Consolidator fare vs FF points earning
 

A consolidator has quoted me a fare of US$1400 for YUL-LAX-KUL-SYD return, ticket valids for 180 days, travelling Air Canada (YUL-LAX) and MAS for the trans-pacific-Australia leg. Meaning we don't get any FF (star alliance) points/nor upgrade.

Air Canada quoted me a fare of US$2400 for YUL-SYD. We can make use of a companion ticket and get half the FF points. We will also need to fork out US$1200 (for 2) to fly SYD to KUL or use 60,000 points each.

Since we don't trave much, I would like to hear advice from fellow flyertalkers. Is it worth the extra money for the FF points? All comments are appreciated. Both SYD & KUL are neccessary destinations.

Thanks in advance.

Nemo

Nemo,

If you want the miles, how about flying YUL-Singapore-SYD.
Add a side trip from SIN to KUL (easy & quick by air or train) and it should work out similar to the Consolidator quoted, but with *A miles the whole way. Eg. UA to SIN then SQ to SYD.
FYI www.tiss.com quote 1250 USD for NYC-SIN-SYD in late Jan (on UA & SQ)

Thank you Eric, I found similar fare on tiss. Will look at it more thoroughly. Can you do a multi stops fare check on tiss?

I don't think so...but there used to be an option to e mail the routing request rather than book it on-line...you could try this.

If you want to shop for fares ex. SIN if you ask on the board here, I'm sure someone can recommend a Travel Agent...