[AMA] Tonight I'm Flying Emirates First Class to Europe Thanks to Ozb QFF Points, with Wi-Fi All The Way

Associatedz0s0 @ Emirates on 03/09/2019 - 07:55
Last edited 06/09/2019 - 17:34 by 1 other user

Tonight I'll be enjoying the fruits of all the time spent / wasted applying for, and cancelling, credit card deals found on OzBargain.

Flight is about 12 hours away (EK407 departing MEL @ 21:15) so I'm currently hydrating to prepare for all the champagne and whiskey ;-)

Because I'm a dedicated OzBargainer, I've just bought my Skybus ticket (with a 10% discount code) to get to the airport. Sadly the chauffeur drive option is no longer available on reward bookings.

Ask me anything… and I'll have Wi-Fi for the whole flight so I can post pics from the bar on request. Not the shower :-P

All photos here

Introduce Yourself

Related Stores

Emirates
Emirates

closed Comments

      • cashie on 04/09/2019 - 00:15
        +5

        You can't sleep, you have to get all the first class freebies..

      • Maybe on 04/09/2019 - 06:13
        +1

        Sweet first class dreams! Curious about the sleeping arrangements. Is the bed totally flat? How large is the bed? the photo you posted looks like it's a single with not much tossing space. How does the bed convert from seat or is it separate to seat? Did the hostess tuck you in? :p

        • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2019 - 09:20
          +1

          Did the hostess tuck you in? :p

          Oh gosh, my dyslexia is strong this morning :p

          They sing you a lullaby if you ask nicely. They did that for my little one.

          p.s: Should probably add that we got upgraded on that trip (mel->DXB) because the other passengers in business class were giving my then not-quite-2-year-old the evil eye. In my toddler's defence, he only cried at take-off and was perfect for the rest of the trip, flashing his dimpled smiles at everyone who would come over to say 'hello'. He loved having all the flight attendants wrapped around his little finger.

        • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2019 - 10:52
          +1

          the photo you posted looks like it's a single with not much tossing space.

          Singapore airlines has double suites. We recently had to attend a last-minute work conference in Sin, and they couldn't get us in business class, and booked my colleague and I in 2 adjoining suites. If you pull the divider it becomes one "massive space". It reminded me of a more glamorous version of the cubicles you can book at the library to read in private. I thought it was a waste of money and I personally would never pay for a suite in the air.

          • dealman on 08/09/2019 - 14:44

            @[Deactivated]: I'd do that and join the mile high club

            • [Deactivated] on 08/09/2019 - 15:01

              @dealman: If you were a true ozbargainer, and desperately wanted to join the mile high club, you'd do it in one of those tiny toilet cubicles in economy. I would suggest taking some yoga classes in preparation :p

  • Powershopz on 04/09/2019 - 00:14

    Congratulations!

    I won a competition about 10 years ago and got a free trip to fly from Melbourne to New Delhi with Thai Airways in First Class. Was certainly a lucky experience I'll remember for the rest of my life.

    • Craze on 08/09/2019 - 14:13

      Wow, what comp was it?

  • yellowfever on 04/09/2019 - 00:17

    what brands alcohol do they serve

  • ngengerous on 04/09/2019 - 01:33

    What's on the agenda for your inflight entertainment?

    • Associatedz0s0 @ Emirates on 04/09/2019 - 12:38
      +2

      I slept mostly. And honestly I'm planning on sleeping most of the next leg too if possible.

      I read some Economist. Listened to some music. Didn't turn on the TV.

      • Pantagonist on 08/09/2019 - 10:49
        +2

        Didn't turn on the TV.

        If that's the case, did you find it a bit weird that there was a picture of Bob Odenkirk hanging in the suite?

  • ChickenTalon on 04/09/2019 - 05:59

    Nice. But I think the best late night flights are the ones you sleep through. Have you been shifting your sleep patterns to take advantage of the hospitality?

    • Associatedz0s0 @ Emirates on 04/09/2019 - 12:39

      Yeah it's tricky to do that. The timing of these flights doesn't lend itself to maximising the hospitality. You really need day flights for that.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2019 - 05:59
    +2

    I guess I must be in the minority when I think that all that effort for 'luxury' on a couple of flights is a waste. Then again I'm completely happy with the rest of the plebs in Economy class.

    • gimme on 04/09/2019 - 08:13
      +3

      May be you are but I'm with you. I wouldn't mind business for comfort but imo first is a waste and not much value. All the perceived luxuries are only considered that because you're in the air. Having a 28" screen, some alcohol and let's just say restaurant food is not really a luxury worth paying thousands for in my books. I have over 800k points through mostly Ozb but you'll never see me in first or insta

      • [Deactivated] on 04/09/2019 - 11:53
        +1

        The food in Economy with Emirates is pretty good in my experience, and I don't care for stuff like showers etc; I can travel from Adelaide to my home in the EU over 3 legs in 24 to 26 hours which is pretty damn good IMO. The quality of the Economy class offering is already high.

    • Skramit on 04/09/2019 - 08:13
      +2

      A wise man once said "One feels most comfortable among ones fellow plebs."

    • k-rokfm on 05/09/2019 - 13:21

      Youve got to admit, it would be fun though. Its always the dream when youre all the way back in economy. Even just once

      • [Deactivated] on 06/09/2019 - 13:07
        -1

        Nope. The value for the amount spent just isn't there. I'm travelling to get from A to B, and the people in biz and first class take exactly the same amount of time to do this as those in Economy.

        • vetopower on 06/09/2019 - 13:30
          +2

          Thanks for leaving more business and first class seats for me to redeem for free, I appreciate it.

          • [Deactivated] on 06/09/2019 - 20:52

            @vetopower: But they aren't for 'free' - there's always some fiddling about with credit cards or points or something that takes more than zero effort or time, and often way, way more than zero effort or time. For me, it's not worth it; I'd rather spend my effort on something else of more value to me.

            • vetopower on 07/09/2019 - 08:11

              @[Deactivated]: I really wish more people thought like you. Would make it even easier for me lol.

        • k-rokfm on 06/09/2019 - 13:35

          ok then dont enjoy ANY luxuries in life then

          "nah i never want to drive a Lamborghini cause ive got my corolla right here" pats roof

          • [Deactivated] on 06/09/2019 - 20:57

            @k-rokfm: False equivalency. More than 50% of the Emirates flights I end up with a free seat next to me anyway, and the food is already pretty good - and way more than what a normal person can eat. People get sucked in by the overpricing of 1st and business class seats for a certain market segment.

            1st class seats aren't a luxury that is worth any extra effort to me, not when there are more interesting, imaginative and worthwhile luxuries that can be obtained with the same 'cost'.

            • slknv on 08/09/2019 - 09:38

              @[Deactivated]: While it's perfectly understandable that you don't feel it's worth the "effort", it doesn't mean that everyone should utilise your opinion/standards as a benchmark.

              Applying for a card for points takes about 15 minutes per card. Don't know about you, but i don't earn enough in 15 minutes to pay for the difference Y -> J. Anyway, if you don't value any luxuries, then don't purchase any.

  • Luckyalways on 04/09/2019 - 08:12

    Congratulations! You win OZbargainer of the year!~(any year I'd say) :) Enjoy the fruits of your "labour":)

    • sietes on 04/09/2019 - 08:30
      +13

      You're fun.

  • casho on 04/09/2019 - 08:31

    I did Emirates first class last year. The food, drinks, service and shower made it an amazing experience

  • boab88 on 04/09/2019 - 08:33

    Make sure you get the pyjamas and a video of the mini bar that automatically opens!

    I managed this on points last year. It was epic! Sydney to London and they had the chauffeur then. Biggest regret was my flight was too early and stopover too short to use the first class lounge.

    Can you get a massage in the lounge?

  • meowmeowmeow on 04/09/2019 - 08:47

    Can you post a pic of the inflight menus? Is it on demand dining or set mealtimes?

    • Associatedz0s0 @ Emirates on 04/09/2019 - 12:41

      Yep it's on-demand. Will try to snap a pic next flight.

      • meowmeowmeow on 04/09/2019 - 12:56

        Awesome thanks! We are flying Qatar business next year and i read that the menu is on demand. My husband is especially excited, especially since we picked separate window seats so i can't "monitor" his eating lol. Not that I would stop him, we worked hard churning cards for all these points, so should live it up while we can!

      • edy4eva on 04/09/2019 - 16:44

        No need to bother, it's available online! see my post below.

