First J flight - info appreciated...

[thegurio]

Hi all, those f you on FB would already know this, but following a lot of BIS flights, I finally made it to the lofty heights of SG, which as a self funded status chaser I'm pretty impressed with...




As a way to celebrate the last 6 weeks of grueling work and my new shiny status, I have decided that a J flit home is in order... Now being a genuine row 6 flyer 99.9% of the time (now upgraded to row 5) I would like to know some tips and tricks to make my trip home more enjoyable. I am, in theory, in 2 737-800's on the way home, and because I'm obsessive compulsive I do like to have my carry on with me. I am thinking 2F, but is 1F worth aiming for?what extra do I get? Do I get any champers or am I kidding myself? I am flying ADL-MEL-HBA leaving ADL at 11:30.

Any info appreciated!

P.s. Please excuse the typo's the iPad doesn't exactly let me correct stuff easily and I can't be bothered fixing it...

 

[koonyaflyer]

Hi all, those f you on FB would already know this, but following a lot of BIS flights, I finally made it to the lofty heights of SG, which as a self funded status chaser I'm pretty impressed with...




As a way to celebrate the last 6 weeks of grueling work and my new shiny status, I have decided that a J flit home is in order... Now being a genuine row 6 flyer 99.9% of the time (now upgraded to row 5) I would like to know some tips and tricks to make my trip home more enjoyable. I am, in theory, in 2 737-800's on the way home, and because I'm obsessive compulsive I do like to have my carry on with me. I am thinking 2F, but is 1F worth aiming for?what extra do I get? Do I get any champers or am I kidding myself? I am flying ADL-MEL-HBA leaving ADL at 11:30.

Any info appreciated!

P.s. Please excuse the typo's the iPad doesn't exactly let me correct stuff easily and I can't be bothered fixing it...

I am usually a 2F flyer, but my last 5 or so flights have gone for 1F. I like space in front of me to be honest. I do find that the window is not in a great position though.

I enjoy the DJ J class ....am happy overall, and having done 7 flights this week across DJ, QF and NZ (The works seating) I really do feel that DJ is vey nearly there. I am not a Luke Mangan fan yet.....my only reservation!

Enjoy

 

[thegurio]

I promise I will enjoy it! I was thinking 2F because I wanted to recline, just to check it out fully... I also am assuming that I'll be the only one in there, but best to be considerate.

I guess my biggest question is what to expect food/drinks wise - is it just pick of the trolley? Or is it decent food?

 

[Justchecking]

If its J, its proper food. Not cart stuff. But it also depends on the times of your flights whether you will get meal or snack, wine or something else.

 

[medhead]

The couple of times I've been up front I take 1F. If you go with 2F, you can always ask to move if the cabin is empty.

 

[thegurio]

From what I've been reading, it may be stocked with more than myself, which while fun and less conspicuous, was more than what I assumed, but that doesn't matter. Fwiw, I'm going ADL-SYD-HBA so in theory, I should get a few seats around me... I'm leaving at 11:30, which seems to be a nothing time when it comes to food etc. so I guess I'll just have to suck it and see. Can I actually put my bag under the seat in front of me or not? (that's how much of a J noob I am!)

 

[rsellens]

I prefer 2C or 2D. I like to be able to get to the toilet without annoying people. As most of my flights are to BNE or SYD I quite often find the window seat vacant and can then sit there anyway. Last Sunday I had J all to myself to BNE. There is a bulkhead in front of row 1 which in I find restricts leg room. If it is an old refurbished 737-800 there is not a lot of room left in the overhead lockers as the cabin crew store the entertainment units there. They should find somewhere else for them (like in whY). So you may need to put your carry on bag on the floor anyway or get the cabin crew to put it somewhere else if it is too bulky. The food is good if you are on a flight with meals. Similar standard to QF but not as large helpings. Alcohol is available throughout the flight.

PS. NO CHAMPERS

 

[thegurio]

Thanks for the info rsellens, and pretty much what I expected... Anyone have any idea of what planes will be flying these routes? They say it's an -800, so in theory it should be the new config, but I'm not sure how to see which actual plane it will be... I know there may be subs instead but I'd like to know what plane I "should" have!

 

[rsellens]

Thanks for the info rsellens, and pretty much what I expected... Anyone have any idea of what planes will be flying these routes? They say it's an -800, so in theory it should be the new config, but I'm not sure how to see which actual plane it will be... I know there may be subs instead but I'd like to know what plane I "should" have!

Unfortunately they can sub up to the last minute. Last Sunday BNE-CNS they substituted a 737-700 for the -800 that I was scheduled on. Rang me 2 days before to tell me of the change and that it was only fitted as PE. However the service was still J and they refunded me the difference in fare to the fully flexible Y. Still got double J points and status credits so I didn't mind.
Last year on one occasion they substituted the plane I was on twice at the the last minute. Had us going from gate to gate!

 

[QF WP]

As I said on FB, congratulations thegurio.

I'm just going to have to live vicariously through you J flyers...until VA do JASA's

I just look longingly at the empty seats from Row 3 or 4

 

[thegurio]

Thanks again LW, and trust me - this won't be a regular occurrence if general life and MrsGurio have anything to do with it!

 

[koonyaflyer]

Thanks again LW, and trust me - this won't be a regular occurrence if general life and MrsGurio have anything to do with it!

That's what I thought too .... But I have to say I have not flown Y class with DJ since I tried their J class. The great value on their points redemptions, mixed with a lot of work travel have seen me choose J ever since.

So be delusional if you like .....but I expect to see you in J sometime when we are both leaving HBA! It is addictive.

 

[thegurio]

Yeah I know.... The biggest problem is that it's a net loss for me if I do it constantly, so will be reserved for "special" occasions" currently. I want to go to LAX either later this year or early next in J so that's what I've got in the back of my mind. But yes, it is already starting to change my views on things seeing 2A on my boarding pass...

 

[VOZZY]

I find the second row has better legroom as you can extend below row 1. You may also find that due to the mini bulkhead being behind row 2 There is no request to bring your seat upright to create exit space for row 3 on take off and landing. I have been reclined in 2f for my last 6 flights from boarding til exit without a word said by the crew. Its good if you like a longer sleep on a short leg.

To be clear I am sure its still a requirement to sit upright its just the crews turning a blind eye.

 

[smit0847]

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....elocity/business-class-trip-report-36249.html

 

[tuapekastar]

I just did MEL-SYD (Friday, 1500 departure) and SYD-MEL (Monday, 1930 departure) in 738s (not sure whether new/refurbed, but I think both had the purple divider) As both an aisle and non-bulkhead person, I was in 2C both times. MEL-SYD was full, SYD-MEL was just me and 1C (who moved to 1A).

Outbound snacks were rice paper rolls and a (spicy, cinammon, as I found out later) muffin which I declined as I wasn't hungry. Pre take-off is a choice between water and OJ. Alcohol offered during flight - I had a nice enough Shiraz, perhaps more than one, they are quite generous.

Inbound snacks were the same muffin as per above, and a cheese plate. I managed to plough through the lot, very nice. Again, good wine and very generous and attentive service given the paucity of 'guests' in the cabin. Had a nice long chat with the head FA.

Service is individual, no carts. These flights bookended SYD-PER-SYD in the A330 in J which was a definite step up from these flights (not to in any way denigrate the shorter ones - they were excellent). The only suprise for me on the short flights was the complete lack of any IFE be it video or audio - but no big deal on a short sector anyway.

Enjoy your flights. Oh, and plenty of OH room, even in the full flight.