Originally Posted by
lairdb
Planning a trip for fall, about 17 days all told, 2 pax:
san-lax-syd
syd-ayq, ayq-cns, cns-hti, hti-cns, cns-syd
syd-lax-san
The mixed carriers first:
Are OW protections all gone anyway, so separate PNRs between the trans-pacific and the Aus don't matter?
I also think that, with a stopover on the inbound SYD, there's no additional baggage allowance to be had for the domestic; is that right, or is it more complex than that?
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There are many threads on premium awards USA Australia. Hard to get. Need to be flexible on date & route. AA & QF fly USA to/from Australia and TN & FJ via their South Pacific home bases. AA fly LAX - AKL (New Zealand)
AA forum - Australia New Zealand:-
AAdvantage award to / from Australia, New Zealand (master thread)
AA forum - QF:-
AA miles awards: using / redeeming AA miles on Qantas (QF) & related (consolidated)
By "fall" I guess you mean ~September October? (Fall = autumn is 6 months difference down under)
You do not need to arrive & depart from the same Aust/USA airports. SYD is not the only international airport in Australia. Look at LAX/SFO and BNE/SYD/MEL. Look for one ways.
USA Aust routes
For Au domestic flights consider paying cash on Qantas QF, Virgin Australia VA or if desperate Jetstar JQ.
For only 17 days (including long haul flights?) you have far too many Au destinations. Need to reduce by 50% or more.
Australia domestic routes
With AA awards you cannot do "stopovers". That went ways years ago.
If say SAN-LAX-SYD-AYQ is on the same ticket you will get protection & class/status benefits from SAN to AYQ.
On QF with separate tickets have no protection and limited bag interlining.
QF- no checking of luggage separate itineraries from 1 Sep [2016 some exceptions]