LA/QF codeshare flight AKL-SYD questions
 

Tinkering with my AONE5 and was wondering if it is worth the effort to fly on the SYD-AKL flight on Lan Chile. Since it seems to be the only first class flight between the 2 countries, I thought I would try it. There appears to be some A inventory on the QF codeshare (galileo and AMEX), but is really wacky. Most Wed the QF flight doesn't show up at all, only the LA flight. Would you take this 6am FC flight ? What about the 10am return flight? Thanks...

My understanding is that whilst this flight is operated by LanChile, QF sells the majority of the seats under its code. Indeed, in the past, I believe I have read on this board that QF seels all of the F Class seats under its code.

From my experiences and from what I've read, LanChile First is excellent.

I've flown AKL-SYD when it was the EZE-AKL-SYD flight, and the F service trans-Tasman was substandard. No idea if LA also has a stripped-down F service for this short flight, but don't get too excited at this flight being much better than the normal QF J services. I believe the AKL-SCL leg would have the F service but wouldn't be surprised if the SYD-AKL portion was stripped down. Has anyone actually flown this flight?

QF seem to have one flight a week SYD-AKL-LAX (QF 155) which is a three class plane sold as two class. J moves to the F cabin. Not what you really wanted, but at least you get the QF F seats.

If the interest is solely in crossing the Tasman in an F seat, there is also a daily QF AKL-BNE flight on a 744, departing at 06:45, also sold as two-class. My guess is that it must continue on as an int'l flight to somewhere or the other, but I didn't bother to check where.

I can't speak for the LA flight, but I'm considering it for an upcoming trip, if for no other reason than getting a few extra miles for the F bonus rather than the J bonus. (not to mention checking out LA's seats while I sleep for 3 hrs on this 06:00 departure!!) http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I took this flight (SYD-AKL) in F a year ago as part of an AONE5. Here is the trip report I wrote for the entire RTW:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/003880.html

If you dig, you will find the section on the SYD-AKL, including a full menu and wine list transcript.

I was unable to get the flight under the Lan Chile number, and I can confirm that all the F seats are sold by QF. I cannot offer an authoritive observation on the load, but on my flight, I was the only passenger in F.


Bottom line, take the flight.

I hope this helps.

I took that flight last year. I believe it can only be booked in F via the QF codeshare. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of food and champagne. I was the only one in F which was nice. Liked the VOD IFE. Seat was similar to AA's flat seat (not the Flagship suite). I think it's worth a try.

Completely agree - take the flight, especially the SYD/AKL which is at a more sociable hour to enjoy some of the great Chilean wines they have on board. In May we got 2 seats in Z (redemption class) on the QF codeshare SYD-X/AKL-SCL at short notice, and the other 3 seats in the cabin were empty (the crew were kind enough to allow our 5 month old to use one of them, which he found very exciting). The service was excellent and seats better than any QF or NZ seat crossing the Tasman (arguably apart from the elusive QF155/6). Only possible problem is if you are claustrophobic the F cabin is very small with only one row of 5 seats. But all in all definitely a good use for your AONEX segment.

I took the flight two days ago, SYD-AKL.
Got 2 seats in A (First) on the LA flight number without problems. Slept thru most of the flight, so no report on food/wine.
The menu did not look very tempting. Only some kind of egg dish and a 'build your own sandwich'.
The seats are nice if you travel with somebody, but dont provide enough privacy when travelling alone.

Thanks for the info. I will take the flight if it fits into my schedule when I am in SWP. Since I already have a confirmed seat in F on the LA flight LAX-SCL in Feb, I don't need to experience the LA FC just for its sake. I was hoping to pick up a few more miles if there were few conflicts.

Any recent updates on LA's SYD-AKL service in F? Is it worth seeking out over QF J? Is it still difficult to book now that there will be 4 flights/week?
If "A" inventory shows availibility on ITN, is that a good proxy for true availibility? Is the QF codeshare still easier to book than the LA flight?

Sorry for all the questions. Any updates appreciated!

Also, any updates on this flight in J too? My folks are planning to do it as part of a DONE4.

I was just told by Sheila at the AA RTW desk this morning that this flight (SYD-AKL) was unavailable for booking on a OWE -- not for lack of availability, but it's just plain unavailable (my read being that it is only bookable for pax continuing on to SCL).

Anyone else hear of this? Is it new perhaps?
Usually the AA RTW desk people know what they're talking about from what I've heard...

So I'm stuck in J on a boring old QF 763...

SYD to NZ is available
 

I think that the AA folks are wrong here, unless there has been a very recent change in rules. LAN are selling fares on the trans-Tasman bit, there is no reason why both QF and LA sectors are not available to xONExers.

Spotwelder

Yes, you are correct. I called again today and someone else was able to book me on this flight. However, when I checked the itinerary on AA.com, I noticed I was booked in BUSINESS, but I'm on an AONE fare! :(
So, I called back again, and this time got Sheila, the agent who originally told me the flight couldn't be booked. Obviously she realized it could since I had been booked, but in J. She then attempted to change the booking to F, as it appeared there actually was "A" inventory available (ITN showed A4). But when she went to "Direct Access" to do the booking, there was NOT any A inventory, so a disconnect between LA systems and ITN/Saabre. The agent told me that this flight is almost always impossible to get in F, so I'm just taking QF. :mad: