cb2

Hi everyone,

First of all, apologies if this question has been asked already.

I am building a round-the-world trip for next January. So far, I managed to secure a flight to Sydney and from Auckland onwards to Honolulu.

I would like to focus on South Island, therefore I have been looking for a reasonably cheap way of getting from Sydney to Christchurch/Queenstown. I can see that there is Jetstar, but I was wondering if you may know what miles redemption could be a good value to fly this route?

I have got AmEx points that can be transferred to a selection of 15 airline programs, so I have some flexibility.

I am afraid that with reasonably high surcharges (about 100 AUD), only Jetstar makes sense.

Many thanks for your help.

nux

You have two options: Qantas (operated by JetConnect) and Jetstar operate SYD-CHC/ZQN.

Do not confuse JetConnect and Jetstar. The JetConnect aircraft are QF marketed, QF liveried and part of oneworld. The Jetstar aircraft are JQ liveried, and a LCC not part of oneworld.

The Qantas (JetConnect) flights are available using any oneworld program.
The Jetstar flights are only available using Qantas points.

Gagravarr

You can also redeem Emirates Skywards points for Jetstar flights, but it's quite a faff as you can only do it by phoning up (no online booking). Details here on the emirates site, Sydney to Christchurch is 15,025 points for a one-way economy, plus taxes.

cb2

Thanks, guys.

I phoned up BA, but there is no availability on Jetconnect service, so I am exploring other options.

Mwenenzi

January is a peak time, especially at the end of January.
Just buy a flight SYD-CHC or SYD-ZQN. Economy fares are not a lot of $$ for the ~3 hour flight

Airlines that fly Australia (CNS BNE OOL SYD MEL ADL) – New Zealand (AKL WLG CHC ZQN) are
- Air New Zealand (codeshares with VA) [Star Alliance]
- Virgin Australia (codeshares with Air NZ) (Delta partner)
- Jetstar (a low cost low quality carrier with low-medium-high priced fares owned by QF)
- Qantas (codeshares with EK) [OneWorld]
- Emirates (codeshares with QF)
- LAN (SYD AKL) [OneWorld]
- China Airlines (BNE/SYD - AKL & SYD - CHC) [Skyteam]

Kiwi Flyer

For January travel awards will be difficult or impossible to get (unless booked 11+ months in advance). Trans-Tasman sales for economy are unlikely for peak dates, but in business or first class sales by NZ (AKL routes only) and QF/EK typically cover all dates.

Not that it helps the OP but China Airlines has SYD-CHC and MEL-CHC both as seasonal routes (northern winter peak season only).

cb2

Many thanks to all of you for providing such comprehensive answers

I have just bought a ticket on China Airlines for £71 inclusive of baggage and lounge access thanks to status, so not a bad deal, I guess.

Antonio8069

We traveled on NZ using AP points SYD-AKL-DUD & return.

If you don't have Star Alliance points, I suggest you sign up asap for Jetstar specials. Here is the link to their current one (its still valid):

http://email.jetstar.com/pub/sf/Form..._C9D7Zd8kl663g.