Airbus A380 routes and destinations?

LaVail · 11-07-2012 11:55PM #1

Ever since the A380 went into operation I have wanted to fly business class in one of them. I always fly economy class when travelling but I really want the A380 experience and I think that this year is the time to do it.

Does anybody know what routes the A380 operates? Does it fly out of Ireland or will I have to get one from heathrow for example?

Any help appreciated

MRG77 · 12-07-2012 12:04AM

No Airbus A380s to Ireland yet. Your Closest is London Heathrow or Manchester. Both Emirates to Dubai. Singapore Airlines and Qantas also fly their A380s to London Heathrow. Next closest after that is Air France with some routes out of Paris or Lufthansa out of Frankfurt. Singapore airlines also take there A380s to Paris and Zurich.

galwayjohn89 · 12-07-2012 12:49AM

MRG77 wrote: »

No Airbus A380s to Ireland yet. Your Closest is London Heathrow or Manchester. Both Emirates to Dubai. Singapore Airlines and Qantas also fly their A380s to London Heathrow. Next closest after that is Air France with some routes out of Paris or Lufthansa out of Frankfurt. Singapore airlines also take there A380s to Paris and Zurich.

If you're going business class avoid Lufthansa. It's a sub par service imo, no lay flat bed and the hard product is very dated.

LaVail · 12-07-2012 12:51AM

MRG77 wrote: »

No Airbus A380s to Ireland yet. Your Closest is London Heathrow or Manchester. Both Emirates to Dubai. Singapore Airlines and Qantas also fly their A380s to London Heathrow. Next closest after that is Air France with some routes out of Paris or Lufthansa out of Frankfurt. Singapore airlines also take there A380s to Paris and Zurich.

Thanks for the informative post. I'm probably a bit mad to build a trip around an aircraft but I might as well do it while I still can. London - Dubai would be a pretty nice flight I'm guessing

LaVail · 12-07-2012 12:53AM

Vuzuggu wrote: »

If you're going business class avoid Lufthansa. It's a sub par service imo, no lay flat bed and the hard product is very dated.

Yes, I was thinking that as well. Lufthansa isn't exactly known for luxury. I'm thinking Emirates would be one of the best when I'm looking for the full experience.

Cheers for the post.

castie · 12-07-2012 02:12AM

LaVail wrote: »

Yes, I was thinking that as well. Lufthansa isn't exactly known for luxury. I'm thinking Emirates would be one of the best when I'm looking for the full experience.

Cheers for the post.

Cant reccommend Singapore Airlines enough on their A380. Although Ive never gotten to try business class as of yet!

You could go Frankfurt to JFK with Singapore Airlines as well.

LaVail · 12-07-2012 02:32AM

castie wrote: »

Cant reccommend Singapore Airlines enough on their A380. Although Ive never gotten to try business class as of yet!

You could go Frankfurt to JFK with Singapore Airlines as well.

Was pricing some first class flights to Dubai a little while ago and they came in at ~€5000

A380 from London Heathrow to Dubai and the same again coming home.

I've been to New York a good few times now but have never been to the UAE so I have it strong in the head to go out there this time.

castie · 12-07-2012 05:39AM

LaVail wrote: »

Was pricing some first class flights to Dubai a little while ago and they came in at ~€5000

A380 from London Heathrow to Dubai and the same again coming home.

I've been to New York a good few times now but have never been to the UAE so I have it strong in the head to go out there this time.

Emirates I believe will also allow you to price each way on different class.
So could do a business out/back and economy the other way.

If its a case of just trying it out it could save you alot of money!

CaptainSkidmark · 12-07-2012 09:27AM

malaysian will be serving Schiphol in august or july

and im almost certain China Southern will be following in september or so

castie · 12-07-2012 09:31AM

CaptainSkidmark wrote: »

malaysian will be serving Schiphol in august or july

and im almost certain China Southern will be following in september or so

I havent heard good things about Malaysian Airlines to be honest.
China Southern would be an unknown to me though.

