Best airline for SYD to BKK

[R36snowbound]

Need to fly SYD to BKK for a few days and work rules allow business class.

From what I can see, airlines that offer a direct service are Thai, Qantas and Emirates.

Qantas are using a A330, Emirates a 777-300ER and Thai are using 747's (I think).

Anybody have any advice regarding the best business class product out of these three airlines?

I am not concerned about status credits or points for this trip. I am a member of SQ FF, VA FF and QAN FF, so the points earned will find a home somewhere.

Thanks in advance.

 

[RooFlyer]

I had a quick look at departure times. QF and TG depart mid morning and arrive late afternoon local, EK departs late afternoon and arrives after 1am local.

I would rule out EK on departure/arrival times, but if it was the same departure times, I would still rank it marginally behind QF.

I'd fly QF.

 

[boomy]

TG J on the B747 is bad, very bad!

QF J on the A330 can vary from average to very good if you're lucky to get the new business suites.

EK J on the B777 is the safe bet, you're almost guaranteed to get the best product out of all three choices.

In short EK>>>>QF>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>TG

Now the only question is, how important is the departure/arrival time for you?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

TG J on the B747 is bad, very bad!

QF J on the A330 can vary from average to very good if you're lucky to get the new business suites.

EK J on the B777 is the safe bet, you're almost guaranteed to get the best product out of all three choices.

In short EK>>>>QF>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>TG

Now the only question is, how important is the departure/arrival time for you?

I'd agree with this assessment, but probably throw SQ into the mix. As much as I don't like the short flying time to SIN for sleep purposes, I think the product in this case outweighs the disadvantages.

Unless QF has a newly configured A330.

 

[boomy]

I'd agree with this assessment, but probably throw SQ into the mix. As much as I don't like the short flying time to SIN for sleep purposes, I think the product in this case outweighs the disadvantages.

Unless QF has a newly configured A330.

If non-direct then CX can be also a good option, with 4 flights departing SYD daily.

 

[R36snowbound]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I would prefer to fly direct to BKK and the return flight back to SYD QF, TG and EK all seem to be night flights.

The EK departure time out of SYD is suitable for my schedule, as I will probably fly out on a Sunday.

The other thing is that with EK, I can live in hope of an upgrade but QAN has no F product on their A330's.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I would prefer to fly direct to BKK and the return flight back to SYD QF, TG and EK all seem to be night flights.

The EK departure time out of SYD is suitable for my schedule, as I will probably fly out on a Sunday.

The other thing is that with EK, I can live in hope of an upgrade but QAN has no F product on their A330's.

TG is ok in First class. Otherwise I'd write it off the list.

 

[scwappy]

EK would be my pick

 

[boomy]

TG is ok in First class. Otherwise I'd write it off the list.

Agree and there is no hope of an op-up from J, TG often fly with an almost empty F cabin.

With EK on the other hand there is a reasonable chance of an op-up, especially if one holds QF WP status.

 

[Limewood]

and have a drink or 3 at the EK on board bar

Mrs Lime and self spent a few happy hours there.

 

[N860CR]

Don't think the 777 has the onboard bar (unless I missed it - in which case very big sad face)

 

[smit0847]

EK 777s have 2-3-2 angled J which is no better hard product than TG or QF. Its a leisure route.

 

[R36snowbound]

Yes, no bar on the EK 777-300ER.

Last month, I flew CHC to SYD on EK in J and it is the same aircraft that flies on SYD to BKK.

I have taken TG off the list and EK is around $600 cheaper return that QF, so I am leaning towards EK. It was great to get so much feedback and to hear everyone's views.