Here's why you shouldn't rush to book on Qantas' first Boeing 787
By David Flynn, December 27 2016
As previously tipped, Qantas' pricing for its new Boeing 787 flights between Melbourne and Los Angeles has now settled back to the usual competitive rates with today's release of a raft of discounted 'saver' fares in business class, premium economy and economy class.
PREVIOUS | Qantas' first international Boeing 787 flights between Melbourne and Los Angeles are now on sale – but you shouldn't be in a rush to buy your ticket.
As we've previously reported, the red-tailed Dreamliner will dart across the Pacific six days a week as QF95/QF96 starting December 15, 2017.
But travellers looking to be among the first to experience Qantas' Boeing 787-9 or snare a seat on the inaugural flight are in for a shock, with most tickets priced well above what they're used to seeing.
For example, the Boeing 787-9's business class lists at over $10,300 for a one-way fare, with premium economy nudging $4,300 one-way and the cheapest economy seat at $3,406 – and again, that's just for the Melbourne-LAX leg.
Here's what the Qantas website is showing at the time of writing for business class...
... premium economy...
and economy.
Note that there are also no discounted 'saver' fares listed across all three cabins – all that's offered are the top-rate 'flexible' fares.
That alone is reason to hold back on pressing that big red Book Now button.
Happily, this should change in the next few days – because what you're seeing exposed are the full one-way fares, sans any discounting.
These are automatically-posted rack rates which haven't had the benefit of adjustment by the airline's revenue management system to include the usual discounted fares and aren't married up to a return flight.
For example, here are the Melbourne-Los Angeles business class fares for Qantas Airbus A380 service a few days ahead of the Boeing 787 inaugural (and based on booking a return flight later that week).
As you can see, they're much more within the realm of normality – at least for December's peak travel season.
The take-away? As eager as you may be to book that Qantas Boeing 787 flight between Melbourne and Los Angeles, hold off for a few days to see how the pricing settles down as the usual discounted seats and the QF96 return flights start flowing through the booking system.
PS: And when it's time to make that booking, check out our exclusive Best Seat Guides for the Qantas Boeing 787-9’s business class, premium economy and economy class.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas
19 Apr 2012
Total posts 1425
Of course one could book the A380 three hours earlier and save a thousand or so.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Feb 2014
Total posts 144
They got to make money somehow with that low density seating :-P .
14 Feb 2012
Total posts 37
Ahhhhh.......it's cute. Qantas thinks they have the first 787 in the air and are charging appropriately. Maybe someone should give Alan a call to let him know there are 500 of them flying now.
02 Jan 2013
Total posts 142
Im still baffled about the hype of this Dreamliner...considering I've flown atleast 20 of them over the last few years, this one would have to be something special to justify the hype and price for that matter.
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
21 Jan 2016
Total posts 195
I agree with Alexaqua and brobro comments. Qantas is a late comer to the 787 race, so by the time Qantas branded 789's start flying the novelty of them would be waning and the current JQ 788 fleet would need to replaced (sic)
Qantas
19 Apr 2012
Total posts 1425
Today they all seem to be sorted. The price is the same now for the A380 and the 789. No premium for being on the inaugural flight
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 1378
Good to hear... Reality is it won't be the inaugural for Qantas as the first aircraft will likely have spent a month doing domestic flights for crew familiarisation
14 Jun 2013
Total posts 353
Well it's the "international inaugural", I think we can afford not to split too many hairs on this :)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Feb 2016
Total posts 49
Totally agree with Mal and I struggle to understand the QF bashing over the 787 delivery. It is the first new long haul plane in 8 years after the a380.
16 Nov 2011
Total posts 595
Didn't realise Singapore had any of their 787-10's yet, seeing as the first one isn't due until 2018!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Feb 2016
Total posts 49
AJW, you are correct the 787-10 has not been delivered as yet but there is a bit of hype advertising delivery on the internet. I will adjust my previous post to reflect this.
19 Aug 2011
Total posts 54
You article raises an important issue that most people booking a one way fare dont realise - check the same flight with a return leg.
Qantas
19 Apr 2012
Total posts 1425
The other one is that fares are much higher ex US. In my case rather than book a three month trip with a visit back home at the half way point it is much cheaper to book two return fares ex Australia.
18 Nov 2015
Total posts 118
The 787 Business Class seats are an order of magnitude better than the A380 dated sad looking Skybed.
787 Business:
03 May 2013
Total posts 672
The A380 Business Class seating is a joke now.
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