Delta LAX to MEL possible?
 

Hi all - I know Delta is flying into Sydney at the minute and I assumed they would be able to sell me a connecting flight to Melbourne but on their website this doesnt seem to be an option (Melbourne gets me Melbourne, FL not Melbourne Australia) - does anyone know if purchasing a through ticket to Melbourne is possible?

Not on Delta.com, but you should be able to by calling their agents (and paying the phone booking charges).

Your other options are:

Use an old fashioned travel agent, or

Use a 3rd party web site like Expedia.

Currently no. You can find cheap options with Virgin Blue and Jetstar (although I'd avoid the latter as I found them rather unpleasant to deal with). Be sure to book your connecting flight at least 3 hours after the scheduled arrival of the DL flight as DL will likely no compensate you for late arrival and a missed flight on a different airline/itinerary.

You can book LAX-MEL on VA, QF, UA and NZ.

I believe Delta have some sort of business agreement with Virgin Blue airlines. For Australian domestic flights VB are a good option, just as good as Qantas in my opinion (some may disagree).
In 3rd place would be Jetstar, not bad by any means although they are a LCC.
4th place would be Tiger Airways. Very cheap tickets, very basic airline. I have flown with them and was happy with my flight. You get what you pay for.
Keep in mind you will need to change terminals at Sydney airport, so the 3+ hour rule between flights is a good one to follow.

It's not Delta but it is SkyTeam (DL miles and MQM): Check out Korean Air through Seoul (ICN). They fly to MEL from there.

There you go! That's more like that. He should have to do bookable the ticket online either on QF or VA nonstop from LAX-MEL on operating A380 or 77W aircraft. If he can find the reasonable fare to get cheaper price out of LAX-MEL nonstop only on operated VA & QF.

I flew on Virgin Blue a couple of times this year. Not a bad flight, and cheap enough fares. I haven't heard great things about Jetstar.

Make sure you book it as a single PNR booking though a TA or by calling DL.

If you book you Virgin Blue flights seperately fromt he DL flights then you need to pay a $15 transfer fee in Sydney at the transfer desk. You will also lose your international lugaggage allowance and move onto the domestic allowance of 23kg's.

If it is booked as a single itenary then you dont pay for the transfer and get your DL luggage allowance.

And you have some rebooking protecting if DL to SYD is late.

You did not mention that NZ's service would be via AKL.

Yes:
http://www.virginblue.com.au/AboutUs...s/P_009176.htm

How far out do they release "GO" fares. I am looking at some for Feb that are available but none for July. Any experience with booking these?