Judy795

While I generally haven't had problems from East Coast US to LHR with Avios CW. I think the next trip needs advice.

I need to leave US (from any place, very flexible), get to Auckland NZ, then Sydney to Launceston Tasmania and back to Oz to return to US beginning March 2015 and ending in April 2015.

So US to NZ , Sydney to Launceston to Sydney or Melbourne to US.

Where do I start at the 331 date?

corporate-wage-slave

I think it's actually T-354 actually for BA metal and some partners, at 01:15 hrs London time, but with some many sectors over various time zones your 331 may be nearer the mark, not least due to the later release of some US routes. I think this is going to be a tricky one, and I guess you are trying to book the brain-frying trans Pacific routes - to go via Cathay or Qantas from LAX, YVR, JFK (etc) via HKG or SYD. I think one key decision to make is whether you are prepared to hook the biggest sector(s) earlier, if it is available, then pay change fees to get the extra segments, or keep them on separate bookings as other options open up. I hope you are not also trying to use a Companion ticket in this!

Welcome to Flyertalk Judy795, welcome to the BA board, and please continue to post, it's good to have you here, we like to see new faces in this forum.

SteveF

T-355 (or maybe 354) at 01:00 and keep checking daily.

Edit: Sorry, CWS got there first, but at least my answer was similar, albeit briefer.

nux

There is no oneworld option from North America to NZ direct.

Main options are QF direct from LAX/DFW/JFK (via LAX) to SYD/MEL/BNE
CX via HKG
JL via Tokyo
LAN from South America

What class are you planning to fly? QF transpac awards in premium cabins are probably as difficult to find as BA LAX/SYD flights.

QF releases awards up to 355 days in advance, and I think CX/JL do as well.

Judy795

Given a choice, I would love MIA to Santiago, to NZ. Not using companion classes, been stocking up Avios for several years for this trip.

Do I do this thru BA website or LAN?

nux

You would book through BA. I don't think LAN availability can be found online through BA.com so you would need to call to check/book.

BAGoldBoy

I have about 10 years experience of booking LHR to Oz with Avios and have been successful I would guess 7 years out of 10. There are 3 strategies that I have used.

- check as soon as seats are released at T-345 days or thereabouts
- check every single day if no early availability
- be prepared for seats to be available at T-10 days

The last is the most difficult especially if you want to fly from SYD to Tasmania.

Given that there are some good ex-EU deals to SYD at the moment I am currently deciding whether to wait for availability next March or just pay the money and get J or F seats.

We may well be in Tasmania at the same time as you in 2015!

nux

Most of the good ex-EU sale fares expire today.

BAGoldBoy

Yes, but I am very sure that there will be a lot of good OW fares available over the next 5-6 months which is OK in my circumstance

guv1976

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.601 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

Note that AA also flies MIA-SCL, but you would need to book an Avios redemption on AA separately from an Avios redemption on LA to avoid being charged the higher, multi-partner redemption rate. You would still be protected in the event of IRROPS, even on separate tickets, because AA would treat you as a through-ticketed passenger.

And, of course, there are no surcharges when redeeming Avios on LA, or when redeeming Avios on AA flights within the Americas.

guv1976

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.601 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

By the way, it appears that LA also offers MCO-SCL nonstop service on a seasonal basis.

Judy795

OK, this is what I got so far.

QF16
From LOS ANGELES INTL Terminal B
To BRISBANE Terminal INTL
Depart 2 Mar 2015 23:50
Arrive 4 Mar 2015 08:00
Cabin
Operated by QANTAS AIRWAYS Premium Economy

QF123
From BRISBANE Terminal INTL
To AUCKLAND INTERNATION Terminal INTL
Depart 5 Mar 2015 08:45
Arrive 5 Mar 2015 15:05
Cabin
Operated by JETCONNECT FOR QANTAS Premium Economy

QF502
From SYDNEY - KINGSFORD SMITH Terminal 3
To BRISBANE Terminal DOM
Depart 17 Apr 2015 06:35
Arrive 17 Apr 2015 08:05
Cabin
Operated by QANTAS AIRWAYS Club World

QF15
From BRISBANE Terminal INTL
To LOS ANGELES INTL Terminal B
Depart 17 Apr 2015 10:35
Arrive 17 Apr 2015 06:40
Cabin
Operated by QANTAS AIRWAYS Club World


Miami thru Lima and Santiago to Auckland was 33 hours in economy on LAN. Could be booked online with avios. I forgot to check American. And I forgot about MCO.

388,000 avios for two. $2000 in taxes etc. Booked this flights but....

I still have 23 hours to change things.

And hope to upgrade to CW on outgoing flight.

Should I keep or change?

deeruck

There isn't premium economy on Jetconnect aircraft, so the BNE-AKL is probably in economy.

guv1976

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.601 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

I would check to see if MCO-SCL is operating when you want to travel, or if there is space on AA's MIA-SCL nonstop. You'd save a small fortune on surcharges if you can get either one of those options.

On the other hand, being stuck in Y for SCL-AKL would not be much fun.

Judy795

So far all that came up on MCO was MCO to DFW on American and DFW to Brisbane on Qantas, that is a 26 hr combo. in economy. SCL to AKL didn't show up.