Maximising SC's on a Circle Pacific fare
 

Just wondering if anyone has intentionally split the US-Australia leg of a circle pacific fare into two segments to increase the status credit earn. It seems to me that if you take the LAX-HNL-SYD or LAX-AKL-SYD routing you could earn an extra 60SC's in D class, or 90SC's in A class.

I am sure that many of you would have no need to quibble over such a minor gain, but for those of us less frequent flyers...

My question is what are the other factors to consider in this equation? Is AA's equipment to HNL comfortable in D class? Is A class available? Is the QF metal from HNL-SYD (763's right?) reasonable? I guess they're dreamtime seats.

If it's a transit at HNL does it add enormously to the taxes? Or is an AKL transit less expensive?

I will be interested to hear the response...

Certainly DCIRCnn's book into A on 2 Class AA domestic flights.

Note that LAX-HNL-SYD requires an overnight in HNL while SYD-HNL-LAX has a 3 hour connection.

Also the LAX-HNL is domestic service so no personal video player and the HNL-SYD is a 767 so no 1st class so forget the extra 90 SCs and no lie flat seats which may not be an issue HNL-SYD as its a day flight but the other direction is a night flight.

LAX-AKL-SYD would be a better option as you would have more connection options in AKL and 747 service LAX-AKL with flat seats but again no 1st class.
AKL-SCL you could get 1st class on LA but the inflight service on that leg is pretty poor for a 3 hour 1st class flight.

I have broken flights SYD-LAX in HNL quite a few times both in oneworld and *A.

LAX-HNL-SYD gives you 290SCs (because the LAX-HNL bit books into A class) and LAX-AKL-SYD give you 220 compared to 180SCs LAX-SYD direct. So quite a big difference.
The 767 QF uses is okay. You get PJs on SYD-HNL and the usual full service minus the PJs on the way back.
AA uses different versions of their 767s on this route IIRC. If you are lucky, you will get one with lie flat seats but with the entertainment unit taken out. One of the nicest domestic planes I have ever been on.
If you are unlucky it will just be a standard domestic F seat without much excitement.

[QUOTE=DownUnderFlyer;9749816]I have broken flights SYD-LAX in HNL quite a few times both in oneworld and *A.

LAX-HNL-SYD gives you 290SCs (because the LAX-HNL bit books into A class) and LAX-AKL-SYD give you 220 compared to 180SCs LAX-SYD direct. So quite a big difference.
QUOTE]

Thanks DownUnderFlyer, that's exactly the sort of feedback I was looking for. I knew someone would have done it before. I understand the limitations in terms of connections and equipment, but it seems to be a worthwhile exercise if you are lacking SC's.

You didn't mention whether the taxes for a HNL or AKL transit (or stopover) amount to much. Any ideas?

Thanks again for all the replies.

I am not sure about the taxes but AKL is not a cheap airport. And I didn't see anything high when going via HNL.
It also makes a great stay for the day to enjoy the beach or explore the island. Have a great flight!

How is the mid-morning service in F on LN 800 from SYD to AKL?

At least a couple of years ago the meal service in F was sandwiches.

Pathetic. Other than the seat & IFE it is much worse than QF in business class (which typically is a domestic config 767).

But it is a fairly short flight. Just hope you aren't flying one of the days LA is running hours late (or cancels AKL-SYD-AKL legs to make up 12 hours worth of delay).

AA only uses one version of the 767 on this route, the 767-300 ( 767-200 does not fly this route) You maybe confusing with 757 which also flies to HNL from west coast airports, the 757 is to be avoided if at all possible, 2 x 767-300 ex LAX daily. The 767-300 now are all NGBC- lie flat, but not horizontal