the USA.

When I bought my Ghost, as I had wanted a bespoke paint job and interior, Rolls Royce flew me to London to meet with their design specialist. They flew us Etihad Diamond First Class and I was impressed with the whole experience. The food was about the best I have ever had on an aircraft. I would definitely recommend them.

In terms of pricing. Qantas has been at the top end. We've spent in excess of $60k for the 4 of us to LAX. Similar to London. Generally around $15k per person. Singapore is not that dissimilar.

EY sometimes has return to LHR for $10-12k.

Best deal I ever got was LGW-SYD in F with EK. £3,600 return in F. (777 LGW-DXB A380 DXB-SYD) I bought 8 return tickets each as it was about 1/3 if what I spend on QF. Even after paying £200 for date changes it was a bargain.

I hope this helps.

Best words I have read on F comparisons from a proven air warrior !