QF26 HND-SYD Schedule Change - Now departing 06:50, previously 08:40

[arcades]

This is the information that Qantas sent to travel agents about the QF26 schedule change:



It's a seasonal change affecting the northern winter schedules only.

Interesting that they identify it as beginning October, my flight out of HND on Sept 26 flight was changed also. Was reticketed quickly, but was a simple one-way CR redemption on QF metal.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Just picked up a relatively last minute J award on QF26 on a Friday with the early departure. Probably due to someone changing to fly the night before, but I'll take it. Looking in to the logistics of hotels and getting to HND...somewhat tempted to just go without and spend the night roaming the streets of Tokyo if the weather is suitably agreeable. Getting to the airport in time is also something to consider, however I see the monorail runs early so even with PT it should be doable to get there by 0530.

Does anyone know if the JL lounges at HND (which appear to normally open 06:00) will open early for passengers on QF26?

 

[elanshin]

Just picked up a relatively last minute J award on QF26 on a Friday with the early departure. Probably due to someone changing to fly the night before, but I'll take it. Looking in to the logistics of hotels and getting to HND...somewhat tempted to just go without and spend the night roaming the streets of Tokyo if the weather is suitably agreeable. Getting to the airport in time is also something to consider, however I see the monorail runs early so even with PT it should be doable to get there by 0530.

Airport is doable but on the extremely tight side. One missed train and you're scrambling for a taxi.

Does anyone know if the JL lounges at HND (which appear to normally open 06:00) will open early for passengers on QF26?

No I do not expect them to open early and given the boarding time, you won't have time in the lounge.

 

[Must...Fly!]

Airport is doable but on the extremely tight side. One missed train and you're scrambling for a taxi.


No I do not expect them to open early and given the boarding time, you won't have time in the lounge.

Thanks for the reply. Will consider options, but the lack of a shower prior to flying back to AU might tip me over to ponying up for a hotel at the airport. Shame as I've always wanted to spend all night wandering Tokyo!

 

[elanshin]

Partners mid-November 06:50 flight just got retimed. It's now 08:15 departure arriving into SYD at 20:10

Edit: seems to be specifically her flight (and its showing for booking at that time). The other departure days around don't seem affected.
Edit 2: a bit more digging seems starting Nov10 on Sundays QF26 is retimed to 0815.

 

[half-hour]

According to this article, QF26 will be moving to a 10pm departure time from March 2025:

Qantas plans shake-up of Tokyo flights

Qantas is shifting its focus from Tokyo’s Narita airport in favour of Haneda.

www.executivetraveller.com

The article also states the current evening flight (QF60) will move to Narita. It doesn't say what time that flight would be leaving.

 

[elanshin]

According to this article, QF26 will be moving to a 10pm departure time from March 2025:

Qantas plans shake-up of Tokyo flights

Qantas is shifting its focus from Tokyo’s Narita airport in favour of Haneda.

www.executivetraveller.com

The article also states the current evening flight (QF60) will move to Narita. It doesn't say what time that flight would be leaving.

Discussion in the Haneda thread.

Also QF59/60 to NRT is just a rumour. I don't thinn there's any evidence they're doing it.

Tokyo Haneda slot - 2025

[mod hat] This thread has been spun off from the VA HND slot thread, as it is not VA specific. Oh, and yes, sometimes Mods do sleep. ;) [/mod hat] Maybe I'm daft but I'm not sure how it can be VA specific or just HND as they pulled a Tokyo route, they can't re instate (or can they...back to...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[Himeno]

According to this article, QF26 will be moving to a 10pm departure time from March 2025:

Qantas plans shake-up of Tokyo flights

Qantas is shifting its focus from Tokyo’s Narita airport in favour of Haneda.

www.executivetraveller.com

The article also states the current evening flight (QF60) will move to Narita. It doesn't say what time that flight would be leaving.

That's assuming IASC awards the 2nd HND day slot (currently held up VA and being returned in Feb) to QF.

Moving the day QF SYD-HND flight to NRT is speculation on the part of of executive traveller. Qantas has not hinted at the idea publicly.
QF could do any number of things with that 4th daily A330 to Tokyo. Move QF59/60 to NRT, resume SYD-KIX or SYD-CTS (KIX was 3 weekly and CTS was seasonal prior to covid shutdowns), move it to some other new/increased route or reduce A330 flying ahead of planned refits next year.