QF v AC v NZ Business Class Mel-Vancouver

QF v AC v NZ Business Class Mel-Vancouver

Looking to travel in January next year and each airline has similar pricing - what would the best choice be (only flown economy before)? VA may also be an option. I have 300k+ of qantas points that could be used for upgrades however no status so I gathe than chances are very poor. 

Also unsure if I go NZ whether I would credit to VA or open an airpoints account? Not likely to fly either again (maybe VA) in the following 12 months from the flight.

Thanks!  

If I not mistaken QF flies B747 to Vancouver, i.e. they have proper business class there. Thus I would fly QF and boost my points and SC. Talking about points if you book much in advance you would be able to book CX – they offer one of the best if not the best business class.

If you would like to continue earning with Qantas, then I would be choosing Qantas. From a comfort standpoint, I rank Air New Zealand business class on a much higher standard than Qantas 747 business. 

If the price difference isnt the issue and you dont fly enogh to earn qantas status, I would be choosing Air NZ. 

However, I've heard the New Air Canada business is also good ( Haven't flown it myself)

QF fly Syd to Vancouver direct on a 747 seasonally. With each of those options you're going to have to make a stop. I'd base my choice on loyalty scheme and aircraft. I favour using QF A380 to LAX then getting a domestic AA flight but for some, LAX is hell. AKL is a nice enough airport to hang around in and I think it's a 777. Otherwise you have AC with a Dreamliner out of BNE or a 777 out of Syd. I'd opt for QF or AC 787 personally. 

If earning FF miles/points/avios//SC/TP is not a consideration, I'd fly NZ.

Have you considered Cathay? Have a look at the pricing...you may be surprised.

Thanks all, really helpful and much appreciated. Looks like QF makes the most sense points wise and NZ has the better product for this route. Both are about the same price at the moment, 5-6k, cathay is 9-10k, which puts it out of the running. 5-6k seems reasonable, however I'm not entirely sure? 

SYD, LAX or AKL stop over makes no difference to me. If I went Mel-Syd-Lax-Vancouver, or Mel-Bris-Lax-Vancouver I'd probably get more status credits so could be worth it.

If you're doing that, go Syd to lax on an a380, bris uses a 747 and you may as well have the best flight possible. I love the 747 but the 380 is just more comfortable :)

Keep in mind that the QF a380 business product is the same as the 747 with a few benefits such as the inflight lounge etc. Transitting in LAX I definitely don't enjoy but the a380 is phenomenal to fly! If you will earn enough SC for status, then stick with Qantas for sure :) 

Mostly yes but I think 2(?) are yet to be refurbished with the a380 J product. Not sure if those fly the lax route though :)

I personally think NZ has the best hard product of all those carriers (direct aisle access, more comfortable bed, etc). I prefer their soft product too, but that's definitely something that is more personal preference. 

And the AKL transit is a big winner for me too. 

agree with aviation. It's Air NZ for me too. 

Thanks everyone! I think either QF or NZ isn't going to dissappoint. I have flow the A380 quite a few times and 747 once (2nd to last row) and it certinly wasn't as comfortable in economy. I'd definitly earn enough for qf silver but not gold, however it all counts in the long run. 

Any tips on pricing/booking? It appears to fluctuate less than the economy tickets based on my comparisons thus far.