One of the more common questions over the past few years on the Australian Frequent Flyer’s forum has been our members asking when Qantas was going to put the A380 on its lucrative Dallas route. The current 747 operation has had its fair share of issues with marginal range at times, thanks to high winds and subsequent delays. That question was answered last week.
Just released: QF 7/8 to become A380 service 6 days per week (no TUES) from September. No Brisbane stop on return.
With a finite fleet of aircraft, Qantas had to make quite a few changes to facilitate the entry of the A380 to a new route. The Melbourne to London service has been retimed to reduce the length of time the operating aircraft is away. Sydney to Hong Kong services will also revert to more 747s or possibly A330s.
While the changes are good for those flying to Dallas from Sydney , not all our members are happy.
As good as this news may seem to some, I have 3 trips booked to Hong Kong in Oct, Nov and Feb all in First Class. “NOT HAPPY JAN”. Cant wait for the call from QF, downgrading me to an old Mk1 bed. Maybe I can organise the meetings to be in Dallas instead of Shenzen
Those with bookings already on the rescheduled London services are also experiencing considerable inconvenience. London is a popular transit point for European connections or award flights. With First Class redemptions often made a year in advance, the changes are certainly causing some problems.
I have flights booked (AA First award) for the 29th Jan 2015. Paris-Helsinki-London-Dubai-Melbourne that are all now a total mismatch, so I will be interested to see what AA offer. I might have to get ahead of the game and initiate the changes.
The other significant bad news was the loss of the last Brisbane to Sydney domestic flight operated by QF8. When not late, this service provided good connections to Sydney flights with the added benefit of have a premium economy cabin. It still remains to be seen what will happen to those booked in Premium Economy on that domestic leg.
The changes do however bring some new benefits. There is new destination to be serviced by the Qantas First Class Cabin, which is always a sought after award redemption. And the delayed departure in Melbourne of the London service means it’s likely the Melbourne First Class lounge will stay open to almost midnight. Those travelling on the late One World services operated by other airlines such as Cathay and Malaysia, who previously had been faced with a closed lounge will be happy.
How have the changes impacted your plans, is it a good move by Qantas or do you see it as a further defocus by the company on Asia, join the conversation HERE.