    • edy4eva on 04/09/2019 - 16:44
      +2

      The menu is available online:
      https://cdn.ek.aero/downloads/ek/pdfs/food-menu/2019/09/EK04…

  • Associatedz0s0 @ Emirates on 04/09/2019 - 08:50
    +4

    Morning! Hangover is quite severe as expected…

    • Bargainhunter83 on 04/09/2019 - 09:00

      Hydration is key in Air! Haha good effort though! Make the most of it!

    • TheCutter on 04/09/2019 - 18:20

      Can you tell me what the scotch selection was?

  • Bargainhunter83 on 04/09/2019 - 08:59

    Brilliant!!

  • lonewolf on 04/09/2019 - 10:03

    Shame they dont have the chauffeur for the points redemption anymore :(, I didnt realise that.

    • Associatedz0s0 @ Emirates on 04/09/2019 - 12:41
      +1

      Yeah. I got the chauffeur drive last time I did this. Was pretty nice indeed, especially in MEL where the airport is so far away!

  • funnysht on 04/09/2019 - 10:26

    Good work, work hard then get rewarded

  • jleno on 04/09/2019 - 11:13
    +1

    Heads up on the Wifi. You’ll need to enter your Skywards membership login to access free wifi when you’re on the flight. But if your flight is booked as a QF redemption, your Skywards membership won’t be registered on your booking and you won’t have free Wifi access. This happened to me on a first class flight and cabin crew or Dubai emirates desk couldn’t fix this. I haven’t found a solution to this but maybe you can investigate this with QF as otherwise you may not have free wifi either.

    • Associatedz0s0 @ Emirates on 04/09/2019 - 12:43
      +2

      Yeah I had this problem the first time I did this.

      The second time, I rang Emirates the morning of my flight, and they managed to remove my QFF number and put my EK one in there (took them a while to manage it, though). So I had the WiFi.

      This time, during booking on the QFF website, I replaced my QFF number with my EK, and it worked perfectly. So that's the solution.

  • ar7ist on 04/09/2019 - 11:52

    GG OP.
    How long did it take you to accumulate the points?
    How many cards did you go through?
    What kind of cards did you get? I'm interested now. A few details would be great when you're comfy somewhere in your private suite :D

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 04/09/2019 - 13:46

    You are a true hero

  • meowmeowmeow on 04/09/2019 - 13:46

    Question - if you don't have a return flight, is that going to be an issue when you try and enter Spain? or do you have a local passport?

    • Associatedz0s0 @ Emirates on 04/09/2019 - 18:48

      I do have an EU passport (well at least until Oct 31!) But actually Spain (Schengen rather) has no onward travel requirement for entry on most passports, including Australia.

  • Serathis on 04/09/2019 - 16:04

    Thanks for the tip about the WIFI, was wondering about that!!

    I'll be flying Emirates First Class later in the year too, excited for that!! Trying out Etihad First Apartments too :)

  • edy4eva on 04/09/2019 - 16:30

    Good redemption. Unless it recently changed, the Wi-Fi coverage will drop out over India's airspace due to regulations (up to almost 2 hours of no coverage). Also expect the connection to only become fast after most passengers had gone to sleep.

    About the shower use, as soon as you board the flight notify the flight purser (they're the head of flight attendants) that you'd like to reserve the slot at T-2 hours from landing. This is a popular slot (which often goes reserved by the time the FA comes to you asking for a preferred time) as it allows plenty of time to snooze and enough time for a full breakfast prior to landing into DXB. I wouldn't hold my breath for food at the EK's F lounge. Just skip it altogether, although a mint-lemonade might be a great refreshing non-alcoholic drink to have.

    Safe flying!

  • dcep on 04/09/2019 - 16:50

    can you post all the insta link on OP ?

  • hypie on 04/09/2019 - 16:50
    +2

    You sir are a ozbargain hero.

  • carling on 04/09/2019 - 17:48
    +1

    I've enjoyed this thread too much

  • Associatedz0s0 @ Emirates on 04/09/2019 - 18:45
    +1

    Ok so here's the menu and wine list: https://www.instagram.com/p/B1-5MwSlYtK/?igshid=chtd8x4zs2yp

    And here's the foie gras & Bordeaux:
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1-6a2BFt4f/?igshid=1r2vvylivb7l…

    • GourmetFoodie on 04/09/2019 - 19:15
      +1

      Thanks.

