Blow me away QF - was checking flights on the outbound and inbound tonight. Cutting to the surprise first, after thinking that I might not be able to be travelling in the same cabin on QF124 (AKL/BNE), then find I class availability for only $608.75 (NZD I presume as it was the QF NZ site). Woo hoo - 80 SC's
Very nice - haven't seen those on QF NZ for a while. (Then again, I haven't checked for a long time, either).
Now to decide the outbound:
QF: QF347 (FJ metal) Super Saver $493, Flexi Saver $593 ($1,972). Upside is the price, downside is the time of the flight (dep 23.55 arr 05.25+1, so would mean travelling Tues midnight)
VA: DJ175 Saver $509, Flexi $629. Upside is the time (dep 09.30 arr 14.55) and family transfer already in place. Downside is the price ($2,036).
FJ: Flights as per QF above, but pricing for 2 adults & 2 children is ($1,677.94 including taxes).
I'm swaying to VA - the timing is an issue with the kids - sleeping on an overnight flight?
Depends on how you're spending the time afterwards / the next day.
Bottom line is - no matter which option you choose, I'd recommend writing off most to all of the rest of the day, for acclimatising and recovery.
If you choose the QF overnighter, you may have some issues getting the kids on board so late past their bed time, then arriving in the morning so early. Keeping in mind too, this flight is basically a red-eye from PER: virtually just under 3 hours in the air (not much sleep! Not sure if your kids or SWMBO will enjoy that!). However,
if (and that is a
huge if) you can get a room that early in the morning, it will be a very comfortable rest for all of you in a soft bed. Take it easy for the rest of the day, have one meal in the evening and a bit of a walk around to get used to the place, voila next day continue on as usual.
If you choose the DJ day flight, everything will occur, time wise, a lot more naturally. Once you arrive, it should be easy to get checked in to a room. Might be time for a short nap, then walk around, dinner and normal next day. It would involve getting ship shape ready early in the morning (cf. QF option which gives you plenty of time during the day).
QF basically will allow you a longer time for first rest and acclimatisation at the expense of timing. Saying that, if you
can't get a room early in the morning after you arrive, you're in a bit of trouble (no kidding). (Even as a grown single male travelling, I can tell you that from my last long trip experience, if you're quite tired and can't check in early, the morning really starts to mess with your head and body - and that was still after a free shower, free business time and free breakfast!)
All said and done, the safest option would be to select VA. The price difference is less than $100 from QF (more pronounced over FJ), but in saying that the difference from QF is intangible for the purposes of comparison (yes, that's probably one or two meals, but as for keeping everyone in good stead...).
(
Have a great trip!
