Qantas to Launch SYD-AKL-JFK (June 2023)

Sorry I missed one important word on my post - there are currently 7 vacant Business class seats
I have no idea on economy loadings and agree it would be a killer on that flight to endure it in economy
 
Sorry I missed one important word on my post - there are currently 7 vacant Business class seats
I have no idea on economy loadings and agree it would be a killer on that flight to endure it in economy
That was implied based on the prior comment you responded to.
 
When’s the first flight and who is going to be first to provide a trip report?
I’ve got to do a work trip in Oct and first instinct it is QR as opposed to QF but the points are so tempting
 
The points plane flight is ex Sydney on the 16th of June - however there is an inaugural flight on the 14th
I’m sure there’ll be plenty of coverage of both
16th still has X award availability.
 
16th still has X award availability.

In Economy only from what I can see as a WP - not a flight I’d consider making in that class
The seating plan shows 5 J seats unallocated at this point
 

Attachments

  • IMG_0329.jpeg
    IMG_0329.jpeg
    98.2 KB · Views: 24
When’s the first flight and who is going to be first to provide a trip report?
I'm don't think a trip report of AKL-JFK be all that necessary.

It's a 787-9 service
The interior and service will be the same except the inaugural services will likely have a bit of hype and temporary upgrading of in-cabin services.
The duration is 30min shorter than a LHR-PER or MEL-DFW.

Instead of 1200-1200 for the LHR-PER, it's 1700-1700 AKL-JFK
 
Australia's highest-earning Velocity Frequent Flyer credit card: Offer expires: 21 Jan 2025
- Earn 60,000 bonus Velocity Points
- Get unlimited Virgin Australia Lounge access
- Enjoy a complimentary return Virgin Australia domestic flight each year

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

16th still has X award availability.
In Economy only from what I can see as a WP - not a flight I’d consider making in that class
The seating plan shows 5 J seats unallocated at this point
I should have been clearer ... X is the Economy award fare bucket and there was nothing else.
 
I'm don't think a trip report of AKL-JFK be all that necessary.

It's a 787-9 service
The interior and service will be the same except the inaugural services will likely have a bit of hype and temporary upgrading of in-cabin services.
The duration is 30min shorter than a LHR-PER or MEL-DFW.
All very fair points, although I would make the argument that there will be travellers who find value in this route, especially those who intend on travelling to New York and the northeast in that you only clear immigration at one point (i.e. JFK your arrival city) as I believe AKL is one of the IATA annex airports for international transfers (i.e. when you land in AKL from that QF flight you don't have to clear immigration or security you already did that in SYD).

Equally important will of course be how Qantas revamps what some argue is the OneWorld refugee camp at AKL. When I went there in January I didn't mind but could certainly understand traveller's sentiment that it's certainly not in the same calibre of other QF international lounges such as those in MEL or DRW.

-RooFlyer88
 
Though a SYD-LAK-JFK is the same. But I have not cleared JFK immigration at 5pm so don't know about that. Passport kiosks would improve the experience.

IMO the two worst airports to clear immigration are LAX and JFK. ORD probably surpasses both but not by much.
I have cleared JFK immigration at 5pm in T8 its dreadful.
Fortunately I got through in 5 minutes with GE but I doubt many of the pax on QF3 will have that.
 
Equally important will of course be how Qantas revamps what some argue is the OneWorld refugee camp at AKL. When I went there in January I didn't mind but could certainly understand traveller's sentiment that it's certainly not in the same calibre of other QF international lounges such as those in MEL or DRW.

-RooFlyer88
I thought it was an okay lounge last night before a 50% loaded QF148 out of AKL... A 787 full of people though... 🫣

Where's the qf3/4 SYD-AKL reward seats already!?!?
 
I have cleared JFK immigration at 5pm in T8 its dreadful.
Fortunately I got through in 5 minutes with GE but I doubt many of the pax on QF3 will have that.

I did T7 (BA) at 5pm last September and it was excellent! No queue at all.

I guess those days are gone now.
 
I'm don't think a trip report of AKL-JFK be all that necessary.

It's a 787-9 service
The interior and service will be the same except the inaugural services will likely have a bit of hype and temporary upgrading of in-cabin services.
The duration is 30min shorter than a LHR-PER or MEL-DFW.

Instead of 1200-1200 for the LHR-PER, it's 1700-1700 AKL-JFK
As stated by others I think there are plenty of points worthy of reading about including, but not limited to

- AKL transit
- any specifics in the lounge that may mirror the QF9 experience in PER lounge
- dining options and timing onboard
- arrival and departure procedure options in JFK and ease v other US options

I’m more than familiar with QF J but not so familiar with US arrivals departures out of JFK directly.
 

Become an AFF member!

Join Australian Frequent Flyer (AFF) for free and unlock insider tips, exclusive deals, and global meetups with 65,000+ frequent flyers.

AFF members can also access our Frequent Flyer Training courses, and upgrade to Fast-track your way to expert traveller status and unlock even more exclusive discounts!

AFF forum abbreviations

Wondering about Y, J or any of the other abbreviations used on our forum?

Check out our guide to common AFF acronyms & abbreviations.
Back
Top