Will this new 16-hour Qantas flight change USA travel?

[@cop12345]

I took this flight to JFK in September 2023. It was such an easy flight and the best part was it arrived into JFK at 4pm local time. I checked into my hotel, had dinner and drinks, then off to bed. No jetlag to speak of. Perfect.

[@davidhugill4668]

I transited through Auckland - some time ago, so it was LAX-AKL-SYD. I remember that, while I was waiting for my flight to Sydney there was an announcement that I heard as "Would Mr Smith please contact the chicken counter." Took me a few moments to realise what was meant.

[@GEODUCK9]

So happy to hear you were eventually able to put your own interpretation on this inane announcement. Long may you able to slowly form opinions.

[@instantramen22]

@@GEODUCK9 ?

[@SuperEdge67]

Everyone has an accent…….even you.

[@johnericneil2455]

That's hilarious Skippy.

[@jamesanderson2921]

haha thats hilarious.. you should get a job as a standup comedian.

[@tld8102]

Yes. I will always prefer calm Auckland rather than chaotic Los Angelos. the only exception being if In'n'out burger is involved

[@smurftums]

As a Tasmanian resident (who can now get direct flights from Hobart to Auckland), it will be nice to travel to New York via Auckland with only one stop, rather than the usual two... One of the most tiring aspects of long haul travel, is the stops between flights.

[@StefanDrury]

Yes that's a good point, this is a great option for travellers from Tasmania as well.

[@Zoltuger]

New Zealand mentioned! As a kiwi it's great to have QF providing competition to NZ on the JFK route

[@tamtam19454]

Even as a recreational pilot its nice to let someone else do all the work and just sit back and enjoy the flight. Great to see Jacqui in the videos as well. You two are such sweethearts.

[@malahammer]

Patronise much?? :)

[@kentw8396]

Really enjoy the style of video, the highlights, etc... particularly the humbleness of Stefan in his presentation style.

[@OVTraveller]

Hi Stef, Thank you for the lovely touch of the " thank you" on your breakfast menu, I 'll remember that for my next flight. Trust you had a great flight cheers

[@UncleIansGarage]

After completing season 1 of Grey's Anatomy you're pretty much a qualified surgeon. Pretty good skill to achieve while crossing the Pacific especially if there was a medical emergency on board.

[@alman-world]

First viewing and I am hooked on your channel. Great mix of dialogue, camera work and love hearing the overlay cabin talk etc. And saying stuff where needed only. Its like you have done these before 🙂

[@Tomshuski350]

Good to see you out and about Stef. How long till we see a EYZ video?

[@michaelcrawshay4690]

Great video - thanks for posting. Very jealous of your ability to sleep on flights. We travel business class quite a bit and have previously used HNL or LAX as stopovers for a few days each when flying to North America. Once flew Melb - HNL then HNL - JFK on Hawaiian Airlines which was fantastic, arriving first thing in the morning. Will definitely try this route when next flying to the east coast of the US. Cheers

[@jezkemp712]

Stef and Jacqui, Great video and thank you for taking my call in the QANTAS Lounge in NZ, totally agree bagels are the best food for carb-loading!

[@TripReportaviation]

Lovely video. The turbulence seemed to be as strong as the strongest I've experienced; and at that time the crew demanded us to put all the meal trays down to the aisle. The most important thing for this very long flight is sleep, and Qantas has been successful and really showed how comfortable the seat is.

[@briancorrell]

you two are so cute, we need more family vlogs

[@bradleydonovankaftansparra469]

It looks amazing enjoy your flight

[@abs1391]

cant believe that I was in Auckland airport literally a week before this was filmed and in Qantas lounge. Would have been soo good to meet you

[@Robert-um6fr]

