Comfort seat versus premium economy

[mrsterryn]

Planning a quick trip to London Feb flying QF1
Missed all the good sales (maybe boxing day ?)
Pondering would I be better off having comfort seat or premium economy?
Do all the arms rests go up on A380 for Qantas?
Also then wondering chances of upgrade to business
Thanks for the advice

 

[Imw]

Presume you are aware of the five rows of economy upstairs on A380? Having travelled in these, they offer a great cheaper alternative to PE, while still being in a smaller cabin, quieter, great service etc. Have you checked how full the flight is so far in the classes you are interested in? BTW we usually booked PE on our reg flights to South Africa QF 63/64 and request business points upgrade. Have had outward journey upgrade half the time and return every time. If they had A380 in route I would be willing to travel in the upstairs economy.

 

[mrsterryn]

@Imw just found those seats.
The date I am probable travelling has a couple of two seats available.
Good to hear real reviews on them

 

[Imw]

I don't think they were any bigger than economy but maybe the atmosphere and surrounds made it feel like it was lol. They also have a dedicated bridge for entry and exit, as in you don't climb the stairs like on the 747's so actually gain access quicker. We are doing Melbourne to London in April 2019 and I scored the upstairs economy on both in and out SIN to LHR and return.

 

[bertflyer]

The upstairs mini Y cabin is definitely a good way to travel (I like 32A/K) but they’ll be gone as the 380’s are refurbished so grab them while you can! “ Work on the first A380 is expected to begin in the second quarter of calendar year 2019” - Qantas announces major cabin upgrade for A380 fleet

 

[downgraded]

Planning a quick trip to London Feb flying QF1
Missed all the good sales (maybe boxing day ?)
Pondering would I be better off having comfort seat or premium economy?
Do all the arms rests go up on A380 for Qantas?
Also then wondering chances of upgrade to business
Thanks for the advice

If you're happy with the PE price, then PE is still far better than economy. The seat is wider and legroom better - though the steep recline does compromise personal space.
Had you been talking the 787 (QF9) I might have suggested a comfort seat, but on the 380, PE is better. Traveling alone there's always the vague possibility of getting a row of seats which would trump PE, but it almost never ever happens anyway.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Planning a quick trip to London Feb flying QF1
Missed all the good sales (maybe boxing day ?)
Pondering would I be better off having comfort seat or premium economy?
Do all the arms rests go up on A380 for Qantas?
Also then wondering chances of upgrade to business
Thanks for the advice

I would be comparing the price of premium economy to that of business class on some other tier-two carriers. Hainan Airlines currently has a sale for around $3000 return business with full flat beds. Viet Nam airlines offers fares around $4200 to europe. New planes and full flat beds. And there are others out there as well from time to time.

If you are set on premium economy, consider some airlines like China Airlines which sometimes has sales for $1800 in premium eco and they are very good.

no status credits with those airlines for Qantas, but you'll be saving money and arriving well rested.

 

[mrsterryn]

Thanks @MEL_Traveller hadn't thought of that