Has anyone had experience with either airline? Hoping to fly to San Francisco on exactly 14-21st March 2020. They seem reasonably priced at $900 each vs Qantas at an extra 1 hundy, so I think I’ll take the plunge rather than waiting until Boxing Day sales.
This.
Direct flight. Every time.
I'd pay the extra $100. AC is good if you want to go direct Vancouver, that's the only reason to use them really. Fairly average overall. The fact that you clear US customs before you leave in YVR is nice though.
Their 787 seats have somewhat thin backs so your experience somewhat depends on the person behind you not kneeing you in the back. The 777 from Sydney should be okay, those were better. United's 787 seats were a good deal better than AC's, for reference.
So, if you want a stop in YVR they're good, otherwise if there's something more direct I'd prioritize that. Eg. United does SF direct from SYD/MEL and while it is United, the seats were good enough that I'd use them again.
Thank you for the detailed response!!
AC can be good for some destinations without direct flights from Australia as you can clear US Immigration at YVR without having to collect your bags and then enter the US as a domestic passenger, but if you have the option of flying direct then that generally makes the most sense.
I'd go with whoever you have loyalty/status with. If you're in AU, that's probably Qantas.
I wouldn't go with Fiji or Air Canada just because of the stopover. You can have a look at the US carriers (AA, Delta, United). If you're QFF, I might consider AA, though I find them to be more expensive than Qantas in general. If you're VFF, then consider Delta, and if you fly with Star Alliance a fair bit (e.g. SQ), then have a look at United.
My hunch is that none of the three legacy US carriers will do anything better than what Qantas is doing right now. The Qantas 787 that flies into SFO is a nice aircraft. Comfortable seats in economy, bit more legroom than on the older A380 layout (though they're refitting the A380s with the newer seats). I've always debated which is the nicer aircraft to fly. At the moment, I think the 787, but I'll give the A380 another try once it's refitted with the new seats (I do prefer the feel of larger aircraft).
I actually don’t have any loyalty cards and perhaps it’s tike to get some! Seems to be what all the cool kids on ozbargain are doing these days
Agreed on the 787 vs 830. I feel like 787 is just a good reliable fallback.
If you fly Fiji or Qantas, better put miles on Alaska miles.
Only take AC if you are going direct and much much cheaper than the other stopover options. That being said, some people will pay more to avoid US layover.. but you're going reverse direction so it's fine
I have done the Fiji Airways trip through Nadi. Free booze on offer.
Is that all? They don’t give you meals? 😅
Skip air Fiji, it's Jetstar size seats from LA to Nadi, and the Nadi stopover is at like 5am so there's nothing to do at airport.
I never would have considered that. Thank you.
LA Nadi gets brand new A350 now
Having done all three airlines (though Fiji only to Fiji), Air Canada and Qantas are pretty reasonable. Though QF will get you there direct rather than stopping over in YVR. If I had to choose, I would go direct. To have to change planes (and possibly pick up luggage depending on the connection) is a pain. Depending on which city you are flying from will determine the plane they schedule to fly, so if you wanted a newer plane, then the 787 is a nice option.
I've done the AC route to Vancouver. Vancouver is a very cool place to visit but Qantas is a better airline in my opinion. Air Canada overall is fairly no frills, but staff is very friendly.
Thanks everyone - I decided to go with Qantas and learnt a heap about the other airlines anyway! I also signed up for frequent flyer. I’m officially on the gold brick road of consumerism and loving it.
Qantas easy, why add extra stop and 5 hours each way? For $50 each way.
You’ll spend more than that at the airport waiting for the connection.
And you’ll be on inferior airlines