But you avoid transferring at LHR and not having to backtrack. Surely that is a positive in itself?
It would seem that
katiebell is prepared to go all the way to LHR in PE because at least it means the majority of the journey is in PE.
The point that
katiebell and others do make is that there is still at least 4-7 hours in EK Y to be had on a PE ticket, and because of the timing of such flights, many will likely be red eyes.
I personally don't see a problem because it isn't transiting LHR, which saves time in the end (rather spend time at destination recovering from a red eye than having to do it after going through LHR). I just hope that the PE prices aren't ridiculous as a result; keeping in mind that QF will be competing against a small but delicate market on this (e.g. any airline with PE, even with onward Y connection, e.g. VA/EY, VS, BA; or airlines with bona fide PE the whole way, e.g. TG, CX).
ComeFlyWithMe said:
You all mention "back tracking" and while I understand the psychology, it doesn't make a material impact to flight times when you consider EK connections are between 4 and 12 hours layover in DXB, and with BA you could connect in 2 hours to a 1-3 hour flight into the continent.
Also, perhaps because I'm usually at the pointy or semi-pointy end, I have no issue transferring in LHR. So here's to all the LHR haters! Some of us even stop there for fun! And the T5 F lounge isn't so bad, while not a patch on QF SYD/MEL F.
I have to say that transferring at LHR within 2 hours is rather risky in itself! In a sane situation I'd probably allow 3 hours. One big reason why I don't like to necessarily transit via LHR is that the transfer procedure and the new security check lines at the key transfer time in the morning can be a nightmare. I'm lucky that
oneworld Emerald sometimes gets pulled into the Fast Track line (ditto for security screening) - without that, I may not make my connection (or scrape it with no lounge time).
If that's your idea with fun, well.... whatever floats your boat, I guess.
I'm rarely at the pointy end either, but on paper I'd still prefer the new options going via DXB. Even with longer transfer times (notwithstanding that if the connection is greater than 8 hours in Y or PE with no earlier available, then the Dubai Connect option kicks in = chance for a decent bed at least for a few hours), at least that transfer itself requires not much movement (rather than traversing the long hallways of LHR and then standing in line to have a BP checked). Biggest thing for me at LHR is that most of my transit time involves having to move quickly around places, stand in line and pass security checks. That is why I'd usually pad out my transit at LHR to allow for traffic and lounge time.
Maybe I'll miss the extra points (though with BA it's 0.25 points per mile on shorthaul Y anyway), that's about it. Besides, on the way back, I think the advantage is more pronounced.
)
