Booking the boss on a SIN-BNE-SIN business trip with EK in Y for a 4 day conference on the Gold Coast in mid April (he only flies economy)
Any feedback on these flights? Its EK 432 outbound and 433 for the return leg
Would be interested to hear reports on usual loading in Y and any other tips for the trip. He's a UK national, so would be interested on hearing how the immigration experience is on arrival to BNE at 1am, as he has to transfer to the Gold Coast to his hotel.
Finally - any recommendations on the ground transfer from BNE to the Gold Coast? Taxi okay or should I convince him to use Uber ^__^
Y TO BNE ON SQ due to scheduling(GET THE SQ235)and get say a Brunel or Hughes or any other approved Limo operator down to the Gold Coast.coming home depending on what time the meetings end SQ236 OR SQ246.BNE/ADL/PER ex Sin are like the so called long haul flights.not the real deal.
If your boss prefers Emirates for the purpose of collecting Skywards mileage, then you may also want to consider the Qantas codeshare (EK5052) which departs Singapore at 8.40pm, arriving in Brisbane the next day at 6.05am. (EK5051 is the return service).
Alternatively, if you do stick with EK432 then you can also consider booking an overnight stay at one of the nearby Airport hotels (Pullman, Novotel, IBIS). That will give your boss an opportunity to get some rest before continuing on with the 1 hour drive to the Gold Coast the next day. (bne.com.au/passenger/shop-dine-explore/airport-hotels)
There are a number of options to travel from Brisbane airport to the Gold Coast. There is a shuttle bus operated by a company called 'Con-X-ion' which operates hourly services between 6am and midnight. That's a fairly cost effective option if his/her travel budget is tight. There is also a train service from the International Terminal called the 'AirTrain' that operates between 5am and 10pm which travels to the Gold Coast. The train does not take you directly into the hotel area of the Gold Coast though, for that your boss would need to switch to a Taxi/Tram/Uber for the final part of the journey. It is also considerably slower than the shuttle bus due to frequent stops. As such, I probably wouldn't recommend it in your circumstance. There is also the option of using a Taxi or Uber of course (bne.com.au/passenger/to-and-from/transport-options).
If it were me - I'd probably go with the Scoot option mentioned above if the timetable suits. Scoot's business class option is quite reasonably priced.
Thanks for the replies so far - the flight booked is necessary due to his connection from Phuket where we are based, so its a given that he will arrive in the wee hours in the morning (hence the post with those flight details)
Visa I have done. Took a bit to convince him that UK nationals need a visa or e-waiver before hand (I am dual Oz/UK so knew this)
Appreciate the recommendation of a hotel near BNE, will look in to this
Considering booking a paid lounge for him (such as Dnata inside T2) prior to his EK flight once he has transferred from HKT, that might be a good idea to chill there and relax before the EK leg
The flight times are terrible, as is the 10 abreast 777 misery-tube that EK operates on that route.
Your boss sounds like an absolute sucker for punishment.
Yes this being discussed on AusBT. It is a business travel query. While many travel in premium classes, not every business can afford to do this. This a very pertinent question which a number of people have been willing to assist with.
The flight times are terrible, as is the 10 abreast 777 misery-tube that EK operates on that route.
Your boss sounds like an absolute sucker for punishment.
Yes this being discussed on AusBT. It is a business travel query. While many travel in premium classes, not every business can afford to do this. This a very pertinent question which a number of people have been willing to assist with.
I wasn’t suggesting any snobbery around class of travel. My point is it’s well known that EK 777s in Y are horrible to fly in. It seems like the OP was expecting a response to the contrary.
As the tickets are already booked, there probably isn’t much you can do, but make the best of a bad situation. The airline are like a Nazi Police force, the time of arrival is deplorable, not to mention being a cramped 777. If you are able, I’d try looking at an alternative.
The flight times are terrible, as is the 10 abreast 777 misery-tube that EK operates on that route.
Your boss sounds like an absolute sucker for punishment.
Yes, we're discussing this on ABT. I am Australian, a long time business traveller, and although I may be based as an expat in SE Asia I still look to ABT as a valuable source of news and information. This includes the Community forum.
In this case, the boss has a tight schedule for this trip to attend an important event for our industry on the Gold Coast over those days, and those flights need to fit in with his schedule in both Phuket and Singapore either side. There will be a very early morning start after arrival to Oz, and the EK flights matched our requirements and business travel budget.
Not sure how you arrived at the conclusion that I "was expecting a response to the contrary" - the key questions I made in my OP were as follows: "Any feedback on these flights? Its EK 432 outbound and 433 for the return leg
Would be interested to hear reports on usual loading in Y and any other tips for the trip."
Pretty self explanatory. Can anyone provide anecdotal feedback on these particular flights and any suggestions.
