JASA vs Classic vs Upgrade Request? Help Please :)

[Joy6328]

Hi!

I’m hoping for some general advice if possible!

We (hubby and baby) are moving to Calgary in October this year – so looking for one-way Business Class flights, with either Classic or JASA options.

The options we have are:

1. JASA BNE-LAX between 136-158k each on the A380 (our preference)
Then Classic LAX-YYC 20k each or just pay cash for this AA flight (economy)

2. CLASSIC Business Class BNE-YYC 128k each (via DFW – so on the 747-400)

3. Purchase Economy tickets and put in for the Upgrade Lottery (easily the least favorite option)

So I guess the questions I have are:

Am I getting good “bang for buck” points wise? Is there a better way I could do this? I am still VERY much a novice at this! J
Is A380 Business worth fighting for? Or is the DFW route of similar quality? I am very conscious that I would like a comfortable flat bed as we will be taking it in shifts to sleep with Poppy (too big for the bassinette).

Going from Business to Economy – I’m assuming we need to pack to fit within the baggage rules of the AA flight… 2 bags each at 23kg?

Will we have access to the Lounge coming OFF a business class flight, or will we lose that privilege as we are getting ON to an Economy one? I didn’t renew my Qantas Club… but would consider it as I have a lot of flying to do this year…

Any suggestions would be extrememly welcome J Thanks in advance!! J

 

[Limewood]

Hi!

I’m hoping for some general advice if possible!

We (hubby and baby) are moving to Calgary in October this year – so looking for one-way Business Class flights, with either Classic or JASA options.

The options we have are:

1. JASA BNE-LAX between 136-158k each on the A380 (our preference)
Then Classic LAX-YYC 20k each or just pay cash for this AA flight (economy)

2. CLASSIC Business Class BNE-YYC 128k each (via DFW – so on the 747-400)

3. Purchase Economy tickets and put in for the Upgrade Lottery (easily the least favorite option)

So I guess the questions I have are:

Am I getting good “bang for buck” points wise? Is there a better way I could do this? I am still VERY much a novice at this! J
Is A380 Business worth fighting for? Or is the DFW route of similar quality? I am very conscious that I would like a comfortable flat bed as we will be taking it in shifts to sleep with Poppy (too big for the bassinette).

Going from Business to Economy – I’m assuming we need to pack to fit within the baggage rules of the AA flight… 2 bags each at 23kg?

Will we have access to the Lounge coming OFF a business class flight, or will we lose that privilege as we are getting ON to an Economy one? I didn’t renew my Qantas Club… but would consider it as I have a lot of flying to do this year…

Any suggestions would be extrememly welcome J Thanks in advance!! J

JASA will get FF points and status points as classic will not, I'd go 1st option and pay cash for AA Y sector and get more points, even better would be to buy an auto upgrade fare on AA this will put you in J if 3 class flight or 1st in 2 class flight and get you not only an extra swag of points, more baggage but you can then use the lounges.

However, you would be hard pressed to find J seats in Oct. now BNE/LAX, if you can grab them.

Unless you have gold or higher status or flying onwards in J or F, you wont be able to use AA lounges.

 

[medhead]

I thought BNE-LAX was operated by 747s rather than an A380.

 

[markis10]

Go the JASA but make sure you reduce it to the classic level, and I assume you are transiting via SYD to get the A380 (or MEL).

 

[Joy6328]

Thank you for that! Yes the A380 would go through SYD or MEL from BNE - and that's fine

Looks like JASA is the way to go then - thank you very much

What is the process to get an auto upgrade fare with AA? Is it just one of their higher priced Y tickets?

Thanks again

 

[Mwenenzi]

Be careful you get business class on both the BNE-MEL/SYD & MEL/SYD-LAX flights and not just the domestic flight. Check before the final click

 

[mannej]

Be careful you get business class on both the BNE-MEL/SYD & MEL/SYD-LAX flights and not just the domestic flight. Check before the final click

Is that problem limited to the classic awards, or both classic and JASA?

 

[markis10]

Is that problem limited to the classic awards, or both classic and JASA?

I have seen it on both.

 

[Joy6328]

Thanks everyone!
Ended up doing JASA QF7 on Nov 1 BNE-DFW for cash and points

Have been allocated 17J, 17K on the upper deck - they seem to be the best seats available according to Seat Guru unless anyone else has favorites? can I assume certain seats have probably been blocked out for higher status pax? Hubby and I are both silver.

 

[Joy6328]

Is QF7 the 747-400 Longreach?

 

[mannej]

Is QF7 the 747-400 Longreach?

It is a 747-400ER.
They are currently going through Re-fits. Before the refit, there may have been a chance of snagging to old F seats, with J service.

 

[bugayev]

It is a 747-400ER.
They are currently going through Re-fits. Before the refit, there may have been a chance of snagging to old F seats, with J service.

As refitted aircraft are only on QF15/16 and QF17/18 the DFW flights will still be safe as an F seat for the next little while..

 

[mannej]

As refitted aircraft are only on QF15/16 and QF17/18 the DFW flights will still be safe as an F seat for the next little while..

There are reports of the new seat maps making their way onto QF7/8

 

[Joy6328]

Thank you!
Currently in 17J/K - prime seating is row 16 but doubt we'll get it with bub in tow - looks like its the exit row
will hold out hope of moving forward into an old F seat but again... Lowly Silver... Probably no chance! lol

Thanks again everyone for your advice - I really appreciate it

 

[medhead]

Row 16 was an exit on my one and only upper deck 747 experience. I had 17A, it was a pretty good seat. The side storage cupboards are great.

 

[Joy6328]

Ahhhh.... The bane of being an excited novice! Have now found that seat 4A and 4E are available and have chosen them... Hoping that they will remain F seats... Fingers crossed I guess and if it all falls apart at least we are still in J and will enjoy every minute

 

[markis10]

As refitted aircraft are only on QF15/16 and QF17/18 the DFW flights will still be safe as an F seat for the next little while..

Two weeks time will see one of the refits start on the DFW route.

 

[serfty]

As long as the 744 has a "Row 4" then they will be First Class seats. The new figuration does not have a "Row 4".

If I had the booking I'd select 3E/F if available as they directly map to existing seating if there is an aircraft change.

 

[Joy6328]

Thanks Serfty! Row 4 is the fartherest forward I can go so I'll stick with the current good fortune I have