Using 108k QF points for EK A380 AKLBNE in F class?

[dflyerau]

I'm flying AKL BNE in September and thought my girlfriend might like to try out the F suites, and for 4 hours the points required aren't too ridiculous.

Is the experience AKL BNE the same as BNE DXB and other long-haul routes? I read one review that said they were only allowing a choice of either cheese OR dessert after dinner. My previous J and F experiences have been unrestricted A La Carte so that would be disappointing if true.

Any other pitfalls to be aware of?

 

[opusman]

There's no caviar on that route. And they don't offer you a shower (although if you ask they'll probably agree).

 

[Major]

Flying time on this route is about 3 and 1/2 hours. Recent actual time for EK435 as follows

Yesterday...3 hours 40
6 Aug........3 hours 26
5 Aug........3 hours 27

If you allow approx 25 min each for climb and descent you have less than 3 hours in the cruise.

IMHO this is not a good use of 108K points

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Is the experience AKL BNE the same as BNE DXB and other long-haul routes?

I don't know if it has changed recently but the meal service for these short flights used to be a a tray - not individual set up. So it's more like business class for catering, but with F class champagne.

Showers can be requested.

If you want to try F this isn't a bad option. Whether it's great value over business? Dunno.

 

[eric2011]

I do the BNE-AKL-BNE trip very often and have done it in both J and F. TBH if I was going to burn points I think there is better value in the J product over the F. F is fantastic on a long flight but the short 3&half hour TT isn't really worth it

 

[scwappy]

Hard to judge if a great use of points, but you would likely have a great flight and a lot of fun should you choose to do so.

 

[AirKat]

We've done this a couple of times Auckland to Melbourne and its fun. The flight time is perfect for dinner. We've had the full menu to choose from, no restrictions. On our last trip they were serving a 2003 Dom Perignon Rose which definitely made it worthwhile! I'd never do it for the morning flight outbound though

 

[dflyerau]

I've flown in SQ's suites. The EK one doesn't look quite s big but I'm more worried about the service. I'd hate to get on and be told "oh no you can't have that".

 

[dflyerau]

There's no caviar on that route. And they don't offer you a shower (although if you ask they'll probably agree).

Are you sure on that?

 

[eric2011]

Are you sure on that?

Never seen it on a menu or been offered it. Doesn't mean that it has never been available though

 

[Altair]

I suggest you wait to see if there is a First sale from the New Zealand site, not specifically advertised but if there is a Trans Tasman sale there generally is a sale across all cabins, and get the AKL-BNE at a decent price ratehrn than the 54K. So do oneway BNE-AKL via points then AKL-BNE on sale.
You can have a shower either direction, just make sure you mention when you get onboard and they will be more than happy to accommodate you.
The only caviar I had was part of a small canapé set, not the full on caviar course, that I was given after I asked for a glass of DP rose after the main meal service. I was surprised, it was unprompted, and occurred on both legs of the trip, my last EK flight early this year.
Would I take EK First across the Tasman, yes I would especially if I can get a sale fare, as I see it as an enjoyable start and finish to a short holiday.

 

[Buzzard]

What about AKL - MEL on EK (a longer flight) coupled with MEL - BNE on QF?

 

[boomy]

The question if it worth 108K points is very relative. Depends how many points you have and what are your plans of using them in the future.

I've done this route with my +1 both in J & F and we had good fun in both cabins. For the morning flight I think J is more than enough and would splurge on F for the evening return flight taking full advantage of the alcohol and dinner menus and off course the shower.

Whatever you choose to do I'm sure you'll have a great time flying EK

 

[RichardMEL]

What about AKL - MEL on EK (a longer flight) coupled with MEL - BNE on QF?

this is apples and tangerines

the longhaul international experience(even on a short flight) vs a domestic QF 737? No contest - even in Y.

EK wins hands down

 

[RichardMEL]

the 2003 Dom Rose has been taken off trans-tasman since Jan 1 this year (so sad). The special canapes they boarded for this drink were delightful. I miss that.

Personally I would not burn points for these sectors as F sales ex-AKL are VERY regular and can be had for ~$800 AUD which is far better value (and 120 SC if booked via the QF#). I guess if one has oodles of QFF the sure could be used for a treat, but I can think of much better uses for the points.

IMHO.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

I have done MEL - AKL EK F and AKL - MEL EK J both on the 380.
$$$ and indulgent I know (I paid for the fares, not QFF points usage), the EK lounge at AKL also very good. Better than the QF J lounge. Didn't try the AKL QF F lounge.
If you don't plan to go any further, ie use the points for other EK F flights, its worth a try once.
If you do have plans for using the QFF points, then save it.
While I didn't close the door, its a worthy nice one, that EK F trip.
I didn't try the shower either.
The chamange was nice.
It was a full dinner service on my flight AKL - MEL.
Try not to eat too much in the lounge, as you will be fed on the plane.
Would I do it again, definitely yes.