It turned out that the plane that was being used for that day's flight did not have premium economy, only the new business class. If they down-graded us to economy they would have had to refund the difference in fares. Given that we had bought our tickets during the 2-for-1 promotion I know any refund would have been insignificant but understand it is a lot of work for an airline to refund money and much easier to simply upgrade.
As the flight was delayed 2 hours, we were also each handed HD$180 (approx. US$22) in coupons to be used at any HK airport restaurant as compensation. [NB. economy class passengers only received an eyebrow raising HK$60 each.] Given we had been upgraded to business class and already had our boarding passes, we were able to use the Qantas lounge which had plenty of food options and thought we wouldn't have a reason to use the coupons. On our way to the gate however, we walked past a Starbucks and when we realised we could use our coupons stocked up on mounds of waffles, cookies, candies, mints, biscotti - I think you get the picture - and even bought another customer her grande latte and danish as she was struggling to understand how much a HK$ was worth. Needless to say, the Starbucks goodies proved to be great gifts.
No surprises when we go to our seats. The new business class is similar to many other 'pod' style business class seats on many other airlines. The first one that came to mind was that of China Airlines which we use frequently and which we thoroughly enjoy. The major difference with Qantas was the seemingly very small amount of space between the seat and that in front. The seats are comfortable, agreed. The functionality makes sense, agreed. The seats just feel claustrophobic. I guess for someone who wants a feeling of privacy you can't go wrong as you're almost boxed into your seat, but standing up during the flight to stretch legs or use the bathroom for example, disturbs the passenger next to you. I benchmark against China Airlines' business class which even with the pod style seating offers plenty of space between the seat in front so that you can completely walk around a sleeping passenger without disturbing them, even with their legs fully extended!
Not much to rave about, consistent Qantas service from the crew and (pay attention, CX!) edible food! Great arrival privileges with the priority immigration and custom's lines.
On our return flight we were upgraded once again to business class. This time they were over-sold in economy and bumped the spill-over to premium economy, which was in turn bumped up to business class. We paid HK$14,000 (approx. US$1800) in total which included both tickets and all taxes and at the time it sounded like a decent price. In hindsight it was one of the cheapest business class trips we have ever had!
Specs
Airline: Qantas
Flight: QF128
Route: HKG-SYD-HKG
Aircraft: 747-400
Class: Premium Economy (upgraded to Business Class due to no Prem. Econ. on the plane)
Mileage Program: Marco Polo Club - Green Member
Recommendation: Best travel bargain (2-for-1 promotion) but surprisingly lacking in personal space.
