In economy both fly modern planes with IFE, professional crews and some type of meal that is close to a microwave dinner. Qantas will have more Australians and American more Americans and obviously that flavour to the service. But it all about getting the self loading cargo there without fuss. If you want to get there earlier, then I would take whichever fits your schedule. Enjoy a great meal when you get here and the benefit of the exchange rate in your favour.

If price is the same and you want to go a day earlier, I cannot see anything that would make me cut my trip short to fly one over the other. Same would be for any cabin. I can buy a lot, but I cannot buy time.

KF