Oneworld, KTM-OSL, business
 

This is a routing I don't find much info on here! CX' subsidiary KA flies from KTM, and I am wondering if the flying aces of this forum could give an opinion on what would be the best way to cover the KTM-OSL-KTM itinerary. I must be in OSL no later than Sunday 15th of March 2009 and must be back in KTM on Friday the 20th of March.

I'm looking at various CX-flights to LHR, but are there other and better options? This would be a business-class ticket, so CX' new offering there is tempting to me... Any inputs from the community on the best way to go?

KA only flies the route four times a week and AFAIK this is the only OW service to/from KTM. KA101 KTM-HKG leaves late in the evening and arrives early in the morning in Hong Kong. The flight operates on Tu/We/Fr/Su.To get into OSL by March 15 you need to leave on Friday, March 13 at latest.

Given this schedule, I'd suggest you to fly as follows (I'm a fan of QF):
KA101 KTM-HKG 2250 0535+ 320
QF29 HKG-LHR 0800 1330 744
QF3589/BA768 LHR-OSL 1645 2000 320

Alternatively:
KA101 KTM-HKG 2250 0535+ 320
AY68 HKG-HEL 0945 1440 340
AY657 HEL-OSL 1645 1715 E90

Or:
KA101 KTM-HKG 2250 0535+ 320
CX257 HKG-LHR 0925 1500 343
BA768 LHR-OSL 1645 2000 320

It really comes down to price and preferences. You can choose among CX, AY or QF for the longer sector and others will be able to advise you on what is best in terms of quality etc. For me, it's QF.

Routing via LHR involves terminal change. AY via HEL may be a safer bet.

Thanks!
 

Thanks to both of you. :)

I had frankly not even considered QF or AY, and the point on transitting via HEL vs LHR is a fair one. Now to ponder the final choice... In the opinion of this forum, which of the three boasts the best C-class product? CX's new offering seems to be up there with the best, with flat-bed seats. QF and AY seems to be "only" lie-flat. Any thoughts on this? Are the new products from QF and AY equal to the old C-class in CX?

Wishing all flyers a merry x-mas!

I actually do not like the new business class on CX. It feels like a cheap and nasty knock-off of the VS/NZ seat, narrower, high walls, etc. Then again, I personally do not have a problem with lie flat on a slight angle. I have only flown AY shorthaul so can't comment on their product.

My preference is also for QF, although I do not know much about AY.

AY product is a generation behind. AY pricing tends to reflect that (often half of the CX/QF J price). AY has a deep recline seat (like the old AA J but with less leg room) and not a sleeper seat. AY does try to ply you with fine wine to make up for that, though.