Qantas Perth-London: will you fly direct, or connect via Dubai?
By David Flynn, April 21 2017
TALKING POINT | Qantas is expected to announce this week the exact 'late March 2018' launch date (and pricing, and schedule) for its non-stop flights between Perth and London.
The much-trumpeted Boeing 787 service will rewrite the rules of the Kangaroo Route, which has over decades shrunk from a four day trip with seven stops on a Lockheed Constellation in 1947, to one stop in 23 hours on the Boeing 747 or Airbus A380.
Come March 2018 it'll be no stops and just under 18 hours – presuming you're starting from Perth, of course.
However, most Australian travellers will begin their journey from the east coast, adding an extra handful of hours and one stopover in the WA capital.
Or will they?
Despite the allure of the advanced Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with its superior seats and ability to reduce the impact of jetlag, how many travellers will continue to opt for the more established Airbus routes from Sydney and Melbourne (assuming the Melbourne-London QF9 flight isn't cancelled or curtailed at Dubai, as some expect)?
In the A380's favour, there's a first class cabin – the Boeing 787 tops out at business class – which will appeal to the many frequent flyers who use their points to upgrade from business class to first class).
For Platinum frequent flyers the superjumbo routes also provide a lush starting point at the Qantas first class lounge, and of course an often-welcome break at Dubai before the final leg to London.
On the other hand, travellers from the likes of Brisbane and Adelaide may decide it's preferable to make the dash to Perth to join the Boeing 787, trimming several hours and one Sydney or Melbourne stopover from their overall trip.
Today, we're asking our readers who regularly fly with Qantas to London if they'll continue to go via Dubai on the Airbus A380 or switch to the non-stop Perth-London flights of the Boeing 787. Tell us which you'll do, and why, in the comments section below.
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.
Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles
08 Jun 2014
Total posts 264
Via Abu Dhabi or Singapore 😂
21 Apr 2017
Total posts 14
Singapore was & still is my preferred route to Europe. Great city for a stopover as well. For that reason I fly SingaporeAir more than qantas.
sq
07 Aug 2015
Total posts 15
I agree totally. Far too long a sector from Perth irrespective of class. 14 hours to DXB tough. Sin-lhr wins.
26 Jul 2015
Total posts 75
Not with QANTAS.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Feb 2015
Total posts 382
If only Qantas had the option via Singapore as you would see this quickly become the favoured stopover point.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Mar 2016
Total posts 167
I'm really hoping QF9/10 remain as an A380 route. I love flying so long haul doesn't bother me but 18 hours, even in J, is pushing it. There's a novelty value to the non-stop flight and I'm not a huge fan of transiting in DXB but even so, I think the classic route will remain my choice. If the MEL A380 route switches to another EU city, that will make things more interesting.
08 Mar 2013
Total posts 28
Since the family and I usually fly Economy. Whatever is cheaper, which in most instances is not Qantas unfortunately.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Feb 2014
Total posts 144
Keeping this QF related, I'd much rather go via DXB but If they flew via SIN, they'd have my money for sure. Definitely not going PER-LHR direct.
29 Jan 2012
Total posts 176
Totally agree! 18 Hours in a 789 is crazy. East coast to Europe/LHR via HKG or SIN in a 747 or A380 has the options and comfort for the distance travelled. PER to LHR is nothing but a QF gimmick at the moment and by 2019 will be dropped.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jan 2015
Total posts 70
I would but most of my work travel is to Europe so depends on connections and any possible?? code sharing with BA via LHR
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
03 Jul 2011
Total posts 186
Given I'm in ADL, I'd rather not back track and go East to go North. So PER it is.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 May 2013
Total posts 372
In economy I'd definitely go via Dubai. 18 hours in a 9 abreast cabin sounds like a living hell. I'd consider going via Perth in Premium Economy and Business though.
08 Feb 2016
Total posts 14
I personally struggle to see how the Perth option is better than the current Dubai stopover for Syd/Mel-based passengers. I would definitely favour a stopover closer to 'half-way' as it currently is in Dubai, rather than a short 4-hour trip to Perth followed by the marathon flight to London.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 May 2013
Total posts 372
Until Qantas upgrades their A380's the Boeing 787 will have a much better Premium Economy and Business Class product. So Perth may be a popular choice for people travelling in the premium cabins.
05 May 2016
Total posts 619
Whilst the A380 seats don't have the in seat storage space of the A330/787, I find the centre seats are excellent. I'd prefer to fly on the QF A380 from MEL to LHR even with the older seat.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
25 Mar 2014
Total posts 219
Direct get it over and done with
Qantas
03 Mar 2015
Total posts 21
Well, id does depends on what class you'll be flying in.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3012
But you miss out on the opportunity to max out on Status Credits!
