Firstly, Mods, I am aware that there is currently another active suggestions for F/J to Europe thread, but thought this question is slightly different as it is only J. If required, please merge.
Currently I have Mel – HK (QF) – LHR (CX) booked for next year and AUH – SYD – MEL flight booked for my return. I was planning on buying a Y fare or a QR J award flight from wherever my last stop in Europe is (possible CPH, Stockholm) to AUH, to connect to my AUH award flight.
After reading much about how the CX flight is great for rest/sleep with average J food, I’m thinking of switching my flights to something such as the following. Rest on the way home is important as I’ll be back to work the day after arrival.
Going:
MEL – SYD – AUH – (maybe Doha)
Either EY or possibly then doing QR from DOH to LHR. This will allow me to try QR J and also use the Etihad J lounge at AUH.
Return:
AMS – HK (CX) – MEL (QF)
The flight into HK arrives in the morning and the flight departing HK to MEL (QF) leaves at night, so I have a fairly long wait in HK.
As I am travelling by myself (the joys of being under 30 with no ‘commitments’ yet) and this will be my first return long-haul in J (I’ve only previously done one way J on trips), I want to maximise the J experience. My other option is to keep my existing flights (as above) and just add the Europe (i.e. CPH) - AUH on EY or QR. I guess on the long AUH – SYD sector, I could get time to both enjoy the J experience and sleep.
Any tips, thoughts or things I should consider on whether I should keep the ticketed flights or change to the suggested itinerary above are much appreciated. I know I will have to pay award change fees if I do change. Thanks for much for suggestions.
Currently I have Mel – HK (QF) – LHR (CX) booked for next year and AUH – SYD – MEL flight booked for my return. I was planning on buying a Y fare or a QR J award flight from wherever my last stop in Europe is (possible CPH, Stockholm) to AUH, to connect to my AUH award flight.
After reading much about how the CX flight is great for rest/sleep with average J food, I’m thinking of switching my flights to something such as the following. Rest on the way home is important as I’ll be back to work the day after arrival.
Going:
MEL – SYD – AUH – (maybe Doha)
Either EY or possibly then doing QR from DOH to LHR. This will allow me to try QR J and also use the Etihad J lounge at AUH.
Return:
AMS – HK (CX) – MEL (QF)
The flight into HK arrives in the morning and the flight departing HK to MEL (QF) leaves at night, so I have a fairly long wait in HK.
As I am travelling by myself (the joys of being under 30 with no ‘commitments’ yet) and this will be my first return long-haul in J (I’ve only previously done one way J on trips), I want to maximise the J experience. My other option is to keep my existing flights (as above) and just add the Europe (i.e. CPH) - AUH on EY or QR. I guess on the long AUH – SYD sector, I could get time to both enjoy the J experience and sleep.
Any tips, thoughts or things I should consider on whether I should keep the ticketed flights or change to the suggested itinerary above are much appreciated. I know I will have to pay award change fees if I do change. Thanks for much for suggestions.
