QF to launch SYD DFW from 16 May and axe SFO

[Sprucegoose]

Could they use the A333 or A332 on SYD - SFO?

I would have thought 340-500???

 

[el_rooto]

I would have thought 340-500???

AFAIK its a common type rating so they could purchase a few.

 

[froggerADL]

No probs. Looks like there's going to be a few AFFers on the inaugural!

My brother and I are booked on the inaugural flight. Very nice "Economy" seats pre-allocated too.

Maybe we should start a new tread for those booked on the flight. It could turn into a Dallas Do.

 

[anat0l]

Maybe we should start a new tread for those booked on the flight. It could turn into a Dallas Do.

Someone should hit up the thread possibly on FT. Someone must have a good tip-off on a Texan BBQ place or something like that.

 

[Sprucegoose]

AFAIK its a common type rating so they could purchase a few.

Yes SQ use them SIN-EWR, with good results.

 

[Timba-Jet]

SYD-DFW seems like a sensible commericial decision. QF hub to AA hub.

But like others have said, sad to see SFO go such a relaxed vibe compared to LAX. Though my 2 times in LAX have been pretty quick to get through immigration. Will be flying SFO-SYD in Feb 5th, so will enjoy and hope for an op-up

Transited in DFW last year, very impressed with the terminal, very unlike the mess that is other US Airports. Spacious, lots of shops/cafes/bars to spend your time away.

 

[jakeseven7]

Transited in DFW last year, very impressed with the terminal, very unlike the mess that is other US Airports. Spacious, lots of shops/cafes/bars to spend your time away.

Totally agree - DFW is so well organised, laid out and sign posted. My grandma could make her way around it unaided!!

 

[serfty]

Totally agree - DFW is so well organised, laid out and sign posted. My grandma could make her way around it unaided!!

... at least on a golf buggy ... it's big!

 

[VirginiaF]

... at least on a golf buggy ... it's big!

Hey, it's Texas!

 

[yeldarb8]

Clearing Immigration & Customs in DFW.

1. Can be a hike from your arrival gate but not as bad as LAX in my experience.

2. Baggage claim and Customs is below the immigration floor take escalators to the lower level.

3. The Inter-line baggage area is through Customs barrier to the left (just go with the flow).

4. There is no "Red Lane" / "Green Lane" at Customs (at least not up to last December). They check your papers/ask a few questions. Never had bags inspected or x-rayed.

5. After Inter-line baggage continue to bear left and you will find escalator back up to the departures level (and the Grand Hyatt) but you will now be OUTSIDE the secure perimeter... if you have a domestic or international connection you get to do the TSA dance.

6. On a good day, from aircraft door to exit by the TSA barrier, it has taken me about 20 minutes (caveat - I have a Green Card so my immigration line can be much shorter than the tourists).

7. Generally speaking the lines at immigration are much shorter than at LAX in my experience.

8. There are toilets in the baggage claim area before you go through Customs.

9. DO NOT use your cell phone in the Immigration hall or baggage claim area, or Customs line, I have actually seen them confiscate cell phones in Dallas.

 

[NM]

... at least on a golf buggy ... it's big!

And that is the problem with Terminal D arrivals. A golf buggy is not much help. International arrivals into Terminal D have to go up an escalator/stairs, over the top of the departing passengers, and back down two levels to the baggage collection hall. Meanwhile you feel like you are in a multi-level goldfish bowl as you make your way along the glass walled corridors while being watched by all the passengers waiting in the departure area.

Terminal D arrivals seems more of a rabbit warren than a well-thought-out airport terminal design. I guess that is what you get when mixing domestic and international arrivals into the one building.

 

[JohnPhelan]

The loads on the SFO route have been problematic, having a service that is an alternate to the west coast and a good OW hub would seem to be a logical expansion choice. I am sure some at QF are looking at the competitions 777 with some degree of regret in terms of past fleet upgrades, it may be a viable option to SFO with that equipment, especially if you are flying into a hub of a sister airline which would help compete with UA.

Indeed. I have never understood why Geoff Dixon did not order a fairly large fleet of 777s. Perhaps QF just accepted the Airbus spin ??

 

[rtyuiop]

Indeed. I have never understood why Geoff Dixon did not order a fairly large fleet of 777s. Perhaps QF just accepted the Airbus spin ??

I think they accepted the Boeing spin, not Airbus spin - 'yes, 787s will be delivered on time, thanks to our new time travel outsourcing technique'... Given some of the stories about the deals that were done to create that huge Dreamliner order list now weighing down the Boeing balance sheet, I'm not sure who it hurt the most, between airlines, Boeing, or Airbus!

Danny

 

[Carlous Moochous]

Excited.. Just took advantage of the sale and bought tickets to Dallas in August as part of a big holiday.. Gotta be better than LAX

 

[rtyuiop]

Sorry, just to be clear I meant that's why they didn't buy recently! I assume they had a preference for more 747s in the early years of the 777...

 

[airbound]

And that is the problem with Terminal D arrivals. A golf buggy is not much help. International arrivals into Terminal D have to go up an escalator/stairs, over the top of the departing passengers, and back down two levels to the baggage collection hall. Meanwhile you feel like you are in a multi-level goldfish bowl as you make your way along the glass walled corridors while being watched by all the passengers waiting in the departure area.

Terminal D arrivals seems more of a rabbit warren than a well-thought-out airport terminal design. I guess that is what you get when mixing domestic and international arrivals into the one building.

Do we know which terminal Qantas is likely to use, or is it likely to be variable?

 

[yeldarb8]

Do we know which terminal Qantas is likely to use, or is it likely to be variable?

It will be Terminal D.

 

[yeldarb8]

Indeed. I have never understood why Geoff Dixon did not order a fairly large fleet of 777s. Perhaps QF just accepted the Airbus spin ??

Noise levels in the 777 are pretty high in my experience. The A380 was whisper quiet by comparison. I'll take Airbus over Boeing any day.

 

[arraitch]

It will be Terminal D.

http://www.dfwairport.com/dfwucm1prd/groups/public/documents/webasset/p1_036735.pdf confirms.

 

[haydensydney]

I wonder if VA would consider picking up the SFO slack - and VX connections could be convenient for those that aren't on the OW band wagon!

http://www.virginamerica.com/travel/flight-routes.html