      Honestly I'm a bit underwhelmed at the food options given it is first class. The wines are the only decent thing but I never find I get my money's worth because overdoing it isn't fun at my age.

      Do you think it has represented genuine value vs. business class?

  • Pantagonist on 04/09/2019 - 20:13
    -5

    Did you choose pay a bit extra to offset the carbon emissions generated by your flight?

    • Associatedz0s0 @ Emirates on 04/09/2019 - 22:31
      +12

      Nope. A carbon tax is the solution to that problem, not a small group of people signalling virtue with token payments.

  • X200T on 04/09/2019 - 23:19

    Shower yet?

  • shruglord on 05/09/2019 - 10:15

    I have 250,000 points. I'd be curious to hear an outline of how you applied and booked the flights. Total noob.

    • Sidor on 05/09/2019 - 15:22

      Just search for Classic flights through Qantas

  • jz5147 on 05/09/2019 - 15:28

    I ll be doing the same thing in October Dubai to London leg. Cant bloody wait!

  • nancynobody on 05/09/2019 - 15:48

    So as a total noob to credit card points, how does one go about doing this?

    Is it as simple as applying for cards when there are promo's on, and then routing all your spending through your new card? Wouldn't having to change your cc number with all your accounts get annoying?

    • d86 on 05/09/2019 - 16:54

      Just don't use your cc for direct debit. Link to your NFC app and route all your spending through it.

      • bigbadboogieman on 05/09/2019 - 17:55

        NFC App..? How to do that. I've got Android Pay.

  • Tuftsdude on 05/09/2019 - 16:06

    How much $$ are the points worth if you were to buy them from classifieds?

    • rb123 on 05/09/2019 - 16:39
      +1

      1.2c/point

  • d86 on 05/09/2019 - 16:49
    +3

    Am I the only one not excited about the opportunity to fly business/first class? I'd rather sell points or book multiple economy flights, if needed. All what I want on a long haul flight is to fall asleep fast. I do like good food and decent alcohol however, I don't care much about it whilst on a plane.

    • dublin101 on 05/09/2019 - 22:14

      you aren't. .. i've written about this in the past. maybe because i don't drink alcohol. TBH (and without sounding negative), i even find lounges somewhat over-rated, i do enjoy the comfort, etc. but i'd never go out of my way to chase membership.

    • Associatedz0s0 @ Emirates on 06/09/2019 - 17:45

      Well if you're one of those lucky people who can sleep without too much trouble in an economy seat, then that makes perfect sense and I would agree entirely.

  • endolphin on 05/09/2019 - 16:53

    I don’t really buy into the thinking that this trip was “free”. It is free in the same way that if I just gave you $100 and you went and bought a pair of pants, that’s a free pair of pants, but you could have just pocketed the $100 also.

    You earned the points for free, yes, but they have value in other ways, and therefore you have incurred an opportunity cost.

    If you didn’t take this flight, your bank account would be about $3000 larger, given that you could sell your 192k points @ 1.2c per point ($2300) plus not have had to spend $650 on fees.

    Therefore, that’s what I would consider to be the true cost of this flight, $3k.

    Now I know this trip has novelty factor (I am also planning my own RTW trip in business/first for this reason), but I’d be curious to know if you think this one-way first class flight to Europe would always be worth it? If you regularly flew to Europe, for example, would you be happy to fork out $6k return each and every time (if this same deal was available indefinitely)?

    • gimme on 05/09/2019 - 16:57
      +2

      funsucker lol…. it's a (a little misguided) brag post, just go with the flow.

      • endolphin on 05/09/2019 - 17:05

        It wasn’t meant to be a criticism or being a party pooper. If I had the points when I last flew to Europe I would have been tempted to do the same, but I would understand that doing so would certainly add to the total cost of my holiday. OK for a once off “gotta experience it once” sort of deal, but maybe not all the time.

        • gimme on 05/09/2019 - 18:16

          look I'm with you. Personally First Class is a complete waste of $$ and even as a one off experience it ranks pretty low on my one-off experience priorities. But I guess it's a thing for some people at a certain stage of their lives so good luck to them.