05 May 2016
Total posts 619
That is a good point. If the SC earn is terrible going via PER then that will make it an even more unattractive option for those with FLounge access.
23 Feb 2015
Total posts 262
Stop over for sure (I'm in Melb).
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 974
Flying from Sydney / Melbourne, Perth is a stop over? I'm keen on stop overs in either Singapore, Hong Kong or Dubai etc. Whether that be 30 minutes or 23 hrs it's a good chance to enjoy other countries. I'm not that keen on a direct flight unless the price was right.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Feb 2015
Total posts 382
Essentially this is a major win for Perth based travelers but no major gains for any other city. If you are coming from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide there is a stopover involved whether that be in Perth or Dubai when flying on QF or EK.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
27 Feb 2015
Total posts 34
Canceling the QF9/10 altogether opens up two A380s for their mid-life refresh which makes the QF1/2 look more enticing, especially with the new business class...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 May 2011
Total posts 232
If I'm going to London, I'll probably go via Perth. If I'm not, then I'll probably go through Dubai.
The only exception to that plan would be if some bizarre mixture of price & status points emerged.
21 Apr 2017
Total posts 17
Living in country SA will always mean 2 stops to London. Would prefer the A380 as I always travel in J and being platinum always choose the small J section. Would probably try Perth once, but I am sure would return to Ad/Melb/Dubai as the legs are shorter, and the lounges better.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3012
The poll does not have a neither option.
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2555
Because this is an either/or proposition with regards to Qantas routes – the article isn't about "Which airline is your preference for the Kangaroo Route?".
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Jul 2014
Total posts 142
Depends on price and schedule. I live in Sydney but have occasionally flown to London via Melbourne to take advantage of QF9's departure and arrival time (and occasionally it has been cheaper) it also adds extra SC and points.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
30 May 2013
Total posts 372
I love the current QF9 departure time. It's easy to get to sleep as it's late at night and you're in your London hotel by check-in time, mid afternoon.
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2555
Ryan: that's so true. I recall many complaints when Qantas announced the re-timing of QF9, but pretty much everybody I've spoken to who has since caught QF9 loves the revised timetable!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Mar 2016
Total posts 167
It's definitely not uncommon for Sydney-siders to book on QF9 because the timing is so much more appealing! For frequent and business travellers, timing, points and SCs and connection capacity will probably be the deciding points. There will still be a group (me included) who just want that better split between legs and some time on the ground to stretch and rehydrate!
QFF
19 Sep 2013
Total posts 202
PER based, but I believe that QF will always charge considerably more for their J flights, so it looks like Qatar and others will be my preferred option for a while.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
31 Jan 2016
Total posts 90
Being regionally based (NSW) and already having an additional sector I am more than happy to go SYD-DXB-LHR (via the First Lounge), it's just the most practical way to manage the trip. Although through Perth 'could' be a great experience.
30 Jun 2016
Total posts 51
Surely the frequent flyer addage is why fly direct when you can connect?!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Oct 2016
Total posts 37
If I was going to London, being from Perth I'd definitely do the direct at least one way, then I might try something else on the way back to experience different airlines (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad..)
05 May 2016
Total posts 619
I'll probably fly QF9 MEL-DXB-LHR unless that route is scrapped or flying via PER is significantly cheaper. Whilst I'm WP if going via PER would mean no QF FLounge visit, I'd rather avoid going via PER until I've dropped back to SG.
If QF9 is scrapped and the predicted MEL-PER leg of MEL-PER-LHR leaves MEL International and one can still get a FLounge visit in that would change things.
I don't care so much about missing the FLounge visit in Dubai. If things go according to plan one wouldn't spend long there and it's not as nice as the FLounges in MEL/SYD anyway.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Mar 2012
Total posts 211
Perth for me...especially as I live here and I'd rather not do off and on again rat run en route.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
21 Jan 2014
Total posts 9
I would still go via DXB, love the Dubai connect service and usually make sure I have enough time between flights to get that ground experience, nice sleep in a real bed before the short hop to LHR or elsewhere in Europe the next morning. Also never go direct when I can connect in that endless chase for Status Credits!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 1378
I suspect status credits will be the same. Just like SYD-LHR on a single flight number is the same as SYD-DXB-LHR
Qantas Platinum
04 Dec 2012
Total posts 48
If I need to be in London, I would do Qantas through Perth. But normally I need to be in Amsterdam and that will be more convenient via Dubai, Singapore or Hong Kong.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 May 2014
Total posts 20
It all depends on the timings... I reckon the PER flight will be an am arrival into London... On the way would be ok as you depart late afternoon/evening for arrival first thing... It's really dependent what is the arrival time back.. If it's night arrival past 6pm into Perth then you have to do a read eye to the east coast which will just be chaos for the body clock... However an afternoon/ morning is suitable for adjusting to the body clock...
