Emirates Airlines Skywards - Choice of class for first EK flight: Trans-Tasman

I'm looking at flying SYD-CHC/AKL-BNE on an upcoming visit down under. I'm currently looking at doing this trip on EK and have found the following prices (in GBP):

Y: 245
J: 501
F: 672

It will be outbound on the A345 and back on the B773 (not the new -ER version I believe).

Now, the question is: which do I go for? In some ways I think paying an extra £250 is "worth it" for what will be 5-6 hours of flying for the Y - J upgrade (I have no status with EK, so it would introduce at least premium check-in, lougne etc. which I won't get otherwise). However, once I've done that, I can't help thinking that the extra £170 would then be worth it, particularly for the F suite on the A345 on the way out. Aaarrggghhh. Then I'm paying £427 more than the Y fare.

So my question is whether the service on the trans-Tasman routes is worth this extra cost? The outbound is a morning flight (departs 08:30) so I expect a breakfast service and doubt I'll be up for much booze, but I'm itching to try out the new F suites on the A345 (an aircraft which I have also never flown on). The return is an afternoon flight, so much more chance that I'll partake of the booze and food options, but the F and J classes on the B773 are nowhere near as good as the A345. Then again, I could just save my pennies and slum it in Y!

Does anyone have any views on this?

Oh, another question. Is the chauffeur service available on these cheapy J and F fares?

MTIA.

On the A345 first is much better than business. Not sure if they have the same deals ex-oz, but ex-NZ EK regularly has a deal pay for business and get the first leg upgraded for free to first (and incidentally earns first mileage).

Those prices in pounds look too high. Where are you pricing it from?

AKL-oz-AKL runs under NZ$1000 and I wouldnt have thought ex-oz would be that much more.

I hope this helps.

PS dont forget to book online to get the skywards bonus miles.

I'm looking at flying SYD-CHC/AKL-BNE on an upcoming visit down under. I'm currently looking at doing this trip on EK and have found the following prices (in GBP):

Y: 245
J: 501
F: 672

It will be outbound on the A345 and back on the B773 (not the new -ER version I believe).

Now, the question is: which do I go for? In some ways I think paying an extra £250 is "worth it" for what will be 5-6 hours of flying for the Y - J upgrade (I have no status with EK, so it would introduce at least premium check-in, lougne etc. which I won't get otherwise). However, once I've done that, I can't help thinking that the extra £170 would then be worth it, particularly for the F suite on the A345 on the way out. Aaarrggghhh. Then I'm paying £427 more than the Y fare.

So my question is whether the service on the trans-Tasman routes is worth this extra cost? The outbound is a morning flight (departs 08:30) so I expect a breakfast service and doubt I'll be up for much booze, but I'm itching to try out the new F suites on the A345 (an aircraft which I have also never flown on). The return is an afternoon flight, so much more chance that I'll partake of the booze and food options, but the F and J classes on the B773 are nowhere near as good as the A345. Then again, I could just save my pennies and slum it in Y!

Does anyone have any views on this?

Oh, another question. Is the chauffeur service available on these cheapy J and F fares?

MTIA.

Hey,

Firstly - I have to agree with Kiwi Flyer, those priced seem really high. Maybe because it is an open Jaw and is being prices as 2 one ways?

Personally, I would take the F suite on the way out, just for a one time experience, and take Y on the AKL - BNE flight. On the B777-300's, Business is a real waste of money seating wise, and First is not much better. The 34" legroom, good food, and IFE is more than enough to keep me occupied especially on flight less than 5 hours.

All EK J/F tickets no matter how discounted qualify for the chauffer drive service.

Cheers

Thanks for the input, certainly food for thought. Just one more question, any ideas about the loads on these flights? If they're not so busy, then I'd be more happy in Y to be honest.

Thanks for the input, certainly food for thought. Just one more question, any ideas about the loads on these flights? If they're not so busy, then I'd be more happy in Y to be honest.

I did BNE-AKL and AKL-MEL around this time last year, and both flights were about 25% full in economy. The crew must love these sectors!

Cheers,
Rick

Loads don't seem to be too great on these flights, they really only exist so EK can make a (tiny) profit rather than having the planes sit on the ground all day at SYD/BNE/MEL. If you are flying in the next couple of months (not sure when AUS spring break is) the flights should be empty

Cheers