V-Flyer

I would appreciate some advice here...

If you had to travel to Hong kong (down the back) as it seems I will be doing this year, would you:

1 - Fly VS direct
2 - Fly Cathay/Qantas/BA direct
3 - Route though Singapore with Singapore Airlines

On price VS is dearer (looking at October) while Cathay/Qantas/BA cheapest but would send miles to my lesser used BA (Blue) executive club :$

The Singapore option scores well as I would get VS miles and tier points (more than going to HK direct with VS I believe), is in the middle pricewise, AND would get to sample the a380 economy which I suspect will knock proverbial socks off VS.

I know we are talking a rather longer travel time but what would others here do?

Given those three options, I would definitely go for number three.

As you say, you can still get the VS points and if you can get a trip on the SQ A380, then it almost makes it a no brainer IMHO.

Sure, going indirect can be a bit of a pain, but if you can work in a stopover in SIN, then so much the better.

Good luck, and let us know how it pans out. y)

Nick

Direct flight for me.

I've done this flight, A380 to SIN, short stopover, then another A380 to HKG, exit row seats upstairs all the way (booked at time of reservation) - Highly recommended!

I might be tempted to spend a day in Singapore as a stop-over.

Crispin

I would go direct with Cathay Pacific.

I was on a BA flight to HK in May. My return flight was cancelled due to the strike. I was in premium econ and downgraded to economy on Cathay.

I was not happy, but ended up being pleasantly surprised. One of the best flights I had had for ages. Seat was comfortable, leg room was great and I am 6.1. Service was superb. One of those flights when you don't feel ready to get off when you land.

The new economy seat doesn't go back it slides down - I was dubious, but I liked it.

Direct is always better in my opinion

Hope this helps

If you do fly SQ, you need to be careful which fare code you book into as if even only one sector is in a non-miles eligible class, you invalidate the whole itinerary with respects to mile earning.

Jonathan

Ouch! That would mess up the justification slightly

I don't suppose anyone knows a) what class to avoid and b) how I can tell the class at point of purchase with Singapore Airlines?

As some may have gathered (and indeed agree) I am looking to justify the Singapore option 8D

I'd go on an A380 anyday - even if it's in Economy. And it being a Singapore A380 is a real bonus!

Regarding fare codes I think as long as you avoid the "Super Saver" bucket (whatever code that may be) you ought to be OK on the miles and tier points although ISTBC from one of the resident fare code jedi on here

From the VS website -
Earning miles:
Miles will be issued to Flying Club members when travelling in the following classes:
Discounted Economy Class: H, K, E, W, L, S
Economy Class: Y, B, U, M
Business Class: J, C, D, Z
First Class: F, A, P
Suites: R*

Nick

I would take option number 4. Direct with NZ

Looked at NZ option and no flight out on the Monday made it a non starter. Great value though.

Have bitten the bullet and booked SQ with 3 out of 4 of the flights a380 operated. Have even scored a pretty decent seat upstairs in a two on two of those.

On balance happy with my choice y)

Appreciate all the comments, many thanks!

Interesting to note that no one said the Virgin flight. Even though clearly VS have no trouble selling this route as it is rarely discounted as far as I have seen.

I can only assume that the product sells on past virgin reputation whereas those in the know would choose a different carrier for the route. I would suggest it is time Virgin upped their game.... but it has been said on here so many times. Virgin's next revamp will have to be pretty impressive to leap-frog the asian carriers like SQ, CX etc.