A few downsides you missed about QF3 as well as the big downside of QF4. The flight over, the 3, is good if you're going to New York, but only to New York. A connection via Dallas is faster for the every other city in the eastern half of the country. And even QF3 to New York isn't great when it runs late (often) and lands in rush hour at JFK - you hit long immigration lines and then you spill out into rush hour in NYC traffic. Even with late-running aside, from Melbourne/Sydney it's faster to fly to New York via Dallas (or Houston if flying United) and you do immigration during the layover, saving time. The direct QF4 flight home from JFK is the real shocker. Anyone who's done it would be reluctant to sign-up again. It leaves JFK at 17:15 - much the same as the former QF12 and before that the QF108 did before winging their way home via LAX. BUT...QF4 lands into Auckland at the Mel/Syd-equivalent time of 02:55 am this time of year. And four out of five passengers are Aussies, not Kiwis, so the timing is a killer even for travel veterans. You have to walk around in the middle of your long night for 100 minutes when you should be sleeping. You can't all fit in the current overloaded Qantas lounge, if you have access. Then you board again for another 3.5 hours. It's crazy. Was the airline thinking about getting people home to the AUS east coast in time to do a day's work? Well, that won't happen if you wake people like this. They won't be doing much work at all. They have just lost another day. This wrongly timed stop wipes you out. BTW, you are woken well before landing into NZ. I'm not surprised that QF has announced it will again reduce the number of flights per week of the QF3 and QF4 from next February to five. The QF3 is okay but it's slower than going via Dallas, but the QF4 is a write-off designed by someone who is trying to optimise the use of the aircraft and not thinking of the passenger. Can't imagine it lasting past Project Sunrise direct flights to AUS. PS: everyone's gripes about LAX only apply these days to inbound flights and clearing customs. Flying back out through LAX to AUS is a breeze. Great upgraded facilities and lounges. From AA to a QF flight, or UA-to-UA in their fabulous terminal, connections are seamless and there's no collecting/re-checking luggage of course in this direction. From next year, even the inbound LAX experience will finally change when Aussies get fast immigration access and most of the remaining terminal upgrades are finished and connected. SFO remains a good option too - if you can find a connecting flight that suits your timing. But whatever you do, don't try to enter or leave the US via Seattle if that's not your final destination. It's got lots of OneWorld connecting flights but it's an over-crowded, shambolic operation and needs a lot of work before you could recommend it.

[@TEENPILOTDOWNUNDER]

Wow prevelance of ping haul flights is just increasing all the time how amazing it’s now that easier to get around

[@dcooper7665]

Great to see the new video. Looking forward to more videos in EYZ perhaps with Jacqui? So glad to see you have recovered from surgery and can't wait until you start flying regularly again.

[@JTPM]

You guys are so cute together! Awh and you looked so embarrassed when she said you're talking very loud whilst on the jetbridge 😅😅

[@StefanDrury]

To be fair, looking back at the footage, I was talking pretty loud. And airbridges are quite echoey!

[@douglachman7330]

Good to see Qantas can do well and provide options. Maybe a turbulence minimising drink holder could be thought of? Sleep and comfort, a great combination.

[@jeancolivas2276]

I flew from NYC Auckland Sydney business this time last year. We had the same plane from Auckland to Sydney which was great same seats just a couple of hours to stretch your legs in Auckland. The flight was cancelled sadly as we were about to board in NYC so that was a bit stressful and flew out the next day 24/11. I have flown a few times long haul in business to England and USA and I feel I slept the best on this flight. Really enjoyed it and felt the time went really quickly. Would not hesitate to do it again.

[@oscarwyer2771]

Wow! Great video! I want to try this one oneday.

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Oscar, it's an enjoyable way to travel to the USA via NZ. Hope you get to try it.

[@karora]

A big advantage of this would be that your baggage can be checked all the way through.

[@cottontop99]

Great video and well done on the marathon time !!

[@StefanDrury]

Thank you and thank you 🙏

[@ajmilagros]

At least transiting through AKL you don’t have to check through customs if you don’t exit the checked/secure side of the airport. Many years ago I flew SYD-JFK via LAX - I had to collect my bag, check out through US customs in LA and then re drop my bag, only to rejoin the exact same plane onto JFK. I literally only stopped to go to the toilet and I was almost late for the second leg of my fight, such a hassle to transit through any US airport, but especially LAX.

