Emirates Airlines Skywards - JFK to PERTH - EK or Cathay Pacific

I am really concerned with the 10 across EY configuration on a long haul Emirates flight to Perth from JFK. EK has the better price by about US$300. My travel will be in mid Nov. 2009. Any experiences or seating suggestions for Emirates? I am thinking that 10 across is too much for a 25+ hour flight in Economy. Appreciate the comments very much.

Fly Emirates because the transit time in DXB is shorter compared to HKG. Also take the night flight from JFK because then you will connect on to a B 77L for the DXB/PER sector where as if you took the morning JFK DXB flight, you would be subjected to flying an old A 340-300 of EK's from DXB to PER. FYI, transit time in Dubai is 5 hours if you take the night flight from JFK versus 2 hours if you take the morning flight from JFK.

How expensive is Singapore Airlines as they are another good alternative. The route is JFK FRA SIN PER on a B 747-400 from JFK to SIN and then a brand new A 333 SIN PER. Transit time in SIN is 2 hour in both directions. If SQ is max US$ 100-120 more costlier than EK, you should consider SQ.

SA is also a viable alternative.

Hi - Yes, SQ is highly desireable, but the cost is almost triple. Over the last 2 years, I have taken SQ before, JFK/FRA/KUL. Also, I have taken their Premium Economy (now gone) from EWR/SIN. They are great and worth a premium in price, but just not triple. Thanks again for the suggestion.

Re SA - I did not see SA as a choice from JFK to Perth. I'll check again.

Oops - I mean the SQ cost is about double (not triple)

JFK/Perth prices: As of now, EK is $1,300. CX is $1,600. SQ is $2,400

Take Emirates then and choose the night time departure out of JFK and enjoy their new planes ^ Are you a frequent flier member of any airline as that too should play a part in your decision as this trip will get you loads of mileage points. Do let us know which FFPs you are part of.

OK - so you think that considering the COMFORT FACTOR, Emirates is ok with 10 across seating? The main objective for this long haul flight is the Comfort level in Economy. I basically do not mind if one of the layover times is 5 hours or so on Emirates to get a better plane. I am just concerned with the crowded 10 across seating and what the experiences have been.

Again, much obliged for your help.

Well you are right but it all depends on load factors too because if you get a half empty Emirates B 777 plane then you can sleep on 3 seats in economy thus making yourself a small comfortable bed;) You would have to ask someone on how their loads are on JFK DXB and DXB PER + vice versa on the dates you wish to travel to see if you can get 3 seats for yourself to sleep on.

Yes, but I am simply assuming a relatively full plane. Knowing historical load factors may help. I am tempted by saving some money to go with Emirates. I am guessing that if the EK flights are fairly full, 10 across may be a very uncomfortable trip.

Thanks for all your thoughts - it is appreciated.

Any final general comments on EK in cabin service?

For me it is simple, without considering the Satus on CX, I would go with EK. I did SFO-DXB-BKK-SYD, 3 nights on planes. SFO-DXB was fine, I managed to book one of the last rows, 2 pax only and it was fine. DXB-BKK, full flight and the infamouos 10 across. TORTURE, TORTURE and hell, the longest 6 hours, but a couple of drinks helped a little. I love CX, and they treat me like a royalty, but it has to do with my status. First flight to first flight ever, I prefer EK, plus $300 would pay for a couple of dinners or something else.

Thanks again for all the comments - I'll let you know the decision soon.

Regards -

For me it is simple, without considering the Satus on CX, I would go with EK. I did SFO-DXB-BKK-SYD, 3 nights on planes. SFO-DXB was fine, I managed to book one of the last rows, 2 pax only and it was fine. DXB-BKK, full flight and the infamouos 10 across. TORTURE, TORTURE and hell, the longest 6 hours, but a couple of drinks helped a little. I love CX, and they treat me like a royalty, but it has to do with my status. First flight to first flight ever, I prefer EK, plus $300 would pay for a couple of dinners or something else.

D'accord. CX is going down the hill these days. EK is a much better option. Fly Emirates, to six continents. :)

i have found EK from quite ok to quite wonderful on the long haul from JFK- DXB. I have done both the 777 and the A380 (since discontd. on the route). Flown both the morning as well as the night flight. But you're flying further.