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
23 Jul 2014
Total posts 11
I'm assuming that you would need to collect baggage and pass through customs on the return leg if going via Perth to the East Coast. To me, that's a negative and would be the reason I wouldn't want to do it.
21 Apr 2017
Total posts 47
I will do neither thanks. I will continue to take the best airline in the world via HKG...
23 May 2014
Total posts 119
Because the hard product is better, and for the novelty factor, I'd choose Perth. But only in Business. And after a few trips probably switch to a mix of the two, nice to get a bit of variety.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer GOLD
15 Sep 2015
Total posts 13
I loath the Dubai pitstop security rigmarole so if the price was favourable I'd like to try the direct from Perth option. Might just be too long on an aircraft but worth investigating for me anyway.
24 Apr 2014
Total posts 271
I'm not a fan of Dubai so PER for me. I'm not Jewish, but I think this route via Perth could be popular with Aussie Jews as Dubai is no go for them.
24 Apr 2014
Total posts 271
Flying from MEL, I would find PER attractive if I cleared Customs in MEL on the way and then cleared customs in MEL on the way back.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Aug 2014
Total posts 503
Flying through Perth because:
10 Aug 2015
Total posts 113
Ethically I cannot agree with a stopover in Dubai. I would happilly travel Canberra - Perth - London only if they can ensure I receive five meals in economy.
03 May 2012
Total posts 120
Australia is a country drowning in QFF memberships and points, relative to the equivalent in other countries. Points are becoming easier and easier to stockpile and more and more difficult to use. Upgrading from J to F on the A380 Kangaroo route is a great use for them. For me, that reason alone is enough to fly via Dubai. If upgrading from Y to J, I would give the Perth service a go, but would end up choosing on load and likelihood of upgrade.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Sep 2012
Total posts 236
18 hours in economy sounds awful. In Premium Economy it's bearable and in Business it could work. I wonder how much time it saves though?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Dec 2016
Total posts 42
Being from Perth, obviously the direct flight is a no brainer, depending on pricing.
QFF
12 Apr 2013
Total posts 1518
I stop flying with QF when they went into bed with EK and I may resume if they start flying direct. But indeed I am missing transit via SIN by QF.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Dec 2012
Total posts 38
I feel this really depends on the class of travel. The only reason to choose Y PER-LHR would be if you're originating in PER or elsewhere in WA. On the flip side, if you're in J, I feel now you would actually prefer PER-LHR regardless of where you're coming from. This unless Qantas markets their Y via PER cheaper and J via PER more expensive. It will be interesting to see how the pricings compare!
Cathay Pacific - Asia Miles
01 Feb 2015
Total posts 112
Cathay all the way!
21 Jul 2011
Total posts 90
Since it starts in MEL I'd go via Perth. I don't like DXB. But like most others, if I could choose via SIN or even HKG, I'd prefer them.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2441
As a Brizzy resident I'd happily give Perth a try, provided the connecting Brisbane-Perth flight is an A330... can't say I'd overly fancy a journey from Brisbane to London via Perth that involved 4-5 hours on a domestic Boeing 737 though, when I could fly Brisbane-Dubai-London on a Qantas codeshare instead with an international-grade seat/bed the entire way.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2014
Total posts 465
Still waiting for the inaugural flight invitation then ;-)
09 Sep 2012
Total posts 139
Brisbane has a population close to three million and is the capital city of Queensland, population close to five million, while Adelaide is a place half the size and is the capital city of a state the population of which is no more than a third the size of Queensland's.
You'd have to be some sort of a fool, as you've implied, to fly backwards on a five-hour domestic flight from Australia's third city to its fourth city just so you could then fly non-stop to London, while it makes perfect sense to make the short hop from Adelaide to Perth.
So no, David, no one from Queensland - not that you asked - would be interested in going backwards to Perth.
What we would like is a Qantas service - of any sort - from Brisbane to London. A330, A387, anything; of course Al must not, repeat not, give Brisbane an A380 service. Well done Al.
