Help with award flights to Australia
Aug 18, 2017, 10:39 am
#16
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Carlsbad,CA USA
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanuim/Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Gold, United Silver
Posts: 1,534
Do not know if it always happens but on Delta, they seem to have recently released some low level award seats to Australia at their 110k level for J, which seems to be the cheapest now.
A few months ago I booked tickets at 390k each and just moved my itinerary a few days and got seats for 220k each, leaving August 29 and returning Sept 12. Paid the $150 change fee but worth it.
A few months ago I booked tickets at 390k each and just moved my itinerary a few days and got seats for 220k each, leaving August 29 and returning Sept 12. Paid the $150 change fee but worth it.
Nov 19, 2017, 4:30 pm
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 321
I've been looking on Qantas for the LAX-AUK segment and found a few flights on Fiji that might work. I've got a couple questions hopefully someone who's done this before can answer...
1. I also found CLT-LAX on AA site for the same date as the LAX-AUK, Since Fiji can't be booked via AA's website, when I call, will they be able to combine the segments?
2. I've read some reviews about Fiji Business Class and seems like it's OK, but not great. Should I go ahead and book since there is availability or should I wait for either AA or other metal?
Thanks in advance.
1. I also found CLT-LAX on AA site for the same date as the LAX-AUK, Since Fiji can't be booked via AA's website, when I call, will they be able to combine the segments?
2. I've read some reviews about Fiji Business Class and seems like it's OK, but not great. Should I go ahead and book since there is availability or should I wait for either AA or other metal?
Thanks in advance.
Nov 19, 2017, 5:27 pm
#18
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,776
AA should be able to piece it together but do yourself a favor and book a flight to LAX with a good buffer or even an overnight before your flight down under. Flight times may change on either carrier between now and then & delays may happen which could create a headache on such a trip. The hotel would be on you if you spend a night before in LAX.
FJ is an ok J class. You'll enjoy yourself as long as your expectations aren't on level with SQ or NH's J product. From reviews it seems more enjoyable than BA J. Book what you can find now and if you find better you can change which may involve additional costs .
FJ is an ok J class. You'll enjoy yourself as long as your expectations aren't on level with SQ or NH's J product. From reviews it seems more enjoyable than BA J. Book what you can find now and if you find better you can change which may involve additional costs .
Nov 19, 2017, 7:02 pm
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,018
I've been looking on Qantas for the LAX-AUK segment and found a few flights on Fiji that might work. I've got a couple questions hopefully someone who's done this before can answer...
1. I also found CLT-LAX on AA site for the same date as the LAX-AUK, Since Fiji can't be booked via AA's website, when I call, will they be able to combine the segments?
2. I've read some reviews about Fiji Business Class and seems like it's OK, but not great. Should I go ahead and book since there is availability or should I wait for either AA or other metal?
1. I also found CLT-LAX on AA site for the same date as the LAX-AUK, Since Fiji can't be booked via AA's website, when I call, will they be able to combine the segments?
2. I've read some reviews about Fiji Business Class and seems like it's OK, but not great. Should I go ahead and book since there is availability or should I wait for either AA or other metal?
With AA & QF phantom availability is often shown. Often discussed on AA.
There are several AA thread on this topic
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...er-thread.html
FJ http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
QF http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
Dec 10, 2017, 8:10 am
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 321
Was able to find a decent itinerary down to AUK via AA and Fiji metal, that wasn't phantom. Return flights from SYD seem to be on Cathay or Emirates, to either SFO or DFW, but no SAAver awards yet back to CLT. I'd likely not have enough miles anyway for 2 tickets, so was likely going to try 1 award and 1 paid flight. However, looking at prices for business, I could probably buy miles for a little bit more than a paid ticket, get bonus miles, and then do a AAnytime award for the 2 tickets. Does this make sense or should I wait and see what opens up over the next few months in SAAver? I'm only considering buying due to the large bonus AA is offering until Jan 4.
Dec 23, 2017, 7:25 pm
#21
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Northwest NJ, USA
Programs: HHonors (Gold), One Pass (Peon)
Posts: 680
We took a cruise from San Francisco to Auckland and then a Air New Zealand flight to Sydney. We got flight from Sydney to Newark on September 17 for 40 K miles on United.
FWIW, e very careful about overweight carry on on the Air New Zealand or Virgin Australia flights. A cruisemate got socked for about $300 in excess carryon fees.
DD
FWIW, e very careful about overweight carry on on the Air New Zealand or Virgin Australia flights. A cruisemate got socked for about $300 in excess carryon fees.
DD
Dec 23, 2017, 10:56 pm
#22
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
Programs: VA-PLT, QF-GLD, DL-GM, UA-ex1K, AA-exPLT, HH-DM, IHG-PLT, MR-GLD
Posts: 8,242
Are you sure it was carry-on fees? I am not aware of any carry-on fees with VA or NZ, just limits. Checked baggage fees are more common (although I don't know how you'd get to $300 worth).
Dec 25, 2017, 1:11 am
#23
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,589
FF status worth a fair bit in excess baggage charges. VA is cheaper (AUD 260 for overweight extra bag). You are quite right about there being no carryon fees, it is either included or becomes checked baggage.