[@brettcoates3759]

The good night kiss was soo sweet!

[@JoseCreates]

What’s the name of the map app you were using here? 1:20

[@UltimateGoats107]

I just flew this yesterday, one of the easiest flights. Nice flight at a reasonable price.

[@Godzillla818]

Love your videos I hope you team up with other KZbinrs like David from simple aviation

[@Cptkooky]

I love that Dreamliner! Great video Stef.💪

[@CJ.1998X.Y.Z]

I was lucky enough to find a reward ticket from AKL to NY soon will be going in business too looks comfy

[@bluedog1052]

Cheers youtube notifications for this popping up 7 days later, better late than never. Wow, didn't know they offered that flight and I have to say, even from Brisbane if I had to get to NYC I'd much prefer a stopover in Auckland than the rat race of LAX or Dallas, it's much more appealing. Flying from Australia to NYC, via Auckland would be like the calm before the storm, flying from anywhere to LAX then connecting flights is panic stations as soon as you land, and be sure to book your accommodation for the same date you leave boys and girls, it might the next day date in Australia but it's not there.

[@Sydney4680]

Interesting. I like the SYD-DFW-JFK route, in the A380, but might give this a go.

[@johnmcalister620]

Excellent video Stef, on the same day I did the Qantas Melbourne to Sydney, Sydney to San Francisco flights to avoid arriving in LAX. SFO was so quick compared to LAX. Thought Qantas business class was a very good product. Love these travel videos from an Australian perspective and what we have to do to get anywhere.

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks John, yes us Australia-dwellers have to be ok with long-distance flying to visit most other countries. Glad to share these experiences and thanks for watching.

[@kymyeoward306]

How does Qantas Business class on long international flights compare with the business -class-type Rail-Bed seats on the Spirit of Queensland tilt-train 26 hour trip from Brisbane to Cairns ? You get an airline business-class seat, with a multi-channel screen in front and a slide-up tray table. When boarding, you get a complimentary headset and amenities pack, plus a chilled drink or coffee. All meals are included in your ticket and you can choose your menu when you board - with meals, drinks snd snacks delivered to your seat.There’s also access to the Cafe and Lounge car. After dinner, your cabin attendant will convert your seat to a flat bed. - with sheets, a pillow and blanket, There are several good toilets and showers at the end of each rail-bed carriage. All for a ticket price under AUD $400.

[@smarthydroponics]

Another great video Cheers 😊

[@CharlesBannan3]

On 0:46 you put Auckland in Palmerston North.😂

[@djt6012]

And just before that, LAX up near San Fransisco.

[@rais1953]

I'll never fly to New York. But if I had to go there from eastern Australia the flight via Auckland seems by far the best, probably less exhausting than the new direct flights when they come. Being in Perth I'd probably fly westward to get there, not eastward.

[@adam_is]

Loved this recap!

[@StefanDrury]

Thanks Adam

[@Rotuma1260]

At 3:23 the cc renders "Auckland" as "Oakland." The latter is much closer to NYC.

[@briancorrell]

Funny enough I JUST did Dallas to Sydney in the 789 on X-Plane 12 and I am had thought about doing this flight too haha

[@kelvinwatt8535]

We transit thru Dallas when we go to USA as we hate LAX as it gets too crowded. Have flown Melbourne - Sydney - Dallas a few times. Will try Melbourne - Dallas next time

[@dannyfitch2690]

I would just like to add you were probably take from Melbourne to JFK by all Kiwis, if you weren't aware there is 2 Qantas bases in New Zealand in Auckland and Wellington called Jetconnect Qantas

[@mcox458]

Flew from CHCH to Auckland then NYC last years, bumpy the whole way and the bulk head was a horrible seat for 15.5 hours non stop, no sleep on the return either due to constant turbulence. Rather stop in Huston or Canada next time it think.

[@FilipBzik]

Great content! Almost like Casey Nestat with airplanes =)

[@brentsummers7377]

Great trip review! As for the turbulence crossing the equator it may be getting worse due to climate change. Earlier this year I flew from NZ to San Francisco & got about 4 hours of light to very light turbulence going up to SFO and same on return journey. Just enough for the seat belts sign to be on and off multiple times.