    • Skramit on 05/09/2019 - 17:06

      lol geez Debbie Downer.

    • brettd on 05/09/2019 - 19:41

      It's a risk to monetise the points like that so I wouldn't count the $2300. Flying 1st class for $650, why not?

      • endolphin on 05/09/2019 - 22:22

        It is a risk for the buyer, but where is the risk for the seller once cold hard cash is in the pocket?

        • vetopower on 06/09/2019 - 02:52
          +1

          That Qantas detect that you sold your points for cash contrary to their T&Cs, and ban you from the frequent flyer program for life, a common occurrence. So you can do what you propose once.

    • TheMindsetTraveller on 05/09/2019 - 21:44
      +1

      @endolphin

      We have flown to Europe or completed a RTW every year for the past 12 years, most often in first class, and would have no hesitation recommending it. Is it worth it? Absolutely and that is saying it from flying both with points, and having paid cash too. There can be some good RTW first (or business class cash tickets), plus you earn a bunch of points and easily get to Platinum status. Due to having Platinum status we have been upgraded complimentary three times on British Airways and twice on Cathay Pacific so there are some benefits (which made the $$ paid less painful).

      I personally have never see Emirates (or any top tier airlines Qantas, Etiahd, BA, CX, let alone SQ) offer $6k round trip First Class in the last ten years. [There might be a 2nd/3rd tier chinese airline that offers that cash rate but I wouldn't go near them as I am expecting an inferior experience]. The best I have seen is around $7.5K with British Airways in business class (with a complimentary upgrade one way to First). Using that figure, your points calculation is worth around 1.8c per point.

      Now if this is a once off trip, a special occasion, or just because you can - go for it, savour the experience and milk it up - after spending too much time in the lounge, go to the gate early, watch everyone push/queue in when boarding is announced, then wait, then zip past everyone and go straight to the front (because you can) and the staff welcome you with open arms, better yet there is a staff member to escort you past everyone. I still remember my first ever First Class flight in 2005 with Singapore Airlines when I was 25 years old. 14 years later, no kids later, we love travelling the world and spend all our $$$ on this. Guess we made a lifestyle choice and we are blown away every time we fly First Class and remember how lucky we are.

      • endolphin on 05/09/2019 - 22:20
        +1

        @DrunkOnTheGoodLife

        Couple of things.

        You have given quite a few hints there (not least your username) that you are not short of coin, so of course your perspective will be different than the average Joe/ozbargainer.

        I am well aware that First Class $6k return cash fares do not exist. You miss the point. They are more like $15k, yeh? But unless my salary was $500k+, I wouldn't ever pay that, so it is not relevant to me. I'd maybe, as a once off, pay $6k.

        It makes no sense to value my points using the true cash price. I value my million or so points based on what I would be prepared to pay for business/first. I have flown economy to Europe for $1,200 return. I'd probably fork out $3k for business, but no more. Business is 240k points plus $1000 or so. Points valued at less than 1c in that example.

        • TheMindsetTraveller on 06/09/2019 - 06:57
          +1

          @endolphin

          Let's flip the angle of consideration here; you said you value your points on what you would be prepared to pay (for something/whatever). What else can you use your points for (at the qantas store/flights etc) that would make it worthwhile to you, or at least better than a business/first class flight?

          Most articles, reviews and those in the know all have the view that using points for premium cabins is the best bang for your point value (and hence why it is also the most difficult way to use points as well).

          Even if you valued that business class flight at $3,000 (your figure of 240,000 points + $1,000). Just a quick check on the qantas store, to get $1,000 worth of gift cards, one would have to spend 272,000 points. A pair of Sony NC headphones is 95,000 points when you can by them on ebay for low $300s. Even then nothing else really comes close.

          • vetopower on 06/09/2019 - 08:13
            +1

            @TheMindsetTraveller: endolphin's answer is to sell the points as mentioned above. The problem is, as I also mentioned above, that it will get him/her banned from Qantas Frequent Flyer for life. So you can only do it once.

    • Associatedz0s0 @ Emirates on 06/09/2019 - 17:48
      +1

      Yeah that's a perfectly valid way to look at it; I certainly don't consider it to be "free" or even necessarily "cheap".

      I do, however, consider it to be very good "value".

