Singapore A350 or Qantas A330

[eric2011]

Plus the OP appears to be QLD based (Brisbane-cairns) and would go via SYD only if using QF so they can access F lounge. IMHO use the SQ A350 from BNE. 3 or 4 flights daily, (not all A350's some are B777). I'm using SQ256 9.10 departure 15.30 arrival and returning on SQ245 departing at 9.40 and back into BNE 19.30. Both A350 and both have BTC

 

[whughes3]

The OP is flying to SIN, not MNL.

Thank you, I did appreciate this: I was merely underlining the point that the chance of encountering the 332's on international routes is unfortunately quite high.

 

[docjames]

Thank you, I did appreciate this: I was merely underlining the point that the chance of encountering the 332's on international routes is unfortunately quite high.

2 frames out of 18 (-200s) or 2 out of 28 (-200s and -300s) I dont think think I'd be defining as "quite high". Especially travelling to SIN as the 2 frames seem to be used more on the MNL or HNL routes than to SIN.


In any event ignoring the probabilities (even if it was 0%), i'd still vote for the SQ A350 direct ex-BNE for the OP so it doesn't matter.

 

[TomVexille]

2 frames out of 18 (-200s) or 2 out of 28 (-200s and -300s) I dont think think I'd be defining as "quite high". Especially travelling to SIN as the 2 frames seem to be used more on the MNL or HNL routes than to SIN.


In any event ignoring the probabilities (even if it was 0%), i'd still vote for the SQ A350 direct ex-BNE for the OP so it doesn't matter.

I think the point was that ALL the 332s were inferior to the 333s, not just the 2 frames with skybed mk1

 

[mannej]

2 frames out of 18 (-200s) or 2 out of 28 (-200s and -300s) I dont think think I'd be defining as "quite high". Especially travelling to SIN as the 2 frames seem to be used more on the MNL or HNL routes than to SIN.


In any event ignoring the probabilities (even if it was 0%), i'd still vote for the SQ A350 direct ex-BNE for the OP so it doesn't matter.

You may want to have a look at the Qantas source.

It isn’t 2 out of the 18 -200’s being used internationally. Most of them have been used on an international run from time to time, even those with Ipad IFE in Y.

 

[docjames]

You may want to have a look at the Qantas source.

It isn’t 2 out of the 18 -200’s being used internationally. Most of them have been used on an international run from time to time, even those with Ipad IFE in Y.

Yes, there are 8 of the -200s with wireless IFE in Y.

I'm not sure how ipad IFE in Y is relevant to the OP travelling in J (which has inbuilt screens)?


I'm happy to give up at this point.

 

[mannej]

Yes, there are 8 of the -200s with wireless IFE in Y.

I'm not sure how ipad IFE in Y is relevant to the OP travelling in J (which has inbuilt screens)?


I'm happy to give up at this point.

You were mentioning the chances of getting a -200 quite low, when in fact that most of the -200 fleet, and not just the two with skybeds have been popping up internationally.

Whughes3 has a disdain for the refurbed -200’s on any international route.

 

[docjames]

So being relevant to the OP with regard the J seating.

2 of the 28 A330s (of any type) have the old J.

The rest (26 of 28 A330s) are (essentially) the same from a J pax perspective.

 

[mannej]

So being relevant to the OP with regard the J seating.

2 of the 28 A330s (of any type) have the old J.

The rest (26 of 28 A330s) are (essentially) the same from a J pax perspective.

No, they aren’t the same according the whughes3.

The refurbed -200’s have one less toilet for starters. I am sure they will explain the other reasons why they feel the -200 refurb is inferior at their leisure.

 

[kpro]

I've flown both the 200 and 300 internationally in J and although I agree that the 300 is better, I personally don't see a huge disadvantage in the 200. The single toilet is really only an issue for overnight flights due to people changing into PJ's. The mattress cover mitigates any issues with the leather during sleep, and for sitting I don't mind the leather as much. In theory the pre-recline is also less on the 200, however this isn't something I've noticed.

 

[whughes3]

I am not the only one with concerns about the 332's:

Toilets on A332 J class - FlyerTalk Forums

 

[Isochronous]

Service is a million times better on SQ, especially in premium cabins. Qantas is an Australian airline which means the crew culture is relaxed and friendly but often too egalitarian to give genuinely amazing service.

 

[davidj]

The single toilet is really only an issue for overnight flights due to people changing into PJ's.

Honestly I always thought the toilet issue was a non-issue until I experienced it myself. Yes it is a problem! One bathroom to a full business cabin can't cut it. After a minute of waiting I ventured back to economy and got instant access.

My input into the aircraft type... unfortunately I get better sleep and overall experience on the SIA A330-300 (2-2-2, non-lie-flat), then I get on QFA A330-2/300 (1-2-1 lie flat).

 

[Lemon_Party]

You could instead enjoy the MI recliner direct from CNS to SIN?! I thought I read somewhere (ausbt?) that the new max8's were on that route...

 

[tea&coffee]

I fly this route frequently from BNE - the main benefit of SQ is getting the daytime return from SIN if you don't want an overnight flight.

Apart from that, as a high level status pax with both carriers there is little difference, SQ has marginally better food (especially with book the cook), while QF has a marginally better lounge, wine and PJ's.

 

[danielt25]

Yes silk air 737 max 8 have started flying out of Cairns. Though prefer the lie flat option of a larger aircraft especially if overnighting back from Singapore.