Maybe they’ll give you a free ride sometime…your knowledge, attitude and approach to the website is really well done in my opinion.

Anyhow, the new CX F is unparalleled except for SQ R and EK. In terms of “regular” F class I don’t think you can beat CX’s product, take a quick look at their website. I can consistently conk out for 8-9 hours on CX’s new F. They do many of the small things right, like adding a bed cushion and having a much fluffier duvet and pillow than others. Always have caviar and Krug on long-hauls. The only thing they stink at is they cut a flight attendant – they used to have 3 for F class when there were 12 seats in the 747, and now there are only 2 for 9 seats in the new config with the new seat. While the ratio sounds similar (1/4, now 1/4.5), that’s really bunk because one flight attendant always has to spend a lot of time in the galley preparing dishes (so the ratio was really 2/12, and now it’s 1/9), and this slows service markedly. Anyhow this is off topic, you should go check out their website. The QF angled footrest looks similar to CX.

James – They’ve said they’d like to get a premium with the product they’ve put on the A380. Qantas CEO Geoff Dixon even said as much at the press conference yesterday. They may not start that way, but I would imagine that will change as they can gauge demand.

From your picture of the QF F product it reminds me of CX’s new F class, any thoughts? Also, from first look QF’s new J looks a bit disappointing…the privacy thing (aka having a seatmate) is really a kicker, and the lack of shoulder room is something I’ve come to take from granted flying a bit on Air Canada and Cathay (herringbone) and SQ (just huge and amazing). BA doesn’t have the shoulder room, but it does have more privacy with the screen-up thing and the opaque divider. It looks like I’ll still be flying back from SYD-SIN on SQ and then to LAX from there on their all-J service, which is a great flight (done the EWR-SIN, assuming it’s the same).

I do wholeheartedly agree that some people dislike angled lay-flat seats. Personally, at 6ft 3in, I have actually found them to be just fine.

I believe my brother found the Air France business class seats to be irritating, while I seek out Air France when available for Euro and Asia-via-Euro routes. We are roughly the same height, but our experiences with angled seats is quite different.

I usually find my comfort spot then tighten up my seat-belt a bit, dig my feet in and slumber off. It works for me.

So, I will fully agree that to some, depending on budget,in s shrinking economy, there may be an advantage.

-Steven

Flying in business class on Qantas the skybeds, are 21.5″ wide with a 60″pitch regardless of the 744 or A380. Yes, the skybeds on the 744 are angled, however I approach travel logistics from the point of view of having business flyers arrive fully refreshed and able to go to work, while also balancing cost reduction.

Does the A380 really warrant the significant cost difference?

Clearly between flying a United 744 vs Qantas 744 in business the Qantas 744 wins (unless the client is *A miles hog and the costs are in their favour), but for QF vs QF how much of a difference is there?

Flyers who flew QF in business before the A380 reported being very comfortable and able to arrive rested, relaxed and ready to tackle business after stepping off the plane.

Again,I know I am sucking all the fun out of this, but this is simply how I approach this when it comes to making suggestions to clients. As I am not a travel agent, my clients are free to completely ignore me and book the flights on the A380 to be able to say they have flown the A380 (as has happened with some SIN flights)

Steven Frischling
Founder
The Travel Strategist
Web: http://www.thetravelstrategist.com
Blog: http://www.flyingwithfish.com