Originally Posted by chrisphx

I am travelling from PHX to Australia in April 2009. I am currently debating whether to use miles from US Air on Star Alliance partners or to pay for the fare, as it is currently only $1,200 and has recently been as low as $1,050 on Air New Zealand.

I cannot seem to be able to use miles for business or first class on a saver fare (110K or 140K), so I'll be flying coach unfortunately.

My easiest two choices to either Melbourne or Sydney are Air New Zealand or United. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which one might be better?

Also, I may either start or end the trip in Perth. I looked at the www.staralliance.com site, which is quite difficult to use, and saw flights through Singapore on Singapore Air or through Bangkok on Thai Air. I have flown Singapore in business class before, and it was terrific, so I imagine their coach is better than average as well.

Again, any input on Singapore or Thai Airlines would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.