Originally Posted by
GrayAnderson
And for those who've done it, how much is lie-flat vs angle-flat worth?
To me another important factor is the segment lengths, or non stop compared to stopovers. One long segment then a short segment (or vice versa) is generally preferable to two mid length segments.
As you've found, this is also factored in to the prices you're seeing. FJ/HA for example offer two mid length flights that don't allow for much sleep at a low price, whereas QF offers a non stop flight that allows enough time for meals and a decent sleep.
The price scale you've shown is pretty typical and roughly reflects the relative hard and soft products of the airlines and their schedules/routes. It is really up to you to decide what value you place on those.
Originally Posted by
GrayAnderson
Edit 2: One option I had forgotten: VA BC LAX-SYD-LAX comes to $3900 (someone please explain this insanity to me), which is why I had remembered a lower fare for the VA leg(s). Does anyone know what VA's policy is if I fly the outbound and then bin the return (since I've already got my return happening the long way around)? I'm also prepared to just stick with the round-trip since I'd only eat perhaps $150 in fees...or to book an insanely far-off return and screw with getting back to Oz later.
International longhaul return flights being cheaper than one ways is common in many markets. You could also see whether LAX-SYD in J returning SYD-LAX in Y is cheaper. I wouldn't worry about missing the return flight, if you call to cancel mid trip you may even get a partial refund.