The Kangaroo Route, in fact has never gone anywhere near Perth, David, missing the place by half a continent, so to term this new service from Perth the Kangaroo Route is completely erroneous.
Read your history, not the recent blurb from the airline once known as the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service,
Qantas
19 Apr 2012
Total posts 1424
Longreach the Kangaroo route in my time has gone through Mumbai, Bahrain, Bangkok, and Singapore; so why is Perth so un-kangaroo. The transit time will be an hour or two faster than via the overcrowded (with a delay scheduled in) Dubai. It might make perfect sense for a Brisbane person to go via Perth if it saves an hour. From Canberra it is a no brainer as it saves a stop and the backtrack to Melbourne or the bus in Sydney.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Dec 2016
Total posts 42
Longreach, being from Perth, this is excellent news as we do try to reduce the number of Queenslanders in Perth.
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
11 Mar 2015
Total posts 191
18 hours non stop?put the pax in an induced coma to survive that ordeal!only tolerable in business as they won't have first..
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
27 Jun 2011
Total posts 37
, I'll be keen to board a flight once and disembark next in London. More sleep/rest on one long flight, and more time in London. I'll most likely travel in PE. But if Y isn't a hit, I'm happy to a row of 3 to myself.
Also, I don't think the flight times will be that bad. Because of seasonal and weather variations it may even get down to just over 16 hours in the air - and that's QF8 daily.
03 May 2013
Total posts 672
QF paper on EK metal via Dubai until:
02 Dec 2016
Total posts 92
I've said from the moment these flights were rumored, they'll only appeal to Perth and Adelaide Flyers. And then, only if you're in Business (Premium... maybe). No way a SYD, MEL or BNE flyer will go via PER. Why would they? BNE flyers go with Emirates as will Melbournians if they cancel that flight. I doubt the flight time is quicker SYD - PER - LHR than SYD - DXB - LHR.
Even if orginating from Perth, a stopover DXB is a great way to stretch your legs etc.
But, if you're in business, originate in PER, and fly a lot then sure go for it.
Qantas
19 Apr 2012
Total posts 1424
Jazzop the flight time probably will be an hour faster (from Bris, Syd, or Mel) as it takes at least two hours to sort through Dubai which is very slow (when I was last there it took one hour from plane landing and going to a remote stand, wating for bus and getting through airport traffic into the terminal), and QF says they can cut an hour off that. Note they had to add a slower schedule last year to fit the Dubai delays. From Canberra it is a complete no-brainer. The flight time itself is much the same as DFW-SYD (16-17hrs) which I do regularly, and it is fine.
Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Dec 2016
Total posts 5
I reckon it will be well worthwhile, except maybe if ultimate destination is Southern Europe. Anything to avoid that horrible DXB stopover, what a shocker it is.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Apr 2016
Total posts 10
It all depends if Qantas bring back pork products on the Perth - London flight! Banned on all Dubai flights if I recall.
05 May 2016
Total posts 619
That would definitely be a plus if they do that.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Mar 2017
Total posts 2
I like many of my collougues work in the Pilbara and live in Europe for me it's no difference Perth to Manchester, however the return is great it arrives into Perth at 11:00 11:30 ( as advised by staff in lounge ) and I can connect straight to Port Hedland instead of staying overnight as EK don't connect.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
16 Feb 2013
Total posts 13
As a regular tourist from Scotland, PER to LHR gets me home quicker and I think UK tourists and retired folk living in PER taking a trip home will pay the wee bit extra to fly direct. If Qantas could just sort out the congested and frankly unhelpful Flight Connections early morning at LHR that would be helpful but really isn't their problem I guess!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Oct 2016
Total posts 162
Based on the previously released route to the US I bet the premium will be steep for the 787 service to London - for those that pay our own money that will make some decisions easy
Singapore or Hong Kong is my preference but I would try Perth if a deal was available
Qantas
13 Jun 2015
Total posts 141
Two words: Non-Stop
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
25 Apr 2015
Total posts 12
When you're flying out of Adelaide, your choices are extremely limited for one-stop flights to London .... and even more limited if you want to fly Premium Economy. In fact, only Cathay Pacific offers that service (via HK). From experience, it's quite acceptable and knocks hours of having to transit Sydney on the way.
Similarly, Air NZ is the only airline that flies you in PE to LAX (via Auckland) without the dreaded Sydney turnaround. Air NZ is also the only airline that flies non-stop to NZ from Adelaide, it's Auckland only but again it knocks hours off the via-Sydney journey if Auckland is where you want to go.
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