Best way to book flight EWR-SYD for CO*G?
Feb 4, 2010, 4:40 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: New York
Programs: Continental
Posts: 15
Best way to book flight EWR-SYD for CO*G?
I need to fly from New York to Sydney for a two day conference - in some kind of economy :-( I'm continental gold elite. Question is, how best to book this?
I want to get credit for the miles, so to stay with Star Alliance
I want to be able to get decent seats (ideally those that are reserved for *G if that's possible) - also open to getting economy plus, although I'm not seeing availability on the flights I'm looking at.
Should I book through continental website (but then how can I pick my seats on the important leg - LAX-SYD using UA)?
Through the united website (I don't think I can log in as a star alliance gold member, so it's possible there is exit row seating that I can't book because they don't know I'm gold (if they offer that).
Should I call continental hotline? Book through the star alliance website?
Any suggestions on the best way to book to get the best chance of the best flight/seats much appreciated!
Also, I'm more than happy to pay $400 or $500 each way to upgrade and 20,000 or 30,000 miles or whatever to get business. Again, not clear whether I can do that and if so, how I'd go about it on a partner airline. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Peter
I want to get credit for the miles, so to stay with Star Alliance
I want to be able to get decent seats (ideally those that are reserved for *G if that's possible) - also open to getting economy plus, although I'm not seeing availability on the flights I'm looking at.
Should I book through continental website (but then how can I pick my seats on the important leg - LAX-SYD using UA)?
Through the united website (I don't think I can log in as a star alliance gold member, so it's possible there is exit row seating that I can't book because they don't know I'm gold (if they offer that).
Should I call continental hotline? Book through the star alliance website?
Any suggestions on the best way to book to get the best chance of the best flight/seats much appreciated!
Also, I'm more than happy to pay $400 or $500 each way to upgrade and 20,000 or 30,000 miles or whatever to get business. Again, not clear whether I can do that and if so, how I'd go about it on a partner airline. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Peter
Feb 4, 2010, 5:04 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
There are so many options for you. I understand you are flying in economy.
You have indicated the LAX-SYD UA flights. If you are worried about seating,
then the easiest option is to book through UA.com (or call UA). You can always make the booking, then call UA and request for better seating. Remember, you are not guaranteed E+ seating on UA (yet)...that guarantee will start about mid-year-2010.
But, we have many reports of CO elites getting UA E+.
Another option is through Singapore airlines SQ
JFK- FRA-SIN-SYD. The service will be SQ quality.
I guess Asiana airlines is yet another option through ICN.
LH (lufthansa) is another option...however, most people here do not like LH on long-haul flights in economy class.
You can still play around. Consider Swiss as well.
Depends on how much time and money you want to spend.
You have indicated the LAX-SYD UA flights. If you are worried about seating,
then the easiest option is to book through UA.com (or call UA). You can always make the booking, then call UA and request for better seating. Remember, you are not guaranteed E+ seating on UA (yet)...that guarantee will start about mid-year-2010.
But, we have many reports of CO elites getting UA E+.
Another option is through Singapore airlines SQ
JFK- FRA-SIN-SYD. The service will be SQ quality.
I guess Asiana airlines is yet another option through ICN.
LH (lufthansa) is another option...however, most people here do not like LH on long-haul flights in economy class.
You can still play around. Consider Swiss as well.
Depends on how much time and money you want to spend.
Last edited by snod08; Feb 4, 2010 at 5:06 pm Reason: had wrong info on ANA
Feb 4, 2010, 5:12 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: New York
Programs: Continental
Posts: 15
Hmm, thanks for the feedback! Looked at Singapore, but it's twice the price and almost another 8 hours of travel time, so I'm probably going to go west - not east.
Do you know if there's any option to upgrade the LAX-SYD segment with some combination of cash/miles to get business (say $500 each way so I'm still in at $2200 and 60,000 miles or whatever it is rather than $5800 which I can't swing)?
I'm also vaguely considering air canada, although it seems more messing around (via Toronto and Vancouver), but it would be an option if there were a good reason to consider it . . .
Do you know if there's any option to upgrade the LAX-SYD segment with some combination of cash/miles to get business (say $500 each way so I'm still in at $2200 and 60,000 miles or whatever it is rather than $5800 which I can't swing)?
I'm also vaguely considering air canada, although it seems more messing around (via Toronto and Vancouver), but it would be an option if there were a good reason to consider it . . .
