Which is the least bad option? Economy MEL-NYC
Nov 21, 2014, 1:12 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 83
Which is the least bad option? Economy MEL-NYC
Hello,
Any thoughts on which flights I should take from MEL to NYC?
Choice 1: MEL-LAX-JFK on AA. The itinerary works well for me, but -- if I'm understanding the expertflyer reviews correctly-- the second leg (AA172 on Airbus A321) looks pretty gruesome. AA has blocked all but 3 middle seats and there are serious complaints about the seats being cramped.
Choice 2: A similar set of flights on QF would be better, but I can only book the Saver fare, which I understand is an S fare, which won't earn me AA miles.
Choice 3: Cathay Pacific. Good comfort in economy, but 30 hours when you include the 3 hour stopover in HKG.
I'd appreciate any thoughts.
Any thoughts on which flights I should take from MEL to NYC?
Choice 1: MEL-LAX-JFK on AA. The itinerary works well for me, but -- if I'm understanding the expertflyer reviews correctly-- the second leg (AA172 on Airbus A321) looks pretty gruesome. AA has blocked all but 3 middle seats and there are serious complaints about the seats being cramped.
Choice 2: A similar set of flights on QF would be better, but I can only book the Saver fare, which I understand is an S fare, which won't earn me AA miles.
Choice 3: Cathay Pacific. Good comfort in economy, but 30 hours when you include the 3 hour stopover in HKG.
I'd appreciate any thoughts.
Nov 21, 2014, 1:20 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,017
Are you trying to get AA miles?
On QF S class gets 50% AA miles http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/ea...nes/qantas.jsp But can he hard to find out the fare class before you book. E class earns nil
MEL-LAX will always be on QF. AA codeshare
Some low prices CX fares earn nil miles
Airlines that fly USA/Canada to Australia (most from LAX) are
- United [Star Alliance]
- Qantas [OneWorld Alliance] (AS partner)
- Delta [Skyteam Alliance] (VA & AS partner)
- Virgin Australia (DL partner)
- Hawaiian, via Hawaii (AA DL & VA partner)
- Air NZ, via AKL [Star Alliance]
- Fiji Airways, via Fiji (AA & AS partner)
- Air Tahiti Nui (last segments on codeshares) (AA & DL partner)
- Air Canada [Star Alliance]
And others via Asia & Middle East
On QF S class gets 50% AA miles http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/ea...nes/qantas.jsp But can he hard to find out the fare class before you book. E class earns nil
MEL-LAX will always be on QF. AA codeshare
Some low prices CX fares earn nil miles
Airlines that fly USA/Canada to Australia (most from LAX) are
- United [Star Alliance]
- Qantas [OneWorld Alliance] (AS partner)
- Delta [Skyteam Alliance] (VA & AS partner)
- Virgin Australia (DL partner)
- Hawaiian, via Hawaii (AA DL & VA partner)
- Air NZ, via AKL [Star Alliance]
- Fiji Airways, via Fiji (AA & AS partner)
- Air Tahiti Nui (last segments on codeshares) (AA & DL partner)
- Air Canada [Star Alliance]
And others via Asia & Middle East
Nov 21, 2014, 1:45 am
#3
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Do you have oneworld status?
Out of your first two options, the first leg is the same on QF for MEL-LAX.
The AA A321T has slightly wider seats and newer IFE but likely to be full, whereas the QF LAX-JFK 744 may not be. If you can book MCE on AA then that would be the most comfortable.
Out of your first two options, the first leg is the same on QF for MEL-LAX.
The AA A321T has slightly wider seats and newer IFE but likely to be full, whereas the QF LAX-JFK 744 may not be. If you can book MCE on AA then that would be the most comfortable.
Nov 21, 2014, 3:18 am
#4
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The other thread by overhear a few days ago http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/infor...l-segment.html
Nov 21, 2014, 3:28 am
#5
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The other thread by overhear a few days ago http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/infor...l-segment.html
Nov 21, 2014, 4:28 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 83
Well, this is awkward. If my questions are inappropriate or violate a minimum standard of knowledgeability, I'd appreciate your letting me know. As you can see, I don't fly much and when I do, though I fly in economy, I still try to get optimal value for money.
And thank you very much for the insights you provided. They were very helpful. I've gone ahead and booked the AA flights with MCE seats.
And thank you very much for the insights you provided. They were very helpful. I've gone ahead and booked the AA flights with MCE seats.
Nov 21, 2014, 4:42 am
#8
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The relevant FT rule would be about cross posting, although I think your thread from a few days ago was different enough to warrant a new thread for your current set of questions.
Personally I think that is the best option, other than paying more for premium economy or business. ^
Personally I think that is the best option, other than paying more for premium economy or business. ^
Nov 21, 2014, 9:52 am
#9
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Hello,
Any thoughts on which flights I should take from MEL to NYC?
Choice 1: MEL-LAX-JFK on AA. The itinerary works well for me, but -- if I'm understanding the expertflyer reviews correctly-- the second leg (AA172 on Airbus A321) looks pretty gruesome. AA has blocked all but 3 middle seats and there are serious complaints about the seats being cramped.
Choice 2: A similar set of flights on QF would be better, but I can only book the Saver fare, which I understand is an S fare, which won't earn me AA miles.
Choice 3: Cathay Pacific. Good comfort in economy, but 30 hours when you include the 3 hour stopover in HKG.
I'd appreciate any thoughts.
Any thoughts on which flights I should take from MEL to NYC?
Choice 1: MEL-LAX-JFK on AA. The itinerary works well for me, but -- if I'm understanding the expertflyer reviews correctly-- the second leg (AA172 on Airbus A321) looks pretty gruesome. AA has blocked all but 3 middle seats and there are serious complaints about the seats being cramped.
Choice 2: A similar set of flights on QF would be better, but I can only book the Saver fare, which I understand is an S fare, which won't earn me AA miles.
Choice 3: Cathay Pacific. Good comfort in economy, but 30 hours when you include the 3 hour stopover in HKG.
I'd appreciate any thoughts.
Nov 21, 2014, 4:51 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 83
The relevant FT rule would be about cross posting, although I think your thread from a few days ago was different enough to warrant a new thread for your current set of questions.
^
^
Nov 22, 2014, 6:14 pm
#12
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JFK-LAX-SYD or MEL on QF? Economy on any airline is gruesome, albeit it seems surviveable given the numbers who do it, at least might be fairly direct. It's true the lowest fares earn 25% and 50% of miles flown, unfortunately, and like many airlines charges for more comfortable seats (exit rows).
Nov 22, 2014, 9:30 pm
#13
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Direct may not the best for all if it's really gruesome. If you do the UA Pacific hopscotch via California and Hawaii and Guam (which UA inherited from CO), none of your individual flights are that much longer than a US transcon. So periodically you get to walk around, stretch, etc. Some people may consider that better than being stuck in a teeny weeny seat for a way longer single "direct" flight.
Nov 23, 2014, 9:00 am
#15
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Posts: 5,678
JFK-LAX-SYD or MEL on QF? Economy on any airline is gruesome, albeit it seems surviveable given the numbers who do it, at least might be fairly direct. It's true the lowest fares earn 25% and 50% of miles flown, unfortunately, and like many airlines charges for more comfortable seats (exit rows).
UA's 747 in Y on the route, on the other hand...