While you did back-pedal to say you weren't trying to suggest any snobbery against class of travel, your initial response was fairly clear as to your feelings on the particular situation -
"The flight times are terrible, as is the 10 abreast 777 misery-tube that EK operates on that route.
Your boss sounds like an absolute sucker for punishment."
Feel free to refrain from further input if it is not going to be constructive.
There is a company called 'Express Transfers' that offers a 24hrx7day door-to-door private transfer service for both Brisbane and Gold Coast. I haven't used them personally so I cannot vouch for their service. But that may be an option you can explore. They may be able to meet your boss at the Arrivals Hall (post-customs) for transport to a Brisbane hotel or possibly all the way down to the Gold Coast hotel.
I've transited BNE International a number of times recently and apart from the usual 'Express Cards' handed out to Business Class / Top-tier Frequent Flyers I haven't observed any other form of paid express entry. But then again - I can't say that I've really cared to look.
At that time of night the EK flight will be the only one arriving at the airport so I wouldn't expect massive queues. If your boss has a British ePassport that should help speed him/her through part of the process anyway. With an ePassport I usually find that I'm through customs and quarantine, and out the front door within 20 minutes if I don't have anything to declare... (and most of that time seems to be spent at the luggage carousel waiting for the bag to come out!). The Express Card doesn't really save you that much time when the airport is so quiet.
The BNE-SIN flight is the best way to travel to Singapore. Arrive at 8am - airport is empty. Aircraft is empty so in both Econ and business you can usually get the entire row (all 10 seats) to yourself. Much much better that the crappy qantas a330 flights.
The flight times are terrible, as is the 10 abreast 777 misery-tube that EK operates on that route.
Your boss sounds like an absolute sucker for punishment.
Yes, we're discussing this on ABT. I am Australian, a long time business traveller, and although I may be based as an expat in SE Asia I still look to ABT as a valuable source of news and information. This includes the Community forum.
In this case, the boss has a tight schedule for this trip to attend an important event for our industry on the Gold Coast over those days, and those flights need to fit in with his schedule in both Phuket and Singapore either side. There will be a very early morning start after arrival to Oz, and the EK flights matched our requirements and business travel budget.
Not sure how you arrived at the conclusion that I "was expecting a response to the contrary" - the key questions I made in my OP were as follows: "Any feedback on these flights? Its EK 432 outbound and 433 for the return leg
Would be interested to hear reports on usual loading in Y and any other tips for the trip."
Pretty self explanatory. Can anyone provide anecdotal feedback on these particular flights and any suggestions.
While you did back-pedal to say you weren't trying to suggest any snobbery against class of travel, your initial response was fairly clear as to your feelings on the particular situation -
"The flight times are terrible, as is the 10 abreast 777 misery-tube that EK operates on that route.
Your boss sounds like an absolute sucker for punishment."
Feel free to refrain from further input if it is not going to be constructive.
Thanks in advance if there is anything further to add
EK 777 really is not as bad as it is made out to be. Just requires the right attitude going in ;) With regards to BNE arrival, there is no paid service AFAIK, but with a UK passport he will be able to use the smart gates. He should breeze through at that time of night.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on
Feedback/experiences on EK SIN-BNE in Y
SeaVisionBurma
SeaVisionBurma
Thai Airways International - Royal Orchid Plus
Member since 13 Jan 2017
Total posts 13
Booking the boss on a SIN-BNE-SIN business trip with EK in Y for a 4 day conference on the Gold Coast in mid April (he only flies economy)
He's a UK national, so would be interested on hearing how the immigration experience is on arrival to BNE at 1am, as he has to transfer to the Gold Coast to his hotel.
Finally - any recommendations on the ground transfer from BNE to the Gold Coast? Taxi okay or should I convince him to use Uber ^__^
ratrace
ratrace
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 01 Apr 2018
Total posts 50
Don’t do it!!!
ratrace
ratrace
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 01 Apr 2018
Total posts 50
To add, Y experience is not great on SQ from BNE-SIN. Definitely not treated as true long-haul (like LHR-SIN) in my experience.
puppy79
puppy79
Member since 06 Dec 2017
Total posts 23
Y TO BNE ON SQ due to scheduling(GET THE SQ235)and get say a Brunel or Hughes or any other approved Limo operator down to the Gold Coast.coming home depending on what time the meetings end SQ236 OR SQ246.BNE/ADL/PER ex Sin are like the so called long haul flights.not the real deal.
wdeguara
wdeguara
Etihad - Etihad Guest
Member since 06 Apr 2012
Total posts 94
SeaVisionBurma
SeaVisionBurma
Thai Airways International - Royal Orchid Plus
Member since 13 Jan 2017
Total posts 13
Thanks for the replies so far - the flight booked is necessary due to his connection from Phuket where we are based, so its a given that he will arrive in the wee hours in the morning (hence the post with those flight details)
Considering booking a paid lounge for him (such as Dnata inside T2) prior to his EK flight once he has transferred from HKT, that might be a good idea to chill there and relax before the EK leg
MarkJohnSon Banned
MarkJohnSon Banned
Member since 19 Jan 2018
Total posts 41
Are we seriously discussing this on AusBT ?!?