LaVail · 12-07-2012 11:56AM

castie wrote: »

Emirates I believe will also allow you to price each way on different class.
So could do a business out/back and economy the other way.

If its a case of just trying it out it could save you alot of money!

Yeah I noticed that on the website last night. Now I'm thinking I'll go first class 1 way and business class returning. I can't see Dubai being that cheap either when I get out there so it could end up being too expensive if I'm not careful.

CaptainSkidmark wrote: »

malaysian will be serving Schiphol in august or july

and im almost certain China Southern will be following in september or so

Can you tell me if Malaysian will be doing that route from Ireland or the UK?

Gracelessly Tom · 12-07-2012 12:06PM

LaVail wrote: »

Yeah I noticed that on the website last night. Now I'm thinking I'll go first class 1 way and business class returning. I can't see Dubai being that cheap either when I get out there so it could end up being too expensive if I'm not careful.

Can you tell me if Malaysian will be doing that route from Ireland or the UK?

Yep, as and from the start of July MAS are flying Heathrow to Kuala Lumpar with their frist A380.

Su Campu · 12-07-2012 12:12PM

We get it LeVail, you're loaded.

LaVail · 12-07-2012 12:19PM

Gracelessly Tom wrote: »

Yep, as and from the start of July MAS are flying Heathrow to Kuala Lumpar with their frist A380.

Thanks Tom

Su Campu wrote: »

We get it LeVail, you're loaded.

Not loaded unfortunately. I have been saving for a long time though and have decided recently that I want to spend a little. I have no kids debts etc so I'm very lucky to be in this position. I have wanted to treat myself to a first class flight for years but couldn't afford to at the time.

If I do end up flying to Malaysia or Dubai on the A380 this year then it will be a once in a lifetime experience for me.

Might as well do it while I still can

Gracelessly Tom · 12-07-2012 12:22PM

LaVail wrote: »

Thanks Tom

Not loaded unfortunately. I have been saving for a long time though and have decided recently that I want to spend a little. I have no kids debts etc so I'm very lucky to be in this position. I have wanted to treat myself to a first class flight for years but couldn't afford to at the time.

If I do end up flying to Malaysia or Dubai on the A380 this year then it will be a once in a lifetime experience for me.

Might as well do it while I still can

I looked into flying MAS A380 a few weeks back and it worked out around €3k each way in economy. Mind you it could be cheaper as I just looked at the same week flights so presumably it'll be cheaper the further out you book.

Been on a few but never in the air in one, amazing things. It's on my bucket list!

Nonoperational · 12-07-2012 12:29PM

I think it's a fantastic trip if you have the money for it. I'd go first class out to start the trip in style. LHR to Dubai and stay in a good hotel for a few days over. Business class return will still be a fantastic and you'll get to compare the two products.

Many people would think it a bizarre way of spending money but I'd give my left arm to do it!

LaVail · 12-07-2012 12:33PM

Gracelessly Tom wrote: »

I looked into flying MAS A380 a few weeks back and it worked out around €3k each way in economy. Mind you it could be cheaper as I just looked at the same week flights so presumably it'll be cheaper the further out you book.

Been on a few but never in the air in one, amazing things. It's on my bucket list!

I'd probably try and book at least 2-3 months before I want to go. Just recently a friend of mine was planning on going to Cuba flying economy and in the space of a couple of days the cheapest flight with KLM went from €1100 to €1800 so it does take a fair jump if you're not careful.

You were on a few A380's...You work in the airline industry? I always thought guys that worked in the industry could surely get a reduction in fares?

It's my dream to fly on this beast so I'm going for it..I hope you get the chance too some day.

LaVail · 12-07-2012 12:39PM

gpf101 wrote: »

I think it's a fantastic trip if you have the money for it. I'd go first class out to start the trip in style. LHR to Dubai and stay in a good hotel for a few days over. Business class return will still be a fantastic and you'll get to compare the two products.

Many people would think it a bizarre way of spending money but I'd give my left arm to do it!

