Originally Posted by
number_6
To get the 60SC for MEL-AKL-LAX you need a different flight number for the MEL-AKL leg. Of course that would increase the fare, so defeats your purpose.
Not necessarily more expensive if the itinerary is done on 2 tickets, NZ to USA and Australia to NZ. Of course there are "hidden" costs with doing this (eg lower baggage allowance for the Tasman flights), particularly if wanting a same day connection (misconnect risks).