RTW newbie needs help!
 

Hi. I am planning an AONE4 trip for the first time. I've read a lot of the posts in this forum which has been a real help, but have a few extra questions. My planned route is something like GIB-LHR-HKG-SIN-SYD-LAX-LHR-GIB.

First, is Gibraltar still one of the cheapest locations to buy? I'm based in London and it doesn't seem too much of a hassle if it works from there.

Can I take the GIB-LHR sector a few months before the LHR-HKG sector? Or do I have to transit straight through LHR?

And do I have to return to GIB at the end of the trip or can I just throw that sector away? Will that have any impact on miles/points accumulated on the rest of the ticket?

The SYD-LAX-LHR sectors are straight through with no break but would seem to involve a 7 hour layover in LAX. QX seems to have one straight through SYD-JFK flight a day (20 hours - can that be right!?). Has anyone ever taken this sector.

Thanks.

Welcome!

Well OK, but it seems a bit of a shame not to use the other 13 segments allowed.

Well, yes, but there is no First on LGW(note, not LHR)-GIB, and CAI is cheaper, no hassle and has First.

Yes.

In principle no/maybe. In practice, yes/no. (IYSWIM).

It's direct, but not non-stop - it stops in LAX. Note that the US doesn't do international transits like anywhere else. You would still need to meet US immigration requirements even for a transit. Many people here have taken it (although not me).

i would suggest you do this route on the * alliance RTW you would be able to buy it cheaper from CAI-
CAI prices have risen for oneworld but not *alliance
the above routing would only cost £2000.00 in F class. and if you have any status in One world you can get M&M match through ukstatus.co.uk
then earn triple miles.
all of course if you don't mind flying *alliance

Thanks! The trip is mainly to visit friends in Australia so we are not too bothered about using all the segments. I thought that the fares ex CAI have just been raised quite sharply? We would probably have gone ex GIB anyway as we can fit that trip into a Sat/Sun weekend from London. And I read the details of a good travel agent in GIB recommended by FTers.

I think we will give the SYD-JFK flight a miss, especially with the hassles of US immigration. It may take 6hrs to clear LAX anyway!

Hmmm. The current weakness of the dollar is really helping people paid in Sterling (or Euros for that matter). Which I'm not :( But is it really on GBP2000? Even the OLD AONE4 price is GBP2600 at today's exchange rates.

By the way, AONE4 ex-CAI about GBP3650 at the moment, and GBP4600 ex-GIB. It is perfectly possible to CAI in a weekend simply doing an overnight turnround on the Saturday night.

But if the Star Alliance price holds I can't see a case for doing OneWorld.

I would also advise talking to someone like http://www.trailfinders.co.uk who are experts on travel to Australia to see what they could suggest for fares simply starting in the UK.

yes there is some special price if bought through TG - seems it does work..
search the star forum with TG and CAI prices and you'll see it.. 22,800 EGP. for a FSTAR1
i did chk quickly so please check before changing your plans..

I also second the quick Cairo turn-around, and you do get to see the pyramids from the window!!

We have checked out direct First flights and the cheapest available is £4200. Problem is you can only stopover SIN or BKK and we really want to go to HKG as well. So it looks like an AONE4 would be the best deal.

I'm a bit worried about buying through Cairo. I've followed the threads and I know many people have found it perfectly easy, but I just think it must be easier thru GIB.

have you read my post above about the price of £2000??? i can't quite understand why you wouldn't go for it.. or if you insist on GIB - find the * alliance price from there.
i'm sure all would agree that £2000 is nothing to fly first.. anyway- up to you..
also - emirates First class to melbourne is £3000 - from london direct , obv don't know you dates.. But this is in the old F class - if you want to wast the £4500 from GIB and only want to fly to Australia- it's £3600 on the new F class - and i think most will agree this is the best F CLASS bar none..
have a look www.emirates.com
or search the mid east board for a trip report.
and you'll get double points if you book through the website. and join the skywards ..



[This message has been edited by ajinlondon (edited Mar 05, 2004).]

I don't know if anyone has seen the Emirates first & business offer in the UK press, but they seem attractive. GBP 2229 and GBP 2319 for first to Melbourne and Auckland respectively.

Book by 31/03/04 and travel by 30/06/04.

Take a look at www.travelbag.co.uk/telegraph

[This message has been edited by Darryl (edited Mar 09, 2004).]

i assume this is the 777 - not the new a340..

Emirates flights out of LGW are operated using A340-500 and 777 whilst BHX and MAN flights use the A330.