Hi Everyone I'm looking at booking Sydney-London in First Class for my birthday on either the Qantas A380 or British Airways 777-300.

Hi Everyone

I'm looking at booking Sydney-London in First Class for my birthday on either the Qantas A380 or British Airways 777-300. Both look really nice, especially the new BA First cabin and I've read good reviews (and not so good reviews) for both Qantas and BA.

I would like to ask if anyone has done this trip in either Qantas or BA's First Cabin, and if so what are your recommendations and/or thoughts.

Also I'm a Gold Qantas Frequent Flyer and I know that I will get 840 status credits for this booking, which is certainly tempting in boosting my status credits. If I do book BA, does anyone know how many status credits will I get?

Thanking you in advance for reading my question, and I look forward to reading your replies.

:)

If you book BA, you will only get 420 status credits. Qantas doesn't like it when you fly their competitors.

Further to anonymous reply, points earned for a gold FF on a QF ticketed flight is 34100 SYD-LHR, compared to 15879 on a BA flight for first class, so it's half the status credits and less than half the points that could be earned by flying Qantas. 

Service on the QF first cabin is generally impeciable, except on my last LAX-MEL flight in first.  First suites are comfortable, food is generally very good. I find the service on BA generally hit or miss.   

Friends have just done QF1 in First to LHR. They said it was the best thing they've ever done. Food was amazing. Service better apparently. Definitely on my bucket list. I'd go QF. A380 too 

BA cheaper and the Concord lounge at Heathrow is special. However I agree that Qantas service is better and A380 superior.

I did the BA 777 first class last year to LHR and found it to be excellent with very attentive flight attendants. I wasn't expecting BA to be as good as it was, no faults from me. Have also done it with Emirates A380, Suite 1A and preferred EK due to the more private suite and shower on board. It doesn't take much to impress me, I just think myself fortunate to have been able to do it. The food and service from both flights was superb. Maybe you could book through Qantas and try Emirates one way and Qantas the other to compare both and earn maximum points and status credits. EK also has a bar at the rear of the business cabin which is a bit of fun too!

I flown BA LHR-SYD in first (and business other way). It was complimentary BA one way upgrade that emerges from time to time. In short – it is nice, for sure nicer then business, but I would not spend my money or points on it and stick to business. Also do not forget that on your way back if you choose BA you can go to Concorde room. I was really excited to do so, but in reality I did not really found that it is heaps better then business lounge and IMHO food in business was as good as with wider choice. My wife and I finished to go to business lounge.

I have flown 1st with both and would put Qantas in front of Britsh Airways any time .the A380 is a better plane as well.go with Qantas

Would say qantas much better seat not just a cx seat without the cubical for the feet food and servie in my opinion is better with qantas 

Would say qantas much better seat not just a cx seat without the cubical for the feet food and servie in my opinion is better with qantas 

Have just had 6 x BA First Class flights over the past six weeks (a mix of paid and points) and I have to say the experience was more of a very good business class, not so great first.  The seat is nice, and the service is fine - but the food was pretty average on all flights and all but one they didn't know how to serve breakfast, and only if pestered would they serve coffee (the espresso machines were broken on three of the flights).  QF First is a much better experience, and the catering - a cut above. 

I was lucky enough to fly QF 9 in First Melbourne to LHR last July – the experience from beginning to end is exceptional including the chauffeur drive which BA doesn’t offer. BA First is often described as the world’s best business class and not a genuine product in today’s market – just have a look at the density of the seating plans between the air lines. If your choose BA First you’re probably better off saving money and flying CX business. Whichever way you go it will be a great experience. Enjoy your trip.

I do about 6 trips on QF A380 F  (QF9 or QF94 sectors for example counting as a 'trip') a year and is always something I look forward to. Whilst my BA F experience is a little dated (circa 2008), I cannot really compare one from the other effectively, however please see below aspects of QF F that standout for me.

QF Positives (with respect to the sector flown)

- Chauffeur Drive 

- F lounge with full Spa access

- Champagne, Tattinger Comtes is sensational. I remember BA serving Ruinart which, while nice, cannot hold a candle to Comtes. When its not Tattinger Comtes it Pol Roger Sir Winston, which is lovely too but I prefer the Tattinger

- Food, the tasting menu on the afternoon flight is a joyous way to spend time on a long flight. It isn't always perfect, with ports such as LAX/LHR unable to match the standard of MEL and SYD consistently.

- Food (again), the steak sandwich is excellent (as above, different ports will have different qualities etc) and available throughout the flight. Such a treat when you're feeling peckish.

- Option to dine with your partner, I've never done this as I travel solo but would be a nice experience.

- Wines, there is a reason QF F wins the awards. They are superb. Not always the most expensive or exclusive but they just work in the environment (dry air) in which they are served. 

- Seat, wide and comfortable. It is a little awkward in take off and landing position but other than that it is very comfortable for lounging / working and sleeping once made up by the crew.

- Privacy, while lacking a closing door like EK (which I actually don't like all the time, feels a little restrictive to me) when the seat manoeuvres into position you barely know any one else is around you.

Cheers, let me know if you have any questions about QF F

Thanks everyone for your input. I've also been reading reviews on Skytrax where BA has a lot of red crosses and Qantas green ticks... So Qantas it is! 

Looking on the Qantas website I'II select Qantas from Syd-Lon. On the way back I'll choose Qantas from Lon-Dubai and Emirates from Dubai-Syd. Then I'Il get to tick experiencing the Emirates A380 First Suite and taking a shower on a plane off my bucket list!