Qf8 Lax - Syd

[Reggie]

OK,

I'm starting my own thread, to get peoples thoughts on QF8. I have done the google search of AFF and there are smatterings around the place, but as this is now interesting me as a possibility for an upcoming DONE4, (possibly a AONE4), it would be nice to have a consolidated thread.

Those who have taken it, what do you think of QF8, what is good and what is bad. I also like the idea of the QF JFK - LAX flight the night before.

So please give us (me) your thoughs.

 

[Dave Noble]

If doing QF US-AU I will always take that if it is running; a nice civilised daytime flight , much more pleasant

Dave

 

[Reggie]

if it is running

Do you mean because it only runs Thursdays (well in late Jan when I'm looking), or does this flight have issues?

 

[serfty]

It's flight schedules.

Currently only once per week, departing LAX Thursdays and arriving late Friday evening.

 

[milehighclub]

A very pleasant flight and adjusting to Sydney time is very easy since you can go straight to bed. You also don't have to get up at some ungodly hour or wait till late in the evening to leave Los Angeles either. Whenever I have been on this flight they have had more often than not light loads.

The downsides - Not many connections in Sydney if Sydney is not your final destination and if they flight is delayed more than a few hours, you'll have to go to Brisbane due to the curfew at Sydney (doesn't happen often but just keep it in mind)

 

[Dave Noble]

Do you mean because it only runs Thursdays (well in late Jan when I'm looking), or does this flight have issues?

Yup, just the issue that it doesn't operate many days a week

Dave

 

[Reggie]

if the flight is delayed more than a few hours, you'll have to go to Brisbane due to the curfew at Sydney (doesn't happen often but just keep it in mind)

So if it goes to Brisbane, do you clear immigration and customs there, and then catch a connection onto elsewhere ie Perth, or sit around and wait for 6 odd hours to go to Syd, then PER?

 

[milehighclub]

You probably would be rebooked out of Brisbane and they will do that while your in the air. I see no reasons why they wouldn't since you will have to clear customs etc to get to a hotel if there are no immediate connections or your going to Sydney.

Don't let it worry you to much - but it is just something to keep right at the back of your head - The night flights divert more than the QF8 due to fog in the morning when those flights arrive.

 

[NM]

Some years back, QF8 used to continue on from SYD to BNE. But there was a change of aircraft from a 744 to a 734 for the last leg.

 

[Reggie]

OK does this seem right,

From the responses Dave Noble and milehighclub have both used this flight, and serfty may have. So it appears it is a nice/pleasant flight but doesn't seem popular with frequent flyers who are generally business orientated.

Now OT slightly, do many people use the QF flight from JFK to LAX, and what is it like?

 

[Harriet Vane]

We're booked on QF8 coming back in early January. I'm interested to read the opinions, though we wouldn't change flights now anyway even if it was going to be a horrible flight! The idea of leaving LAX at a civilised hour and getting back just in time for bed was the reason we chose it.

 

[AnonymousCoward]

OK,
Those who have taken it, what do you think of QF8, what is good and what is bad. I also like the idea of the QF JFK - LAX flight the night before.

FWIW I've caught this flight twice, both in J (LAX -> SYD). I like it, if you can get on it. As others have mentioned - no need to wait around till nearly midnight, nor any need to get up a really early hour and checkout of your hotel. In fact, it's a very civilised hour to be departing LAX

Adjusting to jet lag at the other end is good too. Just head straight home (assuming Syd is your final destination), and straight to bed.