Flexing the 2nd entry into EUR rule
 

Hi guys.

I have a couple of segments left in my AONE6. The one but last flight is HKG-JNB (June 6th) which is immediately followed (same day) by a JNB-CPT-LHR. I did this because both BA and CX assured me that HKG-JNB would be in First. It now turns out that the always switch to a 2-class A340 between March and Oct. The old style C class that is. Not a good way to start a marathon journey, especially not if you expected new F... :(

I wonder if I have any chance of changing my last flights to HKG-LHR-CPT instead of HKG-JNB-CPT. Has anybody pulled this stunt? I am flying on an old paper 20 segment ticket and my BA agent loves me. Can I provide her with tips and tricks?

I have to leave DPS on the 5th or the 6th and be in CPT on the 7th. Any alternatives?

Change the order of continents and go via Australia?

June 9 has f availability “old F" on a 343.

Same situation Happened to me. only from HKG-SYD on CX , no F class when we fly in October and only one F flight a week JNB-HKG.

Let us know what you find out!

I fear that however much your agent loves you, the tariff desk will not love you nearly so well. If you want to route via NBO or DAR, then pay for a ticket to JNB/CPT (including the re-issue,) so be it, but otherwise I think you'd better get used to the idea of CX J service.

Added: I just looked at the seat maps on EF and noted that on the days where no F/A is shown (including your travel days) the first J row is row 11, while on June 2 and June 9 (when F is sold) first class is rows 1 and 2, and J also starts at row 11. Both flights show the same J and Y configuration, so I suspect that (as CX often does) the FC seats are there, but not sold. I'd bet bucks that you can get one of those if you're traveling on an A class ticket, but just get J service. Worth asking.

If it's an AONE6 with a couple of segments remaining, one presumes Oz has already been visited, so no go on that front.

Thanks guys. I contemplated June 9th but unfortunately my AONE6 end on June 7th. My new DONE5 begins on that day, so I need to be in CPT on the 7th.

Changing the travel dates to later is no option.

I am not that bothered enough that I want to pay €500,- for an NBO-CPT ticket. If that was cheaper I might have, if only for the TPs.

I feel cheated out of TPs (since I will now miss my Upgrade for 2) and bonus miles. That is why I am also looking for a way out. I will keep you posted...

I interpreted a couple segments remaining as HKG-JNB being near the end. With June travel date there is scope OP hasn't yet visited Australia.

Could indeed have been the case, but Oz was visited and much enjoyed. :D

Seems my only options are to either:

1. FLy back to DAR, enjoy a couple of days in the sun there and fly on to CPT by myself (about E500,- extra). Q: How is DAR in early June?
2. Fly back the 2nd (4 days early) and spend some time in Durban (sunniest place in SA early June) but I have heard horror stories. Q: Any other suggestions for a 4 day break in SA (preferably sun & relaxing)?
3. 'Rough' it in the old C class, but one day earlier and spend the night in CPT instead of flying straight on.

Unless my agent pulls a rabbit out of her hat.

As I mentioned, I wouldn't be surprised if there are FC seats on the plane, so you might get the "old" FC seating, which isn't all that shabby ;).

FWIW I rode in the new CX J HKG-JNB in December and did not like it at all compared to the "old" J. Very confining, no view, and because of the flight schedule the FA's put out the lights early and didn't put them back on until we were over KZN. Bleh. YMMV of course.

I can only hope for an equipment change last minute.

I do not like the new C product either. Like a coffin. But of course I was hoping for their new First product. The annoying thing is that I had a 74A confirmed on my AON6 itinerary untill two weeks ago when it all suddenly changed.

Does anybody know the load factors in J for this route in June?