megaloman

I like flying and I don't mind doing a multi-segment travels... I got invited to speak at the conference in Singapore, so I am looking which way to go. I've flown with BA before and BA direct is OK, but how about other options (sadly Y only):

1. Qatar: LHR-DOH-SIN-DOH-LHR
+ never flown before QR
+ DOH-SIN-DOH operated by A350

2. Finnair: LHR-HEL-HKG-SIN-HEL-LHR
+ never flown before with AY

3. Qantas: LHR-DXB-SIN-DXB-LHR
+ never flown before with QF's A380
+ never flown before with EK

Note: I am BA's Silver:
* would I have access to the lounge travelling on QF ticket operated by EK?
* I can select premium seats on A340 when booking with AY, would QR allow me to select seats at the upper deck in their mini cabin at the back of A380's?

Many thanks in advance for your help!

warakorn

old and tired ex-AF Airbus A340-300; I wold avoid AY on this route.

darthlemsip

I had the same choice for a trip next month, albeit in J, and went for QR.

However, for Y travel I'd probably be tempted to go for QF operated by EK if all legs are on the A380 - Y on there is spacious and rather nice from what I've seen of it.

Can't answer about seat selection I'm afraid as have no experience there - the Qatar forum suggests that the mini cabin is reserved for their own elites, but a phone call to their CS or asking at check-in may wield a positive result

nux

In Y I would take the shortest route, either BA direct or even SQ.

Unless you really need the extra ~70 TP's I would go direct.

megaloman

I need 65 tps to keep Silver for another year... direct BA books into V/S class, so it would give me 80tps for return trip to Singapore, which is more then I need.

As I said, I've never flown with EK/QR/AY... hence my question

ENTP

Definitely BA - who wants to change planes in the middle of the night, even if the seat is slightly nicer and the lounge is better

henkybaby

People who think 12 hrs in an economy seat is similar to Chinese water torture and therefore welcome a break mid journey ?

ENTP

I see it as prolonging the misery. The BA flights are all late-ish night ones so sleeping theoretically be easier, with the chance of getting an uninterrupted 8 hours if one can manage it.

shefgab

The A350 is a very nice plane, although i've only flown it in J. QR service is normally very good, and transiting in DOH is fairly easy, it not very busy. You should be able to select a seat upstairs on the A380. The OW Sapphire lounge is nothing to rave about.

I thought AY were definitely a step below BA. Crew were not ethusiastic at all, and the F&B weren't great on my PEK flights in Y. Lounges are middling to poor.

Both QF and EK are quite good in Y. On QF, try and get one of the two rows at the front of the upstairs Y cabin. Very cosy, and lots of space (for Y). You will have access to the QF designated lounge when flying on a QF metal flight (e.g. between LHR-DXB-LHR). In DXB, this is the EK Business lounge. I don't think you have access on EK metal on a QF ticket, but I may be wrong.

If SQ direct is an option, go with that.

Cymro

Ex-Spain in WTP for the same sort of money (or less) than WT direct?

jahason

Sometimes CX offers very good fares. I have always enjoyed flying Cathay.

carrotjuice

It's miserable changing flights in the middle of night... even in J or F. Rule out QR and QF/EK. Go SQ if you want to experience something nicer. Else BA.

megaloman

What dates? I am looking to travel 19-23 Sept...

megaloman

That's the thing which makes me think of going direct or LHR-HKG/BKK-SIN-LHR (to add a little bit of adventure).

I look into OW as I need tier points to keep my Silver

megaloman

My first thought was that - to try the new A350 which should be more comfortable in Y than B787 (already tried 787)

Good to know, I'll rule them out then.

I have a LoungeClub pass as a back up option, heard different opinions - technically flying on QF ticket with OW status I should be allowed to the EK lounge, but you never know. BA credits avios and tps for QF marketed flights operated by EK...