[@Alorio-Gori]

Loved this ❤

[@theflyingfrog]

First comment from France 🇫🇷 😊 Another great video… 🐸

[@Speckled10]

Nice video ! Whats the flight tracking app on the tablet you are using ?

[@Mafoo001-yt]

I may have taken a photo of your plane! I live in Auckland and I always take photos of the JFK Flight

[@aymanzaman4you]

First time I've learned about your channel, it's on my bucket list to visit New Zealand and take a long haul flight to reach Auckland. Can you do a review of the Qatar Airways flight from Auckland to Doha?

[@thebalmaintigers]

Seen online flights from NZ to the the UK where cheaper by a few thousand dollars than going from AUS business class.

[@Revilok08]

did this flight a few months ago in the back of the bus, i found it to be great, our flight QF151 was delayed so it was handy that they also delayed the NY flight so we could make it. Even the transit process was pretty good as there is not a whole lot of people transiting exept for us, only downside is that there where only two transit security lanes when we went so it did take some time to actually get through! Interesting to see the route you took to get there flying close to chicago, when i went we flew over Mexico taking more of a southern route, probably to do with winds and stuff, never the less still pretty cool.

[@VladAkimov]

Lovely video!

[@fToo]

for the passengers on the B787 leg from SYD-AKL ... do they stay on board for the the couple of hours the aircraft is on the ground in AKL?

[@changsu195]

8:20, kinda keen to know weather qantas gonna release this version of i still call aus home

[@JackDrake-ny2kz]

I would be curious to hear your opinion about transferring through Dallas (my home airport). You can now get to DFW from SYD, MLE, and BNE and then transfer to pretty much anywhere in North America.

[@TheDarkFalcon]

What's the software running on the tablet you showed the flight on?

[@fredwalsh4108]

Big bloody difference Mate when your lucky enough to fly Business class.

[@djtforever1414]

0:35 the arrow is pointing to San Francisco. Now, i don't know what to think.

[@MikeJackson1955]

Issue is that 90% of the customers are cattle class. Should really show that as 17 hours in a 32in pitch seat (if you're lucky) is a whole different ball game.

[@tennyopallas]

The line showing the plane leaving NZ from Napier instead of Auckland disorients my brain a bit.

[@ashleymyrrh1756]

Are these flights crewed by Jet Connect folks?

[@gregquenneville7940]

No. Qantas mainline plots. Cabin crew probably AKL based

[@melissanoonan3301]

Thanks Stef! I haven't taken that flight to the US but just did MEL to DAR. Nearly 5 hours in a 737 is hell. I can't believe Qantas can use Airbus to PER but won't to Darwin - seriously uncomfortable, very old plane and is the equivalent of tin can experience. Packed flight and over booked. Qantas, what are you doing - status credits, loyalty and points don't mean very much anymore? :( And same Melbourne / Auckland 737 - 2018. Flew home 5 years back via Air NZ on a Neo from Christchurch - so comfortable, it was amazing, as was the service. NZ are a much smaller country, less population, way ahead on aircraft. Go figure?

[@sbGOM]

Gosh. Imagine if Air NZ started flights from Auckland to....well.....anywhere but using Sydney or Melbourne as an quasi base.

[@Karl-b4f]

what is the app that you are using? is it a flight plan?

[@kevinp8108]

16 hours in Business Class??? That's nothing! I did 17 hours from Los Angeles to Bangkok Thailand non-stop in Economy Class. Now that's an endurance flight!

[@kkiwi54]

Luxury! I used to live in a box in the centre of the motorway, and get killed twice a day! 😉 😆

[@georgefrench6487]

Hey stef not to get too personal but what do you do for a living/income to be able to do flights like this so regularly? Ignoring the cost most of us just couldn't get the time off work to make your kind of videos so often. I appreciate if this question's too personal for you to answer but if it isnt' then I am curious.

