Best OW Route London/Australia Rtn in Economy
Feb 17, 2019, 10:30 am
#46
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,745
Far easier. To begin with, you don't have the Int and Dom terminals miles from each other. Although if you are using one of the LCCs for the domestic leg, you do have a bus trip. Otherwise it's a 5 min walk between terminals.
Feb 17, 2019, 12:56 pm
#47
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 973
Probably a little late for your hubby now, but for anyone else using this thread as a guide in the future, the additional lounge time is a good idea and allows for freshening up, however in my experience the Y seating on a QF A330 feels far more cramped than their A380.
Feb 17, 2019, 1:48 pm
#48
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Singapore
Programs: BA Gold. KrisFlyer Gold
Posts: 732
I second the Qatar A380 option. By far the most civilised way to do this, especially in the protected upper deck environment. Just don’t put your head around the curtain at the front to check out the bar - it’ll only depress you!
I would strongly avoid anything 787 shaped, if you’re in Y, regardless of journey length or destination. It is simply horrible. I’d also give a Qantas A330 a wide berth. I flew one last year in Y between BKK and SYD in what was supposedly one of the best seats. Also terrible; didn’t sleep a wink. Limited leg room due to underseat IFE boxes, narrow, and with strangely intrusive recline by the seat in front, as others have mentioned.
I would strongly avoid anything 787 shaped, if you’re in Y, regardless of journey length or destination. It is simply horrible. I’d also give a Qantas A330 a wide berth. I flew one last year in Y between BKK and SYD in what was supposedly one of the best seats. Also terrible; didn’t sleep a wink. Limited leg room due to underseat IFE boxes, narrow, and with strangely intrusive recline by the seat in front, as others have mentioned.
Feb 17, 2019, 1:56 pm
#49
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 284
I second the Qatar A380 option. By far the most civilised way to do this, especially in the protected upper deck environment. Just don’t put your head around the curtain at the front to check out the bar - it’ll only depress you!
I would strongly avoid anything 787 shaped, if you’re in Y, regardless of journey length or destination. It is simply horrible. I’d also give a Qantas A330 a wide berth. I flew one last year in Y between BKK and SYD in what was supposedly one of the best seats. Also terrible; didn’t sleep a wink. Limited leg room due to underseat IFE boxes, narrow, and with strangely intrusive recline by the seat in front, as others have mentioned.
I would strongly avoid anything 787 shaped, if you’re in Y, regardless of journey length or destination. It is simply horrible. I’d also give a Qantas A330 a wide berth. I flew one last year in Y between BKK and SYD in what was supposedly one of the best seats. Also terrible; didn’t sleep a wink. Limited leg room due to underseat IFE boxes, narrow, and with strangely intrusive recline by the seat in front, as others have mentioned.
Feb 17, 2019, 4:49 pm
#52
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 629
Why the 4am wake up time? To make it to Heathrow or just to help acclimatise?
I've taken CX252 before and the only annoying thing for me was having to fight with the morning commuters on the tube for the first half of the journey.
I've taken CX354 from Gatwick before (same departure time), and about to do it again this week. Last time I stayed in a hotel overnight because it was in the middle of a 2 day rail strike. Staying in a hotel again as I got an amazing Ł35 deal at the Premier inn. Don't plan to get up til around 7, breakfast around 8, and check in at 9ish. Going to BNE and arrival is 11.20pm so no probs getting to sleep when we land!! Just got nearly 6 hours to kill at the Premium Plaza lounge at HKG to try not to sleep too much in!
I've taken CX252 before and the only annoying thing for me was having to fight with the morning commuters on the tube for the first half of the journey.
I've taken CX354 from Gatwick before (same departure time), and about to do it again this week. Last time I stayed in a hotel overnight because it was in the middle of a 2 day rail strike. Staying in a hotel again as I got an amazing Ł35 deal at the Premier inn. Don't plan to get up til around 7, breakfast around 8, and check in at 9ish. Going to BNE and arrival is 11.20pm so no probs getting to sleep when we land!! Just got nearly 6 hours to kill at the Premium Plaza lounge at HKG to try not to sleep too much in!
Feb 18, 2019, 3:53 am
#53
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: UK. BAEC AAdvantage
Programs: Mucci Des Oeufs Brouilles et des Canards
Posts: 3,671
I'm guessing UK-USA and USA-Australia isn't as competitive as the UK-(Asia/Middle East)-Australia routing, so they don't need to price competitively. It's a shame because, despite the longer flight and the pain of having to clear US customs at some point, I think some people would consider it.
Feb 18, 2019, 3:55 am
#54
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: UK. BAEC AAdvantage
Programs: Mucci Des Oeufs Brouilles et des Canards
Posts: 3,671
OMG. I'm getting a room at LGW for my 11am flight on CX and I only live in zone 2. That isn't a relaxing way to start a journey, but if the objective is to tire yourself out so you can sleep onboard, I'm sure it works. The risk of some rail delay must be a worry though!
Feb 18, 2019, 6:02 am
#55
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 635
Not surprised no one else has mentioned it, but for completeness of Oneworld possibilities there's AA via LAX with the possibility of MCE?
Feb 18, 2019, 8:59 pm
#56
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 629
I'd rather spend another night at home with the family than an unnecessary hotel stop - but horses for courses!
Apr 1, 2019, 4:39 am
#57
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 973
Reason why he preferred different flights (not necessary planes) so he could go to the lounge to freshen up and stretch legs before the next flights.
