First Time Qantas Flyer

[myfavouritescar]

Hey everyone! I'm flying QF107 SYD-LAX-JFK in May. I've never flown Qantas before and I'm hoping you can give me some tips to optimise the experience. How soon can I select my seat? Has anyone done this connection before? It seems quite tight with only 90 mins between arriving and departing but I've been assured that it will be okay by my travel agent.

Sorry if this is all basic stuff, I've been scouring the forums and found heaps of info but anything extra would be appreciated!

 

[harvyk]

You'll be fine as whilst QF107 stopped in LAX, it is actually a flight from SYD-JFK with a stop over, they will hold the plane for all 107 pax continuing on (within a reasonable timeframe) even if it does arrive a little late. Also there is every chance that the plane which took you from SYD-LAX will also take you from LAX-JFK. About the only thing you'll need to remember is that you'll clear customs in LAX, and really the LAX-JFK flight is treated like a domestic flight.

You can call up QF and request seats at any time. Keep in mind they will slug you some $$$, don't know how much.

 

[markis10]

You'll be fine as whilst QF107 stopped in LAX, it is actually a flight from SYD-JFK with a stop over. There is every chance that the plane which took you from SYD-LAX will also take you from LAX-JFK.

Same flight but its the norm for it to be a different plane ex LAX so a gate change will be in order.

 

[CaviAck]

You can call up QF and request seats at any time. Keep in mind they will slug you some $$$, don't know how much.

You can also do it online, but considering this is your first time on QF, I'll assume that you have no status and as such you'll be charged $20 per seat selection (not sure if SYD-xLAX-JFK counts as the one seat selection or two). Other option is to do online check-in at T-24 when it opens up and you can choose your seat.

 

[simongr]

Don't forget also you will need to collect and restow checked luggage.

 

[myfavouritescar]

Same flight but its the norm for it to be a different plane ex LAX so a gate change will be in order.

But not a terminal change right?

 

[myfavouritescar]

Don't forget also you will need to collect and restow checked luggage.

It should just be a drop off right? As opposed to having to line up to check in again?

My travel agent said that someone would meet everyone connecting to JFK at the gate and escort us through immigration and customs to expedite the process, any truth to this?

 

[craven morehead]

It should just be a drop off right? As opposed to having to line up to check in again?

My travel agent said that someone would meet everyone connecting to JFK at the gate and escort us through immigration and customs to expedite the process, any truth to this?

About halfway between the air bridge and immmigration

 

[amaroo]

Don't forget to post your flying details here http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/may-2013/may-2013-a-47016.html#post753596

Who knows - you might jag a First Class lounge invite

 

[myfavouritescar]

Thanks for all the info everyone I have a couple more questions...

When I log in to select seats it seems the first 8 or so rows of economy are 'unavailable', are these seats legitimatly taken or just unavailable at this point? If I pay to seat select now, can I change it around later if a better seat comes up? It looks like the best seat I can get now is 53D. I'm keen for an aisle in the middle section, because I'm a light sleeper and hate people crawling over me but I also hate the idea of being stuck in next to a window for 14+ hours.

Is there I way I can search how busy this flight is historically? As a solo traveller for the first time I'm excited to try and get a row to myself. Any times for swaying the odds in my favour on this one?

Under Meal Service it says "Lunch, Refreshments". Previous times I've flown trans pacific it has been two full meals and snacks, is it really only one meal over 14 hours of flying?

Finally I'm booked onto a codeshare flight with AA (AA136) from LAX-LHR, in my itinerary the inflight services actually say "Lie-flat Seat", this is just incorrect right? It definitely says Economy in the class of service and I got the flights dead cheap.

Thanks for all your help guys!! I love flying and one day hope to make it into Premium or Business but as I'm a nurse with no opportunity for work travel I'll just have to do with making the most of my Economy experience.

 

[markis10]

Seats are blocked for frequent flyers with higher status, and a "refreshment" is often a meal in an international context, just less volume.