[@Jerram89]

He runs/owns some sort of IT firm I believe

[@SamuelBarringer]

I thought that San Francisco was another option on the west coast as well as Seattle Tacoma and Dallas Fortworth have flights to Sydney.

[@andydelarue9344]

Did you sleep thur breakfast,or was that lunch

[@Andrew-mz4ec]

do you miss having the window seat when travelling with the MRS?? I allways do the middle seats in BC when travelling with MRS. wish some time to have window.

[@Clove_Parma]

You could always voice this and discuss, no reason you can’t talk it out

[@neo16287]

Did they say the captain’s name was Russ Tyler? All I can think of is Kenan Thompson in Mighty Ducks 2 😂

[@alman-world]

LAX has a real problem - especially for a certain person I know that gets extra screening. lol

[@Abraham-uk4xy]

What aircraft do they use for the 16 hour flight? The Dreamliner or Boeing 777-300ER

[@jfwfreo]

Qantas has never operated the 777.

[@SKS8080]

Now try that in coach.

[@MrSeebsy]

UA twice daily SFO to Singapore is 17 hrs 15mins on average. was that on your list Dartford Dave?

[@philcleaver2703]

would have liked to learn more about the food

[@Andrew-mz4ec]

Whats your tips for getting throug Customs in NYC its Brutal most of the time.

[@fobbitguy]

Did you take anything to help you sleep that long?

[@maxwalker1159]

Cool

[@Callmemilk2]

Been wondering how you afford to run your plane and all these new flights, what do you do for work??

[@joeskow]

The A359 is much better suited for long haul than a 789...

[@CB2C]

Correct, and Qantas knows this. They have modified A350s on order to operate direct flights from Australia to London and New York

[@dennisventham4488]

Are you back flying your own plane yet?

[@mattashman4040]

The Qantas lounge in Auckland IS tiny and gets very overcrowded

[@wayneobrien3332]

Such a long sleep on that flight Stef, your jet lag into nyc must have been pretty bad.

[@StefanDrury]

Marathon training block in the build up to that flight took it out of me I think. I felt great when I got to New York!

[@Andrew-mz4ec]

Does MRS, have Apple Pro head phones may be a review of them from Her would be good.

[@gorionzorander2943]

First aircraft was it a 757? and the next aircraft the gorgeous 787!

[@StefanDrury]

It was a 737 from Melbourne to Auckland, then yes a 787 from Auckland to New York.

[@michaelbooth1097]

You can only be excited flying that far if you’re in business class or a young person. Haha

[@RyanJacobs496]

Silo!

[@StefanDrury]

No spoilers, I'm up to episode 6...

[@TxtalArmi]

I don’t know why Air New Zealand is replaced by bloody Qantas for this route.

[@cirruscapo]

I would always try to avoid LAX, I worked there many years ago and even then, it was a mess...

[@TheSooty1975]

I’m fairly sure that I fuelled this flight ⛽️

[@margarita8442]

dont know how u can do squash class for so long

[@Kimtwister]

HI STEFAN GOOD TO SEEE YOU AND JACKIE MADE IT TO MY AWESOME COUNTRY THANKS FOR COMMING ALONG U BOTH RAWKKKK AUSSSIE IS MY BUCKET LIST its a beauty mate the mountains the ranges the forests etc take care u guys u rock

[@nsw72]

Those trans Pacific flights can be killers so your choice of Business makes a lot of sense. As for the Economy option, I think that airlines should offer Premium Economy only (with the little bit of extra space but not the extra cost!) on these super long hops. Enjoy your stay in the Big A!

[@superlogistics1]

I would transit in Auckland. Just never on Qantas 😂😂😂

[@Andrew-mz4ec]

Try ANA to NYC the BC "the room" is great with the door on the isle side as well

[@00LHay]

I’m going to guess they won’t put any money into the lounge as once the 350’s arrive, the JFK flight won’t have a stopover in AKL anymore

[@tazzer9]

Auckland is already a massive hub for qantas. Between mainline qantas and jetstar (international) they have something like 15 flights a day from there.