I haven't flown CX, but my consideration, after the price, would be which airline requires me to be in the air for lesser time. I woudn't, in fact, mind a long layover between two such long flights.

I note that CX's JFK-HKG is their flagship route, and it's really really good, even in Y (i'm a frequent flier on this route), the AVOD IFE is excellent. Once you take CX, you won't regret it (I mean it, especially for Americans). You're definitely not going to appreciate the extra time in the air (11804miles [CX] vs. 12457miles [EK]) with 10 across seating while CX is 9 across. Reducing flying time = less chance of DVT

Also see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/emirates-airlines-skywards/998452-ek-cx-jfk-bkk.html for recent discussion, http://www.airlinequality.com/Airports/Airport_forum/dxb.htm for reviews of DXB (3-star airport, people complain of poor design). HKG is far more efficient in this aspect with everything close at hand (Airport of the Year 2008, 5-star [same as CX])

Funny noting, round-trip JFK-PER is cheaper than one-way. USD1,571.26 all-in and 23,616 Asia Miles (M class, 15 Nov. from HK website). You might score an upgrade if you perform OLCI.

I have done the LHR-PER route more often than is good for me. I did it once in J on Cathay - the Perth to Hong Kong route on Cathay was (as of last year at least) a REALLY old "regional" plane with a very tired interior. Once with them was enough!

Flown it with EK plenty of times - not perfect, but the planes on the DBX-PER route generally has modern planes. Flight arrival/departure times for Perth are pretty good too.

I cannot comment on the services out of JFK, but my vote would go to EK every time.

I have done the LHR-PER route more often than is good for me. I did it once in J on Cathay - the Perth to Hong Kong route on Cathay was (as of last year at least) a REALLY old "regional" plane with a very tired interior. Once with them was enough!

Actually, that was quite a long time ago. Perth, Brisbane and Cairns, which were formerly operated by regional aircraft, now operate with long-haul aircraft. (from http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11220582-post3.html) Aircraft used on this route are A330s and A340s (some have the New Economy seats).

Actually, that was quite a long time ago. Perth, Brisbane and Cairns, which were formerly operated by regional aircraft, now operate with long-haul aircraft. (from http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11220582-post3.html) Aircraft used on this route are A330s and A340s (some have the New Economy seats).

Thanks for the info. That's good to know and definitely needed. It puts them back on the list of possible carriers for me.

I won't be able to comment on the second leg of your trip either from DXB to PER or HKG to PER since I haven't flown those legs. But I have recently flown both EK JFK to DXB and CX JFK to HKG TWICE EACH in last 2 years.

Both use B777. EK has been using B777-200LR recently due to decreased passenger load and bad economy. Both are fairly new planes. Both have great IFE systems. I'd give EK slight edge with their ICE system. The food in my opinion is hands down better with EK. As for service by FAs, the CX Y service has really deteriorated fairly quickly in the last 1-2 years. I don't really know what happened. The flight I took 3 years ago with CX was fantastic.

Now as for the seats. Despite 10 abreast seating on EK Y class, I think EK beats CX for comfort. The Y seats in CX is the type that only slides forward and does not recline into back seat. I believe CX made a huge mistake choosing these seats for their Y. I have friends that don't have any problem with it. But having checked CX/asia miles forum, I know there are plenty of people who hate the CX seats just like I do. EK seats are indeed narrow and it really is a problem when the plane is fully booked. The load in the plane would have to be the deal breaker. If there is no one sitting next to you, EK seats are more than tolerable. One thing EK got it right with their Y seats is that not only do they slide forward, they also recline backwards decent amount. I am 5'6" and weigh about 150 lbs and it is still not easy to be comfortable in any economy seats but I don't see any human being being comfortable after 13+ hours cramped in one seat. Given the choice I would still fly with EK even though it's a longer flight time.

At Dubai airport during transit, I believe you get Marhabas lounge access if you are originating from JFK. No shower but free food and decent place to rest for a few hours. I don't see CX providing that kind of service.

EK beats CX hands down.