First class SYD-HKG update - So it's been a number of days since we've all found out QFi is dropping the A380 and First class from this segment.

First class SYD-HKG update - So it's been a number of days since we've all found out QFi is dropping the A380 and First class from this segment. Sadly QF customer care hasn't bothered to alert me (even though I'm a Platinum member and frequent First class flyer on this route), and I had to take the initiative - twice- to ask them what was going on.

So the deal is they have already automatically downgraded those who have paid full fare First class to Business class, and will be processing the refunds soon. I'm not sure what J class fares that calculation will be based on. I wasn't happy with that option as I always travel First class on this segment, so they have offered me a full refund to my Amex which should take a couple of weeks.

Once this lands in my account, I will be making a Suites class booking on SQ, which will be my carrier of choice to HKG in the future. Sorry QF, but my business no longer will be with you.

Nobody cares.

I was under the impression that the 747 being routed on SYD-HKG was fitted with the old F seats which QF were selling to Plat1 & Plat as J seats. You might want to investigate this before running off to SQ and wasting so much time routing to HKG via SIN.

QF are going to use the refurb 747s that have the a380 type product skybed mkII... there are 3 old F/C 747s left..and it is widely concluded that these 3 will be retired by the end of 2014...this will leave only 2 747s that will have skybed mkI, and these will retire in 2015...an A380 aitcraft will be utilized on a couple of days per week over DEC/JAN xmas/newyear/chinese newyear period and the F/C cabin will be utlized for higher teir pax, but with standard J/C service

ooops teir = tier

Make that 2 F/C 747 VH-OJL is currently operating its last ever Qantas flight as QF107 Sydney – Los Angeles. Then the aircraft will be withdrawn from service before continuing on to Victorville on 27th May.

thanks Otchiman..i knew that was coming...just wasnt sure when :-)

Propofol88,

You are doing the right thing and fly SQ as it is now the only genuine first class product on the sector.You seem to want a quality in flight service experience....sadly Qantas will now offer old seats,business class catering,ect.

I agree with you there.I know out of Sydney it is a bit out of the way to go via Singapore but if it gets you a better product in virtually every area I say go for it on Singapore Airlines.It's a shame Virgin Atlantic has since pulled out of Australia before this announcement came in otherwise we would have another choice for First Class out of Sydney to HKG.

Franz, you are slightly confused.  Virgin Atlantic had only a business offering and I thought it mediocre at best.

I presume this was a tax deductible business expense? I cannot for the life of me understand the logic of spending so much for a 9h flight. 

Is the need not to mingle with the masses so intense as to justify that sort of expenditure?

I'm confused too. Obviously this is not the site for people to bash the rich, but even if I had infinite money, I would prefer CX J than the inconvenience of going via Singapore. 

Agreed spinoza.

Just to clarify...this site is not about bashing the rich and my comments should not be viewed in such a context.

It merely perplexes me... especially if the passenger is Australian.

I guess I wouldn't have baulked too much if the passenger was from the Gulf, Nouveau Riche Chinese/Sub-Continent or a Russian Oligarch?

Propofol

You also need to consider that QF probably has say 10/14 x 180 - so almost 2,000 people to contact, and will undoubtedly start with the earlier bookings first.

I believe if you booked through an agent, they need to be advised rather than the customer, as the agent controls the booking.

It would appear that SQ is pretty much the only F option. Enjoy the 13+ hour journey.

Even Cathay doesn't offer First to HKG from anywhere in Australia - why would anyone expect Qantas to offer what the home carrier doesn't?