Using QF for LAX-JFK on RTW
 

I think I remember reading that some people have been successful in using the LAX-JFK QF segment on a RTW. I'm currently booked JFK-SYD on QF as part of my AONE5. I've been playing around with some segments and realied I could earn both QF Plat and BA Gold with this RTW (already am AA EXP) if I upgrade to an AONE6. So looking to do: JFK-SCL-LAX on LA, LAX-JFK-SYD on QF. Hella lot of flying though for 3 days, even in F. Has anyone done this itin?

My wife of course thinks I am nuts and is just going to join me for the LAX-SYD portion. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif


[This message has been edited by hauteboy (edited 09-30-2003).]

I feel a little ignorant here, but:

- why would it matter either for QF or BA whether you flew LAX-JFK on AA or QF?

- what do you consider the benefits of reaching top tier on all 3 airlines? I can understand AA and either QF or BA (for AC access deomstically in US) but both?

To answer your question - I have not done THAT itin http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif but at one point I questioned QF whether I could fly SYD-LAX - stop - and then continue on QF to JFK. They said no problem. Based on that principle I can't see why you shouldn't be able to fly LAX-JFK in QF. But don't quote me http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Well my QF and AA membership years mostly overlap.. AA status expires at the end of Februaray and QF in March, my BA membership year ends in October.. so I'd have more coverage through 2005 if I did less flying next year.

It's a traffic rights issue, normally you can't buy a standalone LAX-JFK ticket on QF, but it seems to be possible to use the QF flight on a RTW. It's certainly possible to do JFK-LAX (stopover) LAX-SYD.. but can you do LAX-JFK (on QF), do a turn around and go JFK-SYD on the same plane.

It's also an excuse to visit Chile again (if only for a few hours) and sample LanChile in First. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif


[This message has been edited by hauteboy (edited 09-30-2003).]

I've done LanChile in first - it's absolutely fine but not comparable to CX or BA... I wouldn't make this a prime reason for making the trip!

I have taken LA in first and feel it is an extraordinary experience. I have done LAX-SCL-EZE-JFK-LHR-LAX in three days. It was fabulous....I travelled in first

I'd guess that when you include a QF trans-US leg in an OWE you'll find rate agents that say "absolutely not" and others that agree that it's a fine thing to do, i.e. you may have to argue with someone or hope for an enlightened supervisor. Most likely, you'll have no problem. FT'ers have certainly used the route, and I don't recall any post by someone saying they'd been denied. And it shouldn't matter how you insert it into your rtw.

BA allowed me to book it earlier in the year as a connection ex-SCL. However, I chose to try the new QF flight to ORD, which of course never happened, so I ended up on AA!

If I had a first class ticket I know I would be choosing the QF International First Class Cabin in a 744 over the domestic AA "first class" service on a trans con flight.

Having flown both the choice isn't that clear cut. AA is very close to QF for F service on this one route (in fact sometimes better!). And AA has far more flights with more convenient times. After QF implements their announced revamp of the F service later this year to restore the service level it might be more of an advantage to fly QF but right now I would say AA is just as good (LAX-JFK route only).

One advantage of using QF LAX-JFK is QF actually has A-class inventory.. AA usually zeroes it out on their transcons.

In theory, you should be able to book a standalone LAX-JFK on QF as long as you are on an international itinerary. If you are just booking, for instance, SYD-JFK, it's perfectly legal to stopover in LAX and continue on to JFK and vice versa.

It isn't theory, QF LAX-JFK-LAX can be booked on any ticket that avoids cabotage. I've flown it a couple of times and am not sure it is worth the bother.

Another advantage for me is I'll be turning around and flying back on the same plane.. I won't have to switch terminals at JFK (AA in 8/9 QF in 7).

Not using the same ticket I assume, since that would break the "one transcon" rule of the OW RTWs.

He is probably coming in from Los Angeles on the Sydney flight number then going back to Los Angeles on the transcon.