I'm lucky that I have the means to do it. I'll probably regret spending this money on a flight in years to come but I have wanted to experience first class all my life and since the A380 took to the skies it's made my desire to part with the money even worse lol

I'll carry a camera and record some of it when on my trip and post results on here for anyone who may want to see.

Nonoperational · 12-07-2012 12:52PM

I don't think you'd regret it. Although if it was me I'd want at least one leg to be a 747, but I understand the A380 is a big attraction.

ResearchWill · 12-07-2012 01:05PM

Last year flew Emirates from Hong Kong - Bangkok, my mate got a real good deal in First, but as bar is down the back went through Business. First was amazing, first time in my life I wanted the flight to last longer. I had flight attendent book me a shower just to see what it was like. While it was a short flight 2 and a half hours service was amazing, but they only had a couple of bottles of Dom on the outward journey, plenty on the way back.

Some of the guys flew Business and they thought it was OK, I could understand them, as business is most of the upper floor, and is a lot of seats, service according to my mates was slow. Bar at the back is nice but as its just in front of Galley area can be busy during service times, would be nice on a long flight between services. As our flight was so short the First bar in the front was not put up.

LaVail · 12-07-2012 01:45PM

gpf101 wrote: »

I don't think you'd regret it. Although if it was me I'd want at least one leg to be a 747, but I understand the A380 is a big attraction.

I have been in a couple of 747's before but never first/business class. Want my first experience in an A380 to be a good one.

ResearchWill wrote: »

Last year flew Emirates from Hong Kong - Bangkok, my mate got a real good deal in First, but as bar is down the back went through Business. First was amazing, first time in my life I wanted the flight to last longer. I had flight attendent book me a shower just to see what it was like. While it was a short flight 2 and a half hours service was amazing, but they only had a couple of bottles of Dom on the outward journey, plenty on the way back.

Some of the guys flew Business and they thought it was OK, I could understand them, as business is most of the upper floor, and is a lot of seats, service according to my mates was slow. Bar at the back is nice but as its just in front of Galley area can be busy during service times, would be nice on a long flight between services. As our flight was so short the First bar in the front was not put up.

I was looking at some first class videos on youtube there and it looks amazing. Even the shower/bathroom looks crazy good. Also the selection of food and champers looks top class.

Even some bottles of perrier water for when you get dehydrated after the champers

Gracelessly Tom · 12-07-2012 02:13PM

LaVail wrote: »

You were on a few A380's...You work in the airline industry? I always thought guys that worked in the industry could surely get a reduction in fares?

It's my dream to fly on this beast so I'm going for it..I hope you get the chance too some day.

I work for the manufacturer so have been to the final assembly line a few times and a 380 delivery in Toulouse. They never agree to my request of "give us a quick shot in your airplane" though.

While working in Toulouse my office was across from the runway and you could see them doing the touch and go tests. I was surprised how quiet they are. The size is much more appreciable when you see them next to other aircraft though, almost makes you wonder how they get off the ground!

Unfortunately Airbus employees don't get cheap rates on flights.

castie · 12-07-2012 04:09PM

LaVail wrote: »

Thanks Tom

Not loaded unfortunately. I have been saving for a long time though and have decided recently that I want to spend a little. I have no kids debts etc so I'm very lucky to be in this position. I have wanted to treat myself to a first class flight for years but couldn't afford to at the time.

If I do end up flying to Malaysia or Dubai on the A380 this year then it will be a once in a lifetime experience for me.

Might as well do it while I still can

If your going to go Malaysia why not Singapore?
And if you really want to splash!! Get a Suite on the SIA A380.

http://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/flying-with-us/suites/

Gerard93 · 12-07-2012 04:18PM

If I do end up flying to Malaysia or Dubai on the A380 this year then it will be a once in a lifetime experience for me.

Look forward to your review on this, Good Luck OP:)

castie · 12-07-2012 04:21PM

ResearchWill wrote: »

Last year flew Emirates from Hong Kong - Bangkok, my mate got a real good deal in First, but as bar is down the back went through Business. First was amazing, first time in my life I wanted the flight to last longer. I had flight attendent book me a shower just to see what it was like. While it was a short flight 2 and a half hours service was amazing, but they only had a couple of bottles of Dom on the outward journey, plenty on the way back.

