Aus>chc>mel>aus ???
 

Trying to fly Austin TX to Christ Church New Zealand to Melbourne Australia and back to Austin.

Delta tells me it is impossible to complete this entire trip on Sky Team metal even with flexible dates. Will be making the trip in late November through early December.

Anyone have suggestions as to which airlines I should fly. Only have status with DL.

Thanks

While it's technically true that you can't complete the trip on SkyTeam metal, you certainly can complete the trip with Delta's partners, namely Virgin Australia (VA is not part of SkyTeam). It's not likely to be the cheapest itinerary, but it's very doable. Here's a sample itinerary I'm finding. Any travel agent, including Delta, should be able to ticket this.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...329211c4d7.png

The best way is UA/NZ on the outbound. You go through SFO/LAX and AUS. Australia is not exactly that close to New Zealand. Plus, the food on NZ is much better than DL

A bit of a longer route, but I took MU to AKL via PVG. Return from either MEL or SYD is possible on MU/DL.

For AKL-CHC just use NZ or drive/ferry as part of your trip. CHC>>MEL possible on VA as others have said or again may be easier/cheaper on OAL (we were going CHC-SYD and ended up taking EK).

If you can get the big TPACs on SkyTeam, the flights within NZ and OZ aren't too bad. NZ to OZ is a bit longer but still would rather get a direct flight on another alliance than spend time connecting around just to stay with DL partners.

CZ is still in ST till end of year. I'll give my suggestion as I'm in CHC right now and live inbetween AUS and SAT. I normally find a deal on CI or MU to AKL. I then book a NZ flight from AKL to CHC or drive and take the ferry. CI/MU to AKL will be cheapest out of YVR/JFK/LAX. Finally book a ticket from AUS/SAT to YVR/JFK/LAX. For my current trip I flew SAT-YVR on DL, YVR-AKL on CI, and drove from AKL to CHC as i had work across the north and south islands. Going back only difference is I'm flying from CHC to AKL on NZ. May sound complex, but is easy and will save $$$!

This is your best bet but if you are having issues you can also book

AUS - SYD // MEL - AUS and then book a separate SYD - CHC - MEL ticket on VA. It's just as easy to connect DL ---> VA at SYD on one ticket vs. separate tickets -- in both cases you leave customs/immigration and have to re-check before going over to the domestic terminal.

In fact I have done RDU - SYD on UA (and am doing this again in August) because the upgrade cleared at booking for UA on the outbound but then connected to SYD - MEL / CBR / AKL / etc., for the next leg

Why do want to want to fly Skyteam?
What are you expecting/hoping DL status will do for you?
Economy/premium economy or business class?
Flexible dates come at a price (same with any airline)

For AUS CHC MEL AUS:-
There is no skyteam airlines USA NZ. UA AA FJ & NZ fly LAX AKL
DL fly LAX SYD. That's as close as you will get with Skyteam
As above Virgin Australia VA is a DL partner. And flys MEL CHC MEL a few days a week. VA flys MEL SYD BNE to LAX

You could do DL LAX SYD return and VA for getting to CHC & MEL - SYD
One way tickets trans Tasman flights Aust<---> NZ can be reasonably priced (~3:30hrs). Many airlines to/from many airports

Will be many options
http://www.gcmap.com/mapui?P=AUS-LAX...S&MS=wls&DU=mi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ...tional_Airport

China Airlines CI used to fly CHC MEL over the summer, and then on to TPE. (taken that CHC MEL flight several times). Now they only fly BNE AKL. That will be the only Sky team airline Aust to NZ.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_airlines
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...s_destinations

If you chose to fly another alliance (or VA) a lot more options, and maybe far better pricing.

Basically a USA Australia return and separate Australia NZ return/one ways (open jaw?) will be be the best option
Or talk to a real live travel agent

I've really enjoyed my flights with VA, nice service and food, great lounges if you are entitled to entry (though mostly domestic flights only), and aim for PE seats for affordability as well as the MQM/MQD earnings. You'll be a higher status if you do it and book directly with VA.

If connecting internationally in SYD there is no reason to collect baggage or go through immigration. And of course you won't be going to the domestic terminal for a flight from Australia-NZ.