Qantas Biz Class on 747 vs. Premium Economy on A380? (LAX>SYD ; MEL>LAX)

[Sproketz]

Looking at options for LAX to SYD, MEL to LAX in Sep 2015.

How does the business class experience on the 747 (1 stop in BNE) compare to premium economy on the A380 (non-stop)?

I've snagged business with points (currently on Hold), but there are several "cons", including 1-layover & not getting the exact dates we want. If business class on the 747 is a far better experience than premium economy on the A380, we can chose to live with these disadvantages. If not, we'll pay for the premium economy seats and save our points for another trip.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[mannej]

PE is a recliner on the 380, J is a bed on the 747.

 

[harvyk]

Ignoring aircraft types for a second, J is better than PE, taking into account aircraft types, QF have upgraded their 747 fleet so the hard product is the same as the A380... Apart from the bragging rights of the A380, that's about all that would be missing.

 

[opusman]

Don't forget J gives you lounge access as well, if you don't have that through status.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Ignoring aircraft types for a second, J is better than PE, taking into account aircraft types, QF have upgraded their 747 fleet so the hard product is the same as the A380... Apart from the bragging rights of the A380, that's about all that would be missing.

I would say the 380 is a quieter and 'smoother' aircraft, however I always have a soft spot for the queen of the skies.

 

[JMFK]

Not even an argument IMHO.
Upstairs in J on the 747

 

[Alanslegal]

I'm an advocate for comfortable flight outbound and 'who cares' what flight on the inbound (as you can always go to your own bed and crash anyway).

I'd be choosing a flat seat/bed on the outbound to LAX and start the trip on a positive, and then if I can't get back in a flat seat, it wouldn't hurt that much.

That said, J on a 747 beats any, yes any, PE on an A380 (and I love love love A380's).

 

[rioter]

...Apart from the bragging rights of the A380, that's about all that would be missing.

Not really convinced of this. The A380 leaves me feeling much better when i land even in PE (if i snag an exit row i can sleep). Could be in my head or could be the lower air pressure.

 

[Limewood]

We love the upper 747 cabin in J, excellent MK11 seats fitted with the works, cosy about 20 seats, own galley and loo, can't go wrong IMO.

 

[QF029]

I'm an advocate for comfortable flight outbound and 'who cares' what flight on the inbound (as you can always go to your own bed and crash anyway).

OT but assuming personal travel I'm the opposite. On the way out I'm excited about the trip and can put up with some discomfort. On the way home the comfort is a silver lining to the end of the trip.

 

[Spongbob]

There is also the timing of the flight. For a day flight Y or Y+ is fine (even if it is a long transpac flight). For an evening departure when more sleep is required, J is preferable. Also, the F & B in QF's Y+ is very good regardless if on the outbound or inbound flight.

 

[JohnK]

OT but assuming personal travel I'm the opposite. On the way out I'm excited about the trip and can put up with some discomfort. On the way home the comfort is a silver lining to the end of the trip.

I guess we are all different.

I can put up with slight discomfort there and back knowing the money I save will go towards an extra trip.

 

[PaulST]

Not really convinced of this. The A380 leaves me feeling much better when i land even in PE (if i snag an exit row i can sleep). Could be in my head or could be the lower air pressure.

You'd feel better with a higher air pressure (hence more oxygen being forced into your blood) although I'm not sure if the A380 has a higher pressure than the 747. Humidity, on the other hand, will make you feel better, and that'll be higher in the A380 (not Hong Kong humidity, but far more than what you'll get in an older 747). After a 14.5hr flight in a 747 earlier this year, my nose was quite dry and sore for days.

In response to the OP's question... there's no doubt that the better option is J in the 747. It may be a a little louder and the air a little dryer, but a flat bed (assuming you don't get VHOJA with Skybed Mk1s if it's still going...) vs the Y+ as well as the better service, food and lounge access renders it a far better option. I've flown long-haul in Y+ a few times and while it's no doubt better than Y, it's still not anywhere near proper J.

 

[PaulST]

There is also the timing of the flight. For a day flight Y or Y+ is fine (even if it is a long transpac flight). For an evening departure when more sleep is required, J is preferable. Also, the F & B in QF's Y+ is very good regardless if on the outbound or inbound flight.

I'd agree with this. I flew QF63 (SYD-JNB) and Y+ was perfect. You're awake the whole flight, watching movies, reading, drinking wine...etc so you don't really miss the lack of a flat bed. QF64, on the other hand, was a night flight so Y+ wasn't much of an improvement over Y (obviously it's nicer, but not THAT much nicer or conducive with sleep).

 

[Paddy55]

If travelling alone can't beat Row 5 on the refurbed 747 IMHO

 

[JohnK]

If travelling alone can't beat Row 5 on the refurbed 747 IMHO

And what's wrong with row 5 if travelling with someone? Oh.... I see....