A380 Y+ vs 787 Y+

[someguy]

I need to go from Melbourne to Washington-Dulles and it looks like I might be able to get the client to pay for Y+. It looks like the 787 has better Y+ but I've heard poor reviews of the seat pitch.

Options are:

MEL-LAX-IAD
MEL-SYD-DFW-IAD
MEL-BNE-LAX-IAD

First option is quickest but involves transiting in LAX and more time on AA.
Second option has most time in Y+, but it's on an A380.
Third option has a transit in LAX but 787 Y+.

What would you recommend and why?

 

[Daver6]

You could also go MEL-LAX-JFK-IAD/DCA and do the LAX-JFK section on QF in Y+ too, minimising the painful experience on US carriers.

If going via DFW, I think most (maybe all?) AA flights from DFW to IAD are on the old MD80s.

If you do go via JFK, I don't believe AA flights direct from JFK to IAD, but DCA is close enough.

 

[justinbrett]

IAD is nearly an hours drive from DCA. AA no longer fly from JFK or LGA to IAD, and the admirals club is gone.

Depending on where your actual destination is, it’s probably much better to fly to DCA.

 

[Bundy Bear]

A380 Y+ is better than 787 Y+

Going via Sydney although not brilliant is better than going via LAX, although LA has got better.

I would pay a slight premium to fly on the A380 in Y+

 

[Daver6]

IAD is nearly an hours drive from DCA. AA no longer fly from JFK or LGA to IAD, and the admirals club is gone.

Depending on where your actual destination is, it’s probably much better to fly to DCA.

Depending on traffic, it could be less or more actually. Also, you don't state where exactly you need to be. BWI is also in the area, but if DC is your destination, then forget it and DCA is most certainly the best option.

 

[someguy]

I'm heading about five minutes from IAD so it looks like that would be the best option if I can get it, otherwise DCA wouldn't be too bad. BWI is way out of the way.

Thanks for all your advice!

 

[Daver6]

If you do arrive at DCA, just avoid peak hour traffic.

 

[justinbrett]

If you do fly out of IAD make sure you allow time to see the Air & Space museum annex. One of the best aircraft museums in the world - if not the best.

 

[GoldCanyon340]

If going via DFW, I think most (maybe all?) AA flights from DFW to IAD are on the old MD80s.

I checked random dates next year and there's a mix of MD80s and 738s.