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I am looking to book F to Australia (Heathrow to Sydney or Melbourne) for onward transit.
I have not travelled QF F nor any airline's A380. My question is should I book BA F (then which aircraft recommended?), QF for the A380 or a combination; say BA out and QF return?
Pleased to share your experiences.
Many thanks
The Qantas A380 service in First is really excelent so I would recommend this for your trip down. The timing of QF32 also works well as the fight leaves London at 11am - just in time for lunch - and arrives in Sydney around 8pm the following day meaning that after a nights sleep you should have little jet lag effects. It is certainly much better than arriving in around 6am into Sydney like most of the other options.
If you elect to fly home on BA make sure you choose the BA16 as this has a much higher chance of being operated by an aircraft sporting New First. BA16 is currently operated by a 777 but by the end of March will be operated by a 747-400 aircraft. New First is really great.
The combo of QF down on the A380 and BA back would make for a good an varied trip and a good opportunity for you to compare the different airlines premium products. This would be my recommendation. Let us know what you end up choosing.
Book QF F both ways on the A380. In comparison BA's old 747s will disappoint you and their F service is not a patch on QF.
Agreed that the QF380 is fantastic in First but the New First on BA is also excellent so a combo of down on QF380 and back on BA New First might actually make for a fun and varied trip.
I'm a big BA supporter, but, try the Emirates A380 services. Fares normally very good also.
Otherwise if oneworld is a must for points / miles, use the QF A380 flights.
Tip - if you need a large luggage allowance book the BA flight numbers for the code share as then get 3 pieces at 32kg each.
I prefer BA and suggest going via HKG and take QF from there to SYD or MEL. Big benefit by going via HKG is the avoidance of T3. You get to use T5 with all of its niceties.
T3 when flying QF in F is absolutely fine. QF from HKG to SYD or MEL is on an old first product or may have no first if a 330 is rostered.
Maggie-may, have our suggestions and pointers been helpful in any way?
Thanks very much for all your comments. I enjoy BA F experience (T5)however I thought it would be a nice comparison, as travelling to Australia, to experience the QF F and especially on the A380. My planning at the moment means I will return before end March therefore, unfortuantely, would not experience the BA New First.
Typically nothing available in BA Sale. Checked on QF and did not seem to be able to travel A380 both ways?? ?In fact I did not find the website that clear. On Emirates the A380 possible on all sections, slightly cheaper although I have never found Emirates First class that fantastic especially with transit in Dubai ... however this may have changed in recent years??? Also the chaffeur car is bookable. I have always enjoyed BA F, (even in strike situation) although seems New First would not be available on routes I plan. So QF F A380 both ways booked through BA may be the more attratcive option???? Would definitely miss T5. Still unsure!!!!!
Definitely QF F on the A380 all the way there & back. The QF A380 cabin is just more spacious and has a bigger feel to it, then BA's 747 new F or old F product. QF F A380 is my choice for this one. don't listen to anyone else Maggie ! Seasons Greetings,
Luv T5 for the 60-90 mins before the flight, but i rather spend 24 hrs on a QF A380 then on a BA 747.
I think new or old, BA First is an excellent product. I've never had any complaints. I think Biarritz's suggestion is a good one so you can try both products, especially if you plan to do this route again.
Whatever you choose, I certainly would not be swayed by choice of lounge. As Nathan points out that part is just a small element of the total journey.
Enjoy the journey!
Thank You Lugano Pirate for that vote of confidence.
SEASONS GREETINGS TO ALL ! :-)
Have you considered SQ on the A380 there and back? Fares are reasonable at the moment and while standards are not what they once were they still leave BA in their vapour trail.
great idea LPPSKrisflyer ! SQ first on the A-380 is a totally different experience then BA & QF. SUITES !!!
My trip was delayed however I am now just about to book Qantas F A380 departing Heathrow for Melbourne early March and return "in transit" via Sydney. The question I now have is that I would arrive around 0800 hrs Sydney and have to wait until 17.30 hrs to connect with the A380 to Heathrow. Whilst I am travelling first I do not expect that Qantas would welcome me into lounge for so many hours. Previously when travelling Emirates I only had a few hours before onward travel so had no problem. I would very much appreciate your guidance. Many thanks.
You are mistaken, you will be able to spend many hours in the Qantas lounge, but why do that ? Sydney is one of the most exciting cities to visit, jump a cab, go to town and spend the day walking around in Sydney. Why would you wanna sit in the lounge all day ?!?!? Or else, take a later flight to SYD. What's your rush to get to SYD @ 08:00 HRS ? I suggest you visist sydney, tae a tour,m climb the Sydney bridge, its very exciting, visist the opera house, i love Sydney, i could walk around there all day long. Don't sit indoors all day.
get plenty of fresh Sydney Harbor fresh air, you'll need it before spending 24 hrs on an aircraft.
QF will allow you into their lounge however you could make a visit to some of the iconic sights of Sydney and even go for a paddle in the Pacific in the amount of time available. If you've never been to Sydney, don't miss out on the opportunity.
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