737-400 variable configuration - is there a way to tell?

[aus_flyer]

Is there any way to tell whether a QF 737-400 is going to have the variable configuration, or the normal 16 J ?

I've noticed (for the first time) 737-400s running BNE/SYD. Previously I thought it was always 737-800s and 767s.

I know the BNE-MEL 737-400s nearly always have the variable config.

Thanks

 

[Homer]

Is there any way to tell whether a QF 737-400 is going to have the variable configuration, or the normal 16 J ?

I can't answer your question, but FWIW if I see "Variable Configuration" under the Seat Map then I choose another flight to be on the safe side. I always travel in J between SYD and BNE and I have been caught by the awful "Variable Configuration" too many times.

I've noticed (for the first time) 737-400s running BNE/SYD. Previously I thought it was always 737-800s and 767s.

I've had more than enough of these flights between BNE/SYD over the past two years - so QF have definitely been doing it on this route for some time.

 

[aus_flyer]

I think it's time Qantas phase-out the old-generation 737s once and for all !!

 

[serfty]

All Qantas VH- registered 734's are 'variable' configuration. All Qantas (Jetconnect) ZK- registered 734's are 16J.

So for Oz domestic flights if you see 734, you know it's going to be a variable configuration.

Note that normally, Qantas only have the first 3 rows set for J (giving 12 seats and matching the 73H's), rows 4 & 5 are WHY. Exceptions are mainly PER - East coast flights and those into and out of CBR.

 

[NM]

Am I the only one who sees the convertible J seats as quite acceptable for a 1-2 hour flight?

 

[Homer]

Am I the only one who sees the convertible J seats as quite acceptable for a 1-2 hour flight?

IMHO the conversion kit doesn't adequately convert three Y seats into two J seats. The biggest problems I find are the seat angle - it feels too upright - and the padding or rather the lack of it. I'm not large or carrying too much extra weight (just the little bit extra that "the good life" coupled with apathy towards organised exercise causes) but it just feels like I might as well be sitting down the back.

If I've upgraded using points and the 743 suits my schedule then I don't feel disappointed. But if I've paid for the seat and copped a 743 by accident or due to substitution by QF then I feel disgruntled.

QF runs a line like "more than just the seat" or something like that. Well on a 90-minute flight it really is almost all about the seat. There's not much time to enjoy the "service".

 

[Travel Guru]

Flying in J domestically, if I can I choose my flights by metal rather than by time, because while the 738 had a great seat, the 734 by comparison feels pretty average for the $$ or points.

TG

 

[Dave Noble]

Am I the only one who sees the convertible J seats as quite acceptable for a 1-2 hour flight?

Well, I would neither pay for J nor use points to upgrade normally on a 734 since I don't feel that the convertible environment is worth paying extra for

Dave

 

[serfty]

I don't mind the 734's when travelling in WHY.

The first 5 rows have ~10cm more pitch (35" to 31") than the remainder of the seats.

As posted they are generally operated with 12 J seats leaving me as a WP with a very good chance of snaffling a row 4 or 5 aisle seat (like last Saturday ).

 

[Travel Guru]

I don't mind the 734's when travelling in WHY.

The first 5 rows have ~10cm more pitch (35" to 31") than the remainder of the seats.

As posted they are generally operated with 12 J seats leaving me as a WP with a very good chance of snaffling a row 4 or 5 aisle seat (like last Saturday ).

I'd have to agree with you about Y, they are a little better...on the 738, its only row 4 that has anything resembling good legroom.

TG

 

[aus_flyer]

All Qantas VH- registered 734's are 'variable' configuration. All Qantas (Jetconnect) ZK- registered 734's are 16J.

I have flown BNE-CBR on 734 and it was normal millenium seating.

 

[oz_mark]

Am I the only one who sees the convertible J seats as quite acceptable for a 1-2 hour flight?

They do appear on the trans-continental services as well, which are somewhat more than 1-2 hours. The J standard on PER-SYD and PER-MEL is quite variable depending on the aircraft you get, with the 734 being arguably the bottom of the ladder.

 

[serfty]

I have flown BNE-CBR on 734 and it was normal millenium seating.

This surprises me; Please advise when you flew and what flight number; I'll check it out if I can.

 

[aus_flyer]

This surprises me; Please advise when you flew and what flight number; I'll check it out if I can.

It was in May this year....... maybe there was a change of aircraft.

 

[NM]

They do appear on the trans-continental services as well, which are somewhat more than 1-2 hours. The J standard on PER-SYD and PER-MEL is quite variable depending on the aircraft you get, with the 734 being arguably the bottom of the ladder.

On a trans-continental service I would rather be in a convertible J seat than a standard Y seat . Obviously there are other preferences ahead of convertible (Skybed, Dreamtime, Millennium the obvious ones). But as I no longer hold QF Platinum FF status and not not assured of the benefits of exit row seating or forward row to get the extra leg room, I would take a confirmed U upgrade to a convertible seat rather than sit in 734 Y seat for 4-5 hours.