Feb 4, 2010, 5:22 pm
#4
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K
Posts: 1,078
Another comfortable option is Air New Zealand, via LAX/SFO/YVR and AKL.
Feb 4, 2010, 5:25 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
Feb 4, 2010, 5:27 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
Hmm, thanks for the feedback! Looked at Singapore, but it's twice the price and almost another 8 hours of travel time, so I'm probably going to go west - not east.
Do you know if there's any option to upgrade the LAX-SYD segment with some combination of cash/miles to get business (say $500 each way so I'm still in at $2200 and 60,000 miles or whatever it is rather than $5800 which I can't swing)?
I'm also vaguely considering air canada, although it seems more messing around (via Toronto and Vancouver), but it would be an option if there were a good reason to consider it . . .
Do you know if there's any option to upgrade the LAX-SYD segment with some combination of cash/miles to get business (say $500 each way so I'm still in at $2200 and 60,000 miles or whatever it is rather than $5800 which I can't swing)?
I'm also vaguely considering air canada, although it seems more messing around (via Toronto and Vancouver), but it would be an option if there were a good reason to consider it . . .
However, with respect to upgrading the UA LAX-SYD leg, you will need to buy a Y/B fare to use CO miles to upgrade (Star alliance upgrade award). Y/B fares are usually very expensive.
Otherwise, you will need an upgrade instrument from UA (like SWU, etc).
I think Air NZ, will be a better choice than Air Canada.
Have you thought of doing CO all the way to Cairns through GUM? (if you want to stick to CO)
Feb 4, 2010, 5:32 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: New York
Programs: Continental
Posts: 15
Thanks again for all the great feedback.
Interesting. ANZ's cheapest economy fares match CO/UA at around $1200, but according to terms don't accrue mileage for partners. They have premium economy, but at $2800 it's a little more than I can get the company to cover.
It's also an extra 3 hours of flying with an extra stop, but that isn't a deal breaker.
Still, UA is looking least bad option so far. Any thoughts on the ability to do a paid/mileage upgrade on the LAX-SYD segment?
Interesting. ANZ's cheapest economy fares match CO/UA at around $1200, but according to terms don't accrue mileage for partners. They have premium economy, but at $2800 it's a little more than I can get the company to cover.
It's also an extra 3 hours of flying with an extra stop, but that isn't a deal breaker.
Still, UA is looking least bad option so far. Any thoughts on the ability to do a paid/mileage upgrade on the LAX-SYD segment?
Feb 4, 2010, 5:35 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: New York
Programs: Continental
Posts: 15
@snod08,
*Just* saw your latest response. Hmmm. I don't have UA upgrade instrument, so I will call UA to see pricing on Y/B fares (is there any easy way to specifically request a fare class on the ua website?).
CO via cairns/GUM/etc, probably not so much. I'd rather have a bad seat for 25 hours than a better one for a substantially longer period!
*Just* saw your latest response. Hmmm. I don't have UA upgrade instrument, so I will call UA to see pricing on Y/B fares (is there any easy way to specifically request a fare class on the ua website?).
CO via cairns/GUM/etc, probably not so much. I'd rather have a bad seat for 25 hours than a better one for a substantially longer period!
Feb 4, 2010, 5:37 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: New York
Programs: Continental
Posts: 15
Ahh, when booking on UA, there's a drop down for "I would like to use this upgrade". I guess I select "mileage Y/B"? And as you said pricy - $4700.
So, seems like I should: book on UA and then call them to see if I can get E+?
So, seems like I should: book on UA and then call them to see if I can get E+?
Last edited by Peter-B; Feb 4, 2010 at 5:54 pm
Feb 4, 2010, 6:02 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
See if you can call and get E+/.
Even if you have to buy E+, it wont add too much to your budget. (I am guessing 100-plus$ each way)
(but, always, best obtained free....so, call a few times until you find a "cooperative agent"!).
Feb 4, 2010, 6:04 pm
#11
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
ALso, on UA, the next lower fare (after Y and B) is the M fare
(see the MH upgrade on the drop-box on UA).
I have a feeling that M-fare might qualify for upgrade with CO miles.
However, I have no confirmation of that fact....its something I remember seeing somewhere.
(see the MH upgrade on the drop-box on UA).
I have a feeling that M-fare might qualify for upgrade with CO miles.
However, I have no confirmation of that fact....its something I remember seeing somewhere.