Jyrn
Jyrn
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 04 Feb 2016
Total posts 8
Yes this being discussed on AusBT. It is a business travel query. While many travel in premium classes, not every business can afford to do this. This a very pertinent question which a number of people have been willing to assist with.
MarkJohnSon Banned
MarkJohnSon Banned
Member since 19 Jan 2018
Total posts 41
Yes this being discussed on AusBT. It is a business travel query. While many travel in premium classes, not every business can afford to do this. This a very pertinent question which a number of people have been willing to assist with.
I wasn’t suggesting any snobbery around class of travel. My point is it’s well known that EK 777s in Y are horrible to fly in. It seems like the OP was expecting a response to the contrary.
Red Cee
Red Cee
Member since 15 Feb 2018
Total posts 151
As the tickets are already booked, there probably isn’t much you can do, but make the best of a bad situation. The airline are like a Nazi Police force, the time of arrival is deplorable, not to mention being a cramped 777. If you are able, I’d try looking at an alternative.
SeaVisionBurma
SeaVisionBurma
Thai Airways International - Royal Orchid Plus
Member since 13 Jan 2017
Total posts 13
Yes, we're discussing this on ABT. I am Australian, a long time business traveller, and although I may be based as an expat in SE Asia I still look to ABT as a valuable source of news and information. This includes the Community forum.
In this case, the boss has a tight schedule for this trip to attend an important event for our industry on the Gold Coast over those days, and those flights need to fit in with his schedule in both Phuket and Singapore either side. There will be a very early morning start after arrival to Oz, and the EK flights matched our requirements and business travel budget.
"Any feedback on these flights? Its EK 432 outbound and 433 for the return leg
Pretty self explanatory. Can anyone provide anecdotal feedback on these particular flights and any suggestions.
Your boss sounds like an absolute sucker for punishment."
Feel free to refrain from further input if it is not going to be constructive.
Now, getting back on topic - have not flown in to BNE on an international flight for some years - is there any paid fast track/premium meeting service there (this article suggest not - https://www.ausbt.com.au/tips-to-fast-track-your-journey-through-brisbane-airport )
Thanks in advance if there is anything further to add
wdeguara
wdeguara
Etihad - Etihad Guest
Member since 06 Apr 2012
Total posts 94
There is a company called 'Express Transfers' that offers a 24hrx7day door-to-door private transfer service for both Brisbane and Gold Coast. I haven't used them personally so I cannot vouch for their service. But that may be an option you can explore. They may be able to meet your boss at the Arrivals Hall (post-customs) for transport to a Brisbane hotel or possibly all the way down to the Gold Coast hotel.
SeaVisionBurma
SeaVisionBurma
Thai Airways International - Royal Orchid Plus
Member since 13 Jan 2017
Total posts 13
Thanks for this info. Will have a look at 'Express Transfers'
Noted on the e-passport, I expect this will be a help
jimjimmyjimson
jimjimmyjimson
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 22 Feb 2018
Total posts 8
The BNE-SIN flight is the best way to travel to Singapore. Arrive at 8am - airport is empty. Aircraft is empty so in both Econ and business you can usually get the entire row (all 10 seats) to yourself. Much much better that the crappy qantas a330 flights.
7OD
7OD
Member since 24 Apr 2012
Total posts 11
Yes, we're discussing this on ABT. I am Australian, a long time business traveller, and although I may be based as an expat in SE Asia I still look to ABT as a valuable source of news and information. This includes the Community forum.
In this case, the boss has a tight schedule for this trip to attend an important event for our industry on the Gold Coast over those days, and those flights need to fit in with his schedule in both Phuket and Singapore either side. There will be a very early morning start after arrival to Oz, and the EK flights matched our requirements and business travel budget.
"Any feedback on these flights? Its EK 432 outbound and 433 for the return leg
Pretty self explanatory. Can anyone provide anecdotal feedback on these particular flights and any suggestions.
Your boss sounds like an absolute sucker for punishment."
Feel free to refrain from further input if it is not going to be constructive.
Now, getting back on topic - have not flown in to BNE on an international flight for some years - is there any paid fast track/premium meeting service there (this article suggest not - https://www.ausbt.com.au/tips-to-fast-track-your-journey-through-brisbane-airport )
Thanks in advance if there is anything further to add
EK 777 really is not as bad as it is made out to be. Just requires the right attitude going in ;) With regards to BNE arrival, there is no paid service AFAIK, but with a UK passport he will be able to use the smart gates. He should breeze through at that time of night.