Route Planning to Oz
 

Hi all

Been back in the world of lurking (sorry not many posts since I became a member. A New Years resolution perhaps?)

Anyway I need help with trip planning - and I know this board of experts can help

I am working to activate my Amex 2-4-1 in March/April of 2009 which I plan to book immediately for travel in Feb/Mar of 2010

Essentially the trip will be to Australia (first time), and want to make it a) extra special and b) see a bit of the world en route.

My preference is to travel the following route LHR-SFO-SYD-NRT-LHR

A little bit of research already tells me this is not possible on a 2-4-1 given the restrictions in flying BA operated flights.

Is there a way around this using the 'free stopvers' facility in booking this type of ticket?

Or would you suggest open jawing it and purchasing tickets for the gaps in travel?

I am also aware of the general lack of availablity in redemption seats to SYD which may cause problems

Sorry lots of variables here, but all suggestions welcome

Finally all the best for 2009

As you are already aware, the 2-4-1 can only be used on BA metal, which does not cover much of your proposed routing. In addition, BA do not allow the mixing of cities if they are in different zones, even if the same mile requirements applies (e.g. I was not able to fly into MEX and out of YYZ when I tried to book this a few years ago).

I suggest that you either book via the traditional route through SIN or BKK to SYD (and be flexible in the dates of travel) or check with BA to see if you can book to SIN/BKK and back from NRT and make other arrangements for the flights to and from SYD either using ba miles on QF/JL or buying a ticket (:eek:) :D.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8700/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/125)

On the open jaw, you need to fly into and out of the same zone.

You can fly into and out of anywhere in the US or you can fly into and out of anywhere in the Far East buit not both.Oz is in its own zone. Europe is spilt into several zones.

In short, it does not work for a RTW.

Very good thread on it here.