Feb 4, 2010, 6:07 pm
#12
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAT / MAA / BOM
Programs: CO Plat; UA 1K; EK Gold
Posts: 5,110
What class does the Air NZ price into? The cheapest classes (Q, V, W, T) all earn miles on Continental (100%).
If you cannot see the class of ticketing, then go to the ITA tool and find the same fare. That will show you what class it will ticket into.
If you cannot see the class of ticketing, then go to the ITA tool and find the same fare. That will show you what class it will ticket into.
Feb 4, 2010, 6:13 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: New York
Programs: Continental
Posts: 15
The MH is $3400, so that's still outside the budget. 100% open to paying a couple of hundred more for E+ though.
Feb 4, 2010, 6:14 pm
#14
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: ORD / DUB / LHR
Programs: UA 1K MM; BA Silver; Marriott Plat
Posts: 8,243
What class does the Air NZ price into? The cheapest classes (Q, V, W, T) all earn miles on Continental (100%).
If you cannot see the class of ticketing, then go to the ITA tool and find the same fare. That will show you what class it will ticket into.
If you cannot see the class of ticketing, then go to the ITA tool and find the same fare. That will show you what class it will ticket into.
[KVS Availability Tool 5.2.0/Diamond - Sabre: Fares/TVN/CA]
Code:
LAX Los Angeles Int'l CA US [KLAX] SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith NS AU [YSSY] R/T Feb-Jan Carrier From To Fare Cur AdvanceP Min Max Fare Basis/TD | Travel Period --------- ------ ---- -------- ---- -------- --- --- ----------------------------- NZ LAX SYD 633 USD *** 6M KA7 NZ LAX SYD 733 USD *** 6M KA2 NZ LAX SYD 733 USD *** 6M GA7 NZ LAX SYD 832 USD *** 6M KA8 NZ LAX SYD 832 USD *** 6M GA2 NZ LAX SYD 882 USD *** 6M SA7 NZ LAX SYD 931 USD *** 6M SA2 NZ LAX SYD 931 USD *** 6M GA8 NZ LAX SYD 951 USD *** 6M KA7O NZ LAX SYD 981 USD *** 6M SA3 NZ LAX SYD 1030 USD *** 6M SA9 NZ LAX SYD 1081 USD *** 6M SA8 NZ LAX SYD 1081 USD *** 6M LA2 NZ LAX SYD 1110 USD *** 6M KA2O NZ LAX SYD 1110 USD *** 6M GA7O NZ LAX SYD 1179 USD *** 6M LA9 NZ LAX SYD 1249 USD *** 6M KA8O NZ LAX SYD 1249 USD *** 6M GA2O NZ LAX SYD 1328 USD *** 6M SA7O NZ LAX SYD 1348 USD *** 12M TX3 NZ LAX SYD 1408 USD *** 6M SA2O NZ LAX SYD 1408 USD *** 6M GA8O NZ LAX SYD 1438 USD *** 12M TW3 NZ LAX SYD 1488 USD *** 6M SA3O NZ LAX SYD 1548 USD *** 6M SA9O NZ LAX SYD 1607 USD *** 12M WX3 NZ LAX SYD 1626 USD *** 6M SA8O NZ LAX SYD 1626 USD *** 6M LA2O NZ LAX SYD 1696 USD *** 12M WW3 NZ LAX SYD 1785 USD *** 6M LA9O NZ LAX SYD 1825 USD *** 12M VX3 NZ LAX SYD 1914 USD *** 12M VW3 NZ LAX SYD 2023 USD *** 5 12M AA1 NZ LAX SYD 2023 USD *** 12M QX3 NZ LAX SYD 2113 USD *** 12M QW3 NZ LAX SYD 2222 USD *** 12M HX3 NZ LAX SYD 2311 USD *** 12M HW3
Feb 4, 2010, 6:18 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: New York
Programs: Continental
Posts: 15
What class does the Air NZ price into? The cheapest classes (Q, V, W, T) all earn miles on Continental (100%).
If you cannot see the class of ticketing, then go to the ITA tool and find the same fare. That will show you what class it will ticket into.
If you cannot see the class of ticketing, then go to the ITA tool and find the same fare. That will show you what class it will ticket into.
SWEET DEALS
Frequent Flyer/Airpoints Air New Zealand operated flights are eligible for Airpoints Dollars & Status Points accrual but do not accrue frequent flyer miles/points with airline partners;
Not sure what the ITA tool is - googled and got here - http://matrix.itasoftware.com - but it returned every airline except for AirNZ. Not sure if I'm looking in the right place?