Some of the guys flew Business and they thought it was OK, I could understand them, as business is most of the upper floor, and is a lot of seats, service according to my mates was slow. Bar at the back is nice but as its just in front of Galley area can be busy during service times, would be nice on a long flight between services. As our flight was so short the First bar in the front was not put up.

I actually looked at this awhile back!
Its not too pricey either but the flight is realy short to enjoy it I think.
I think the price may be due to the volume drop after the flight hits HK and the lack of people making the onward journey.

steve-o · 12-07-2012 07:37PM

Trailfinders have an Emirates business class sale to pretty much anywhere in the world for between 2k and 4k. Lots of A380 destinations. They had first class for similar prices a while back.

cocoshovel · 13-07-2012 01:10PM

Whoever you fly with, please take lots of pictures and post up a review!

LaVail · 13-07-2012 02:35PM

Gracelessly Tom wrote: »

I work for the manufacturer so have been to the final assembly line a few times and a 380 delivery in Toulouse. They never agree to my request of "give us a quick shot in your airplane" though.

While working in Toulouse my office was across from the runway and you could see them doing the touch and go tests. I was surprised how quiet they are. The size is much more appreciable when you see them next to other aircraft though, almost makes you wonder how they get off the ground!

Unfortunately Airbus employees don't get cheap rates on flights.

wow pity you guys don't get to fly on the aircraft that you build. Still though at least working for boeing must be pretty cool.

castie wrote: »

If your going to go Malaysia why not Singapore?
And if you really want to splash!! Get a Suite on the SIA A380.

http://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/flying-with-us/suites/

Was thinking of where I'd go for the last couple of days but still havnt decided . I have decided to fly somewhere though sometime around the end of August to the middle of September. At least it will give me some time to decide plus booking ahead by more than a week may save me a little on fares.

Gerard93 wrote: »

Look forward to your review on this, Good Luck OP:)

Thanks! I'll buy some sort of good quality camera and post as much as I can.

steve-o wrote: »

Trailfinders have an Emirates business class sale to pretty much anywhere in the world for between 2k and 4k. Lots of A380 destinations. They had first class for similar prices a while back.

Will definitely look into this in the coming days.

cocoshovel wrote: »

Whoever you fly with, please take lots of pictures and post up a review!

Will do

Gracelessly Tom · 13-07-2012 03:06PM

LaVail wrote: »

wow pity you guys don't get to fly on the aircraft that you build. Still though at least working for boeing must be pretty cool.

Was thinking of where I'd go for the last couple of days but still havnt decided . I have decided to fly somewhere though sometime around the end of August to the middle of September.

No idea what it's like to work for Boeing, I'm an Airbus man myself.

If you plan on spending time in the location you coose be careful of the seasons, Malaysia in monsoon season is not where you wanna be after shelling out a small fortune on flights!

LaVail · 13-07-2012 03:29PM

Gracelessly Tom wrote: »

No idea what it's like to work for Boeing, I'm an Airbus man myself.

If you plan on spending time in the location you coose be careful of the seasons, Malaysia in monsoon season is not where you wanna be after shelling out a small fortune on flights!

lol I had Boeing on my mind from the poster above suggested flying one leg of the journey on a 747 .. sorry about that

to be honest Dubai is where I;m thinking of going atm but I'll have to think about it...Not sure what kind of heat to expect there at that time of year so I'll have to do some research but all I know is I'd favour heat over rain and wind any day

Stinicker · 14-07-2012 02:58AM

Thai Airways will have their A380's by the end of the year and they'd be well worth considering for the 1st class treatment. Singapore airlines similarly. I don't see the attraction of Emirates tbh, unless maybe on an ultra long haul route from Dubai to Sydney. First class is something for long flights and if you have the cash you might aswell get your moneys worth.

Airbus A380 routes and destinations?

Comments