Considering LAX-YVR-SYD due to pricing. Anyone got any thoughts on AC 777 vs UA/ANZ/Qantas 747 400s (in Y)?
Also how do the meals on SYD-YVR work?
I will be in J-class.
Sadly, the AC 77L is very disappointing from an economy comfort standpoint. I say sadly, because I was very much looking forward to the nonstop AC service to Australia.
The 32" pitch is complemented by a whopping 6" seat recline. The 3-3-3 seating arrangement irks many; most prefer the 2-5-2 plan.
The vaunted mood lighting dims from full-bright to eerie-blue to soft-night to high-noon-in-the-desert bright at the most inconvenient times of the crossing. It leaves you well-synched with YVR time, which is unfortunate if you're landing in Sydney.
The Thales in-seat AVOD system is prone to technical glitches (yes, still) and the placement of the unit's controls in a box under the seats impedes most people's foot room.
This of course is not the fault of the airplane or its design, but of the way in which it's configured.
if you're in LAX already, use Qantas' 744 from LAX. You'll be able to pick from more departure/arrival times, save transit time and their in-flight service is superior in my opinion (seat comfort, AVOD on a 14-hour flight and crew attentiveness). Although I haven't flown NZ across the Pacific since I was last in one of their 763s, I've heard good reports about their 777 service from YVR and of course LAX is teeming with their 744s. You'll have to consider the convenience of the AKL stop.
AC is a good airline. Currently, their competition across the South Pacific is better.
AC does sometimes have glitches with the AVOD, but AFAIK there are no control boxes under the seat - unlike many other airlines.
I do agree with him that flying Qantas non-stop is probably the better choice unless you are looking to maximize Star Alliance miles or there is a big difference in price. AC 777 wins hands down over UA unless you are in E+.
I suppose bottom line is if savingm oney is your main objective and AC is cheeper, you will not be disappointed (but will likely be tired upon arrival).
AC does sometimes have glitches with the AVOD, but AFAIK there are no control boxes under the seat - unlike many other airlines.
I was careful not to state that I was unhappy...I just feel the flight could have used some improvements. 32" pitch doesn't feel roomier to me. Enhanced lighting and a fancy bin design doesn't disguise the lack of seat recline nor the seat tray in my lap.
I'm pretty sure the metal box under the seats on the 77L was for the AVOD, although I didn't jimmy it open to make sure. I am sure it impeded my foot room, especially on my right foot. I would assume the 77W is the same, but haven't flown on one yet.
unless you have sat in the third seat of the five on a full flight I can tell you you will appreciate 3-3-3 much more. 2-5-2 is great if the flight isn't full and you can get a row of 5 to yourself. otherwise if the flight is full then it is a nightmare...especially on a 15 hour trip.
Granted this is true, but being in the middle of a 5-seat row on a full flight affects 11% of the economy passengers. Sitting next to a window in the 3-3-3 configuration affects twice as many, and you still have to wiggle past two people to get to an aisle. Regardless of your seat position, full trans-Pacific flights in economy are rarely fun.
.
unless you have sat in the third seat of the five on a full flight I can tell you you will appreciate 3-3-3 much more. 2-5-2 is great if the flight isn't full and you can get a row of 5 to yourself. otherwise if the flight is full then it is a nightmare...especially on a 15 hour trip.
Yes you guessed from the profile that Qantas, whlist excellent and an old family favourite, is not part of * Alliance where I spend all my time these days. Air NZ seems the be the front runner, even with the AKL inconvenience We did United last year and got free E+ from Status but the plane and flight were just crappy. I think the fact that our 2 year old hogged 2 seats and we had to juggle our baby all night and did not sleep AT ALL did not help ;)
If UA is flying their upgraded business class to SYD, then pay the extra 10K miles to experience first class (even if UA is not truly "world class"). On the other hand if UA doesn't have their new lie flat seats on the rotue yet save the miles and sleep better on AC.
I have done 3 SFO-SYD flights with UA in the last 12 months both in F and C, Trust me! take the AC flight in Business class you will love the POD seating! Also its fun to try a different airline and the seats on AC are great:-:
Also how do the meals on SYD-YVR work?
I will be in J-class.
South - substantial "supper" (not a full dinner service, not a snack), midflight snack (if awake), hot breakfast before landing, snacks available in galley during flight.
North - regular full lunch service, midflight snack, hot breakfast with the galley snacks again available throughout.
Unless things have changed since I last flew the route late May/early June.
UA flights are empty a lot of the time, and if you can get E+ its a lot nicer than 32" seat pitch for 15 hours on AC. But on UA no VOD:(
Which is not to say that AC is bad. But if you're opting away from nonstop, NZ via AKL is definitely the better option IMHO.
Considering LAX-YVR-SYD due to pricing. Anyone got any thoughts on AC 777 vs UA/ANZ/Qantas 747 400s (in Y)?
The pricing would want to be a free ticket to go all the way to YVR for this. As someone who has flown the Pacific many times either take the QF option as it is fastest or the NZ option which is probably more comfortable and you get a leg stretch for an hour at AKL (total 18hrs LAX-AKL). Remember also Premium economy is now available on these flights and also remember NZ101 AKL-SYD is B763 with no personal IFE in Y for that 3 hour leg. AKL-MEL gets 744's and 772's right through^
#If you have any other info about this subject , Please add it free.# |