Reality check required
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: NT Australia
Programs: QF WP
Posts: 4,160
Reality check required
ok so i’m an addict. I believe my first ever flight was on a 747, I used to work on then, they have taken me all over the world to work in Japan, Korea, the US, and probably brought me to Australia for the first time as well. I have worked in Longreach and of course shelled out to go wing walk the 747 there
having not been on one for a few years, I recently did some segments and it dawned on me that it’s going to be retired soon and I will be old and nostalgic
thus, my travel planning for the year is in full swing. I have reason to be in Tokyo twice next year, I also have reason to make a trip in mid December (avoiding being at home for my birthday)
now, I know I could fly JQ and pay about $2000 to score 250 SCs. But equally I could pay almost double that for 747 flights in the current sale (interestingly this scores only 240SC return). Either way it will have me way over my platinum requalification threshold 6 months early. I don’t think I will make P1 either way as I have too much flying on OW (also does JQ count for P1? Not sure)
so. Do I book the 747 flights, knowing this is probably one of the last years of opportunity, or do I book the cheaper flight?
having not been on one for a few years, I recently did some segments and it dawned on me that it’s going to be retired soon and I will be old and nostalgic
thus, my travel planning for the year is in full swing. I have reason to be in Tokyo twice next year, I also have reason to make a trip in mid December (avoiding being at home for my birthday)
now, I know I could fly JQ and pay about $2000 to score 250 SCs. But equally I could pay almost double that for 747 flights in the current sale (interestingly this scores only 240SC return). Either way it will have me way over my platinum requalification threshold 6 months early. I don’t think I will make P1 either way as I have too much flying on OW (also does JQ count for P1? Not sure)
so. Do I book the 747 flights, knowing this is probably one of the last years of opportunity, or do I book the cheaper flight?
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,597
It's a no brainer - take the cheaper option
It is just an aeroplane - inside it looks not much different to any other aeroplane
The other thing to do is check what prices other airlines are offering and not be blinkered into Qantas group
It is just an aeroplane - inside it looks not much different to any other aeroplane
The other thing to do is check what prices other airlines are offering and not be blinkered into Qantas group
#3
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#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: NT Australia
Programs: QF WP
Posts: 4,160
Last edited by nancypants; Aug 30, 2019 at 6:12 am
#7
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Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: NT Australia
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Posts: 4,160
confessing I haven’t flown a 748, I am highly nostalgic for the 400 series. Also the 8s don’t tend to come down this way that often 😭
#8
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Wellington
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Posts: 4,669
You could try flying other airlines 747-400.
I too will miss the 747 when they retire they have lots of memories for me.
I too will miss the 747 when they retire they have lots of memories for me.
#9
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o..._747_operators [sort on total right hand column]
As a wild guess they will end up being the last major airline with B747's is regular passenger service
But it is still a metal tube
#10
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It may be “just” a metal tube, but if you want to spend serious time looking at the ground in all its detail, I believe the lower deck 747 windows give you the best opportunity. The 380 has great sound insulation but that means thick walls and restricted viewing. The 787 has windows blacked out by crew. The 777 has those massive wings and engines that restrict viewing (unless you’re in the very front or back). The 330 is OK but the window in the upward part of the curve of the cabin makes viewing less than optimum.
#11
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TG SYD-BKK is operated by a 600 year old 747. Not even slope gently down the floor seats in business class. So for that 1990s feeling, I would recommend that. And this can be quite cheap as well.
#13
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#15
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