The superjumbo is once again the best way to travel across the pond.
Quick quiz: would you rather make the the quick three-hour dash from Sydney to Christchurch in a Qantas Boeing 737, featuring the same business class seats as any domestic Australian flight; or the Emirates A380, with international-grade business class seats and the bonus of that upper deck cocktail lounge?
We’re pretty sure we know your answer. After all, it’s barely a contest – especially when the fares are exactly the same.
With that in mind, it’s “welcome back” to Emirates’ daily Sydney-Christchurch superjumbo flights, which resume on Monday March 27.
The A380’s trans-Tasman excursion is a continuation of the Gulf carrier’s Dubai-Sydney EK412 service, with the Christchurch-Sydney leg slotting into the evening Dubai-bound departure of EK413.
And if you’ve already got a Sydney-Christchurch trip on your to-do list, or are looking for an indulgent long weekend getaway, this could be just the ticket.
Even if you don’t recline your Emirates A380 business class seat into a fully lie-flat bed, you’ve got direct access to the aisle; plenty of personal space around you; a large video screen packed with movies and TV shows; and even your very own mini-bar.
And after enjoying a proper international-grade business class meal, you can head to the cocktail bar at the rear of the upper deck to enjoy a drink, some nibbles and the company of your fellow high flyers.
Want to really splurge? Book yourself into one of the superjumbo’s 14 private first class suites and, if you’ve time, sample the delights of a shower at 30,000 feet.
Yes, it’s an extravagance for a flight of barely three hours from start to finish, but this adds to the appeal if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion with your partner or simply to treat yourself.
The schedule even lends itself to making the most of your time:
- EK412 departs Sydney at 8.45am, to reach Christchurch at 1.50pm
- EK412 is wheels up from Christchurch at 6.20pm to get you back into Sydney around 7.40pm
The best way to begin this Sydney-Christchurch A380 flight will of course be at the Qantas First Lounge – provided you’re booked into first class or hold Platinum status with the Emirates Skywards or Qantas Frequent Flyer rewards programs – otherwise, head for the Emirates Lounge at Sydney T1, which bests the sub-par Qantas Business Lounge in every respect.
Source ExecutiveTraveller.com
