Qantas Frequent Flyer - ? Regarding C class LAX to AKL to LAX on QF.

Looking for any ideas including the purchase of a Y ticket and upgrading using QF upgrade certs which I have none.

I am looking to book using AA points SFO to AKL RT. The LAX to AKL and back portions are on QF. How is QF C comfort and service? Any seating suggestions? Will there be any plane change by May 04? AA says QF will only run two cabin from LAX into AKL? No three cabin? I could have gotten using UA points NZ in F. I know from experience the F seats on NZ are a disappointment.

Should I explore buying a QF coach ticket and upgrading? I am flying to AKL to catch the new Emirates F seat to DXB via SYD. Any help appreciated. Thanks

QF switched to 2 class AKL-LAX in early 2003. J configured with 50 inch pitch using a cradle seat, remarkably comfortable but sub-standard for the market. New J has a sleeper seat similar to CX and SQ design (flat but not level, tilted about 12 degrees to tuck under the seat in front). Zero chance of AKL-LAX having new J by mid-2004, probably not even by mid-2005 (my guess). New J will be used on routes to LHR, HKG and NRT with AKL being one of the last (why should they? it is a captive market). Air NZ is probably a better choice for awards on this route (much easier to get than on QF, and similar comfort and quality).

number_6 So you would prefer a F award on NZ to AKL versus J on QF to AKL? The points necessary for F on NZ and J on QF are equal.
Please advise.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by RTWSTARALLIANCE:
number_6 So you would prefer a F award on NZ to AKL versus J on QF to AKL? The points necessary for F on NZ and J on QF are equal.
Please advise.</font>They are really equal? wow ... it really is no contest. F on NZ is far better than J on QF (even today, with the steady decline of NZ amidst its financial problems). I've flown LAX-AKL on CX in F to solve this problem (adds a day travel time, but it is such pleasant travel).

The skybed has an 8 degree tilt which I believe is less than SQ but I'm not sure about CX

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by 744:
The skybed has an 8 degree tilt which I believe is less than SQ but I'm not sure about CX</font>

The CX NBC seat is not a flat bed set-up. Not sure of the back rest / leg rest angles, but I think the leg rest would be a bit more than 8 degrees. The original (wedgie) design seemed to have more of a sloping seat section than the current version.

Sounds like there's not much in it (between CX, SQ and QF)