G'day Mate... We're Going to Sydney
Mar 13, 2009, 9:13 pm
#16
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Silver, AA, WN, DL
Posts: 4,091
I priced out LAX-SYD for the month of Aug/Sep in C. The fare for UA was around $5K. DL was over $6K. Given that both airlines have new lie-flat seats, the other criterias are related service and cost. Is DL's service worth $1K more?
As for using miles for C, it was exhorbitant compared to UA. I couldn't find anything that didn't result in anything less than 240K miles. UA had saver seats for 135K miles. An extra 100K miles for redemption within the same time frame seems a bit much. I searched for an additional 3 month window and was able to price out the "Low" award level and that was still 160K miles on DL.
It just seems like there is nothing really positive going on.
As for using miles for C, it was exhorbitant compared to UA. I couldn't find anything that didn't result in anything less than 240K miles. UA had saver seats for 135K miles. An extra 100K miles for redemption within the same time frame seems a bit much. I searched for an additional 3 month window and was able to price out the "Low" award level and that was still 160K miles on DL.
It just seems like there is nothing really positive going on.
Mar 13, 2009, 9:23 pm
#17
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Mar 13, 2009, 9:30 pm
#18
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: New England
Programs: DL Plat, Mariott Plat, HH Diam
Posts: 122
I guess I was lucky, I bought one for August when it was first posted on Flyertalk for $3000 and used PMUs to upgrade and then got an award tix for Mrs. Ferd57 for 150,000 plus $80.00. The standard award on united is 160,000 so 150,000 is not bad in order to avoid ICN and taking the new 777LR.
Mar 13, 2009, 10:48 pm
#20
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: AA ex-EXP, 2MM (ex DL, ex TWA)
Posts: 1,430
DL announced 10% capacity cuts today. Any news if this route is affected?
Mar 14, 2009, 5:54 am
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: 45° North
Programs: DL DM MM, HH Diamond
Posts: 10,196
Here is a thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...ghts-10-a.html
I would guess it could affect this route; perhaps a reduction in frequency. One thing to keep in mind that was mentioned in another SYD thread is that while the passenger numbers may not be great, if they can fill the belly this route may work out. I would assume Delta has quite a large cargo base in ATL - perhaps many of them need to send things to SYD?
Mar 14, 2009, 6:39 am
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: LAX/BOS/HKG/AMS/SFO...hmm, I need a life.
Programs: United1K, AA ExPlAAt, DL MM/Gold, Hilton Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 13,316
I was in Melbourne last August and when I arrived from HKG (98 and Humid) at 6:00am you could see your breath. This is definitely something to think about because it can be pretty cold (and I am from BOS) in JUL and AUG.
Mar 14, 2009, 12:08 pm
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: 45° North
Programs: DL DM MM, HH Diamond
Posts: 10,196
Schedule changes
Those booked on ATL-SYD DL16/17 have a flight number change. The domestic portions are now DL234/244. Still 777 service.
Edit: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...ght-244-a.html has more info.
Edit: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...ght-244-a.html has more info.
Mar 14, 2009, 2:10 pm
#26
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 478
But then, VA shows at $13109 and QF at $15057.
Don't see how either DL or UA can hope to make any money flying people circa 15,000 miles in flatbed seats for a ridiculous fare like that.
Mar 14, 2009, 2:59 pm
#27
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: ATL/LAX
Programs: Delta Diamond 2MM, AA EXP
Posts: 703
I have to go down in April and paid $4700 for sleeper business seat, still a good deal compared to what it used to be. I typically get off the plane and go straight to the office so the sleeper seats are a must.
Mar 14, 2009, 3:09 pm
#28
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: ATL/LAX
Programs: Delta Diamond 2MM, AA EXP
Posts: 703
luck of the draw I guess.
Using SM ranges from 160-240K
Using SM ranges from 160-240K
Mar 14, 2009, 7:48 pm
#29
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 395
VIB, what is $5819? ie class? RT or one way?
Mar 15, 2009, 12:56 am
#30
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Silver, AA, WN, DL
Posts: 4,091
VIB is referring to roundtrip Business class, in response to my pricing for August.