LHR to SYD - then on to AKL
Sep 26, 23, 8:06 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2017
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 383
LHR to SYD - then on to AKL
I'm looking at the possibility of an award ticket (with partner) to AKL. We have an Amex twofer and using that it seems we can only get as far as Sydney. That's fine but then the Tasman crossing will mean, I assume, that we'd have clear immigration/collect bags and re check in? If that is correct, what sort of time should I allow for that (and also enough time for the Sydney QF first lounge). Thanks in advance.
Sep 26, 23, 8:14 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: South Glos, UK
Programs: BAEC Silver/OW Sapphire
Posts: 1,122
I'd allow a good 3 hours. Immigration can be very slow if you arrive at a busy time, then you have to collect your luggage and check in for the AKL flight.
Have you considered flying QR? No option to use the companion voucher but far fewer Avios required than BA + the QF Trans Tasman flights.
Have you considered flying QR? No option to use the companion voucher but far fewer Avios required than BA + the QF Trans Tasman flights.
Sep 26, 23, 8:18 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: near Heathrow
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL (OWE), SA LifePlat (*G), BD Gold to the end, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,828
On the return, qantas will through check bags to BA if its not possible to put all the flights on one pnr.
So if using avios between LHRand SYD,, buying a cash ticket trans Tasman will ensure you can check bags all the way through. Did that in May.
So if using avios between LHRand SYD,, buying a cash ticket trans Tasman will ensure you can check bags all the way through. Did that in May.
Sep 26, 23, 8:23 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2017
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 383
Sep 26, 23, 8:30 am
#7
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: BA silver
Posts: 292
Also IIRC BA Gold isn’t enough to get you into the QF first lounge in SYD , but I stand to be corrected on that
Good luck with finding any availability for your 241 on that route in anything other than economy
Last edited by Dorsetboy; Sep 26, 23 at 8:38 am Reason: Incorrect statement
Sep 26, 23, 8:30 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2017
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 383
Well if that is certain then we can use the outward as a mini SYD stopover and fly back all in one hit.
Sep 26, 23, 8:37 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2017
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 383
Sep 26, 23, 8:43 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2017
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 383
This is a clever but little known work around using a revenue and redemption combination of tickets on separate PNRs. Its so little known that I had to show the QF check in staff the page from their own website when I tried it. It took almost half an hour to sort but they did eventually do it. So take a screen grab with you of the QF policy from their website
Also IIRC BA Gold isnt enough to get you into the QF first lounge in SYD , but I stand to be corrected on that
Good luck with finding any availability for your 241 on that route in anything other than economy
Also IIRC BA Gold isnt enough to get you into the QF first lounge in SYD , but I stand to be corrected on that
Good luck with finding any availability for your 241 on that route in anything other than economy
Sep 26, 23, 8:50 am
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2017
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 383
The problem with QA seems to be as far as I can fathom that they have a set Avios price and all the award ones are double Avios - so even if I select economy from DUB-DOH and then business from DOH-AKL it prices at 689000 Avios plus cash. There doesn't seem to be a way to lower the Avios and raise the cash. I only have around 200k in Avios presently.
Sep 26, 23, 8:52 am
#13
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver, ZSL Silver
Posts: 2,519
Sep 26, 23, 8:57 am
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2017
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 383
Sep 26, 23, 8:59 am
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2014
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 11,854
QR release their awards a few days before BA. You should be able to get two of you to AKL for around 360,000 - thats the amount for SYD / MEL etc so assume its similar. As noted, fees are very low from DUB and you arent spending much more Avios now than you would on BA booking Reward Flight to SYD. Sometimes its not worth forcing the voucher use ..
