Cannot fly DL, so which airline...?
 

I'm looking at an open jaw LAX-AKL and SYD-LAX in August (20-31), and normally I'd book on DL (or VA). However for cost reasons (c. $7500 vs. others at $4500) I cannot.

So, looking for recommendations of other airlines to try, I'd like opinions on experiences! I can see

• Fiji (via NAN)
• New Zealand (via AKL on return)
• Qantas (via BNE on outward)

Since I'm not going to get any Skyteam miles or benefits, any recommendations / votes for any of the above??

(Mod - please move if you want, it's the post is only obliquely related to DL!)

Judging by the prices, I'm guessing business class? If so, definitely skew toward Qantas or Air New Zealand and away from FJ. FJ is great for what they are and they're delightfully Fijian in both service and character, but the business class experience isn't going to be remotely comparable to the other two carriers you mentioned. FJ might make sense if the price is dramatically cheaper than the other two and/or if you're interested in a stopover in NAN, though.

QF and FJ can be credited to Alaska Airlines; AS mileage might be of some value to you as a SoCal resident, and if you have any other trips coming up that could be credited to them, you might even start to get within throwing distance of MVP...

Do you have an account with any Star Alliance or OW airlines where you could credit the flights?

I'd skip Fiji unless you want to do a stopover there to see the place.

Between NZ and QF, can you use either oneworld or *A miles somehow? Can you take NZ into AKL on the outbound and QF on the return without it becoming extraordinarily expensive?

BTW, can we assume that this is a business class ticket? Have you researched aircraft types and seat vintages and configurations for your segments? One of the advantages of NZ is their cuddle class (three seats for two in coach that convert to a flat sleeping surface), but this seems irrelevant for you.

ADDED: I like the suggestion of crediting to AS if this is useful to you. IIRC AF/KLM etc. and some other SkyTeam partners can still be credited to AS too, even if not DL any longer. (RIP).

China Airlines through TPE has a great deal on LAX/YVR-AKL/SYD in J. Flying out on 8th on one.

Looks like HA flies there and you can now credit to DL even if not DL-marketed.

Only inter island qualify.

What are departure & arrivals times? To me the departure/arrival times are important.

The return SYD-BNE-LAX is a little strange as QF flys SYD-LAX non stop, unless pricing comes in to play.

UA & AA also fly SYD-LAX & AKL-LAX routes.
Buying AKL-SYD as a one way may be worth it. Many airlines on that route, and not just Aust & NZ airlines. Or going by ship?

Is ff miles a criteria of just the in flight experience?

I had assumed that the OP was planning to swim from AKL to SYD among the sharks. More seriously, it sounds like a separate one way ticket is planned, but there could be an advantage to putting it onto the same ticket/PNR as the longhaul flights.

There are no passenger ship services across the Tasman..other than multi day (8+) cruises that happen to eventually connect the 2 cities. Its 1330 nm.... Nearly 3 days at 20 knots.... (Yep...did it once..and its a shame it is NOT a commercial option!!!)

As long as he is a lawyer, he'd be fine.....professional courtesy.

I would think going via AKL is easier than BNE. Less backtracking. I think I liked what I saw of the NZ J product better than the QF J product. Both are nice and the service is very good on both airlines. So, in the end, you can't go wrong.

I'd go with Air New Zealand. Best J product of the 3 options, and great service too. Plus, ANZ flights to the USA depart late afternoon or evening - easier to sleep and more time in your final day in The Land Down Under.

True, but SYD-AKL would probably depart later than SYD-BNE.

For BNE, you take a bus to get between the domestic and international terminals. Takes about 10 minutes.