What would you choose?

8 replies

Luke Hines

Member since 27 Nov 2018

Total posts 10

Departing Melbourne for Los Angeles and have two options to consider. Would love to hear thoughts on service/ cabin/ upgrade likelihood. Please note, I am platinum QF. Note: very aware how ‘first world problem’ this may sound, I am more so curious as to what others would do, as it’s a special occasion.


Option 1: A Monday evening departure out of Melbourne direct to LAX on QF93 paid premium economy ticket with upgrade request in early.

Option 2: Classic Business Reward seat on American Airlines metal the following day. This means 6:00am economy flight from Melb to Sydney, then 2 hours to change terminals, and get on AA72 9:20am departure, business cabin.


Would you take the risk for the Dreamliner business/ Qantas service and hope for upgrade knowing you could end up in premium if the upgrade doesn’t come through? Or take the sure bet business on American Airlines metal (which I’ve never actually flown)? Even if that involves an early domestic flight and 2 hour connection in Sydney.

thelongroad

Member since 14 Nov 2015

Total posts 54

I’d take the sure bet business, provided you can book the domestic sector on the same ticket, covering you if your MEL-SYD sector is delayed.

Phil Young

Qantas

Member since 22 Oct 2012

Total posts 257

With option 2 I wouldn't risk the on-time departure of MEL-SYD as well as a prompt transfer between terminals. I'd go to Sydney the afternoon before, relax overnight and have a pleasant breakfast in the QF First Lounge.

QFflyer_10

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 25 Aug 2022

Total posts 42

Hi @LukeHines,

I would definitely choose option 1: the QF evening departure. This is because you can sleep in, enjoy dinner in the First lounge and then potentially fly lie flat to the States.

Cheers,

QFflyer_10

pab2025

Member since 25 Jun 2012

Total posts 132

I would absolutely chose the option with guaranteed business.

The AA mattress they provide in Business is hands down one of the best in the sky for J, making the bed extremely comfortable. The seats are also the same as Cathay J seats.

The food is ok, nothing to write home about, but they also provide PJs and slippers which i think is a win.

FrequentFlyer

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 20 Mar 2012

Total posts 198

Absolute no brainer to take the second option in my opinion. It’s often difficult to find reward seats between Melb and LAX, I’d snatch them up before they disappear.


Agree with Phil though - I’d head up to Sydney the evening prior for peace of mind.


Re Qf10s comment: the evening dreamliner service is one of the hardest to clear upgrades on. This is according to both staff at the lounge and Hobart call centre. You may have better luck with the AM departure A380 flights though.

mspcooper

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 09 May 2013

Total posts 456

Business option on AA is a no brainer IMHO.

Joe

Member since 03 May 2013

Total posts 188

The early departure from MEL is pretty safe and that aircraft is already at the gate.

sydney slug

Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer

Member since 27 Feb 2015

Total posts 13

AA is a great J hard product. You will be very sad if it is foggy in Sydney or Melbourne, night before departure seems sensible…

Hi Guest, join in the discussion on What would you choose?

Attach Files