      If there was zero risk and friction involved in selling the points, then I would probably use the points to fly business class instead of first and sell the rest. But as others have pointed out, it's not quite that simple.

  • muncan on 05/09/2019 - 20:26
    +7

    Cheers OP 🥂

  • Chumly on 06/09/2019 - 11:13

    What seat number were you in?

    Do you think you get better service on the shorter of the two legs?

    Did you have to ask for PJs and an amenity kit?

    How long did it take to get served after asking for a meal?

    Have you done EK F before, and if so has the standard dropped?

    Which concourse did you land in at Dubai? Did you depart from the same concourse?

    What is the lounge like?

    I am flying Zurich to Dubai to Auckland in EK F next May then QF J back to Sydney. It will be my first time in F.

    • Associatedz0s0 @ Emirates on 06/09/2019 - 17:52

      2K and 1K.

      Service was perhaps a little better on the shorter leg because there were not many people in the 1st cabin; whereas it was full from MEL -> DXB. But marginal difference.

      PJs and amenity kit were offered, but I didn't want them.

      Can't remember how long the meals took; a fair while I think.

      Yeah it's my 3rd time in EK F. Standard seems same to me (although the seat on the first aircraft was looking a little tired and some of the buttons switches were getting hard to use) They'll be retiring a lot of 380s soon so maintenance seems to be slipping.

      DXB F lounge really doesn't impress me much. Very impersonal and nothing very exciting to eat/drink/do.

      • muncan on 06/09/2019 - 19:47

        People buy those PJs and amenity kits on eBay. But not mine, been wearing them every night for over a year!

        Which lounge did you visit? The one in concourse A is massive, more like a Westfield. We ensured ~14 hour layovers in DXB to get the Dubai Connect hotel to recover from all the P2 & Paradis.

        • Associatedz0s0 @ Emirates on 07/09/2019 - 17:06

          That's an interesting strategy! Nice.

          • [Deactivated] on 07/09/2019 - 17:36

            @z0s0: The amenity bag is leather.

    • [Deactivated] on 07/09/2019 - 17:35

      The pjs lounge wear are super comfy and have micro-capsules in them that help keep your skin hydrated during your trip. The amenity kit was designed by Bvlgari and the men's one contained a Bvlgari Body Lotion, After shave Balm ,a mini perfume spray and a LYNX deo, which made me lol.

  • whoopdeedoo on 06/09/2019 - 11:14

    enough privacy to join the mile high club?

    • [Deactivated] on 06/09/2019 - 17:31

      Nope and neither does the double suites on Singapore ailrlines. The walls do not go all the way to the top and the windows have perforated blinds. Anyone walking past will be able to see you. Also not soundproof.

      Your best bet, I've been told, is the residence ( the 3-room suite) on the Etihad. Personally, I'm a germophobe and prefer my own bed.

  • gimme on 06/09/2019 - 13:15
    +2

    The value of all those luxuries in the air are actually pretty insignificant while you're on the ground. i.e paying exponentially more for something just because you're in the air. If you're looking for real luxury, a similar $$$ can be spent say at a really nice resort with proper food and all the amenities over a much longer period of time. 12 hours in the air cramming as much food and drinks as possible to maximise and possibly make you sick or hungover the next day vs enjoying a nice holiday for a week for the same price. I know which one I'd go for.

    • Associatedz0s0 @ Emirates on 06/09/2019 - 17:54
      +3

      I'd agree mostly, except for the alcohol. Some of the wines and spirits are priced in the $1000s per bottle. So to enjoy those for my $650 ticket; that's worth something :-)

      Of course i wouldn't pay the sticker price for this experience. I think we're all in agreement on that.

      • gimme on 06/09/2019 - 23:59

        Question..and be honest with yourself. Would you have done it if you couldn't tell a single soul about it?
        That's my yardstick when deciding on where to spend my $$$

        • Associatedz0s0 @ Emirates on 07/09/2019 - 17:05

          Yes absolutely.

      • [Deactivated] on 07/09/2019 - 12:01

        Are an employee of emirates? Is that why you have the 'associated' tag next to your username?

        • Associatedz0s0 @ Emirates on 07/09/2019 - 17:04
          +1

          Nah I'm not. I must have accidentally clicked the "associated" box at some point and now it won't let me remove it.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join