Catweazle

Bit of a double post, but wondered if there are FT folks here who aren't also members of AFF. Anyway, so it's finally happening; we're getting married on October 4th this year and it's already coming up fast. [img]data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7[/img]

We want to get to RAR on QFF points and then of course nip across to AIT for a few days while we're at it, as they do. I think most flights are from SYD and AKL, but I even thought of routing via ZQN for the sake of two short nights of peaceful R & R at the Hilton there. Or even via CHC in EK's F if you could convince me.

However, it seems that the Oct 8 ex-Australia or ex-NZ to RAR QFF reward flight has dropped out of the system. We're somewhat flexible with dates, anytime after Oct 6 really, but getting back to work on Oct 21, give or take, is proving difficult too. Do any folks with higher status happen to see more options here?

I think FJ stopped their NAN – RAR flights a while ago now, which is thoroughly annoying. SB isn't much help either (they never are in this context).

TN perhaps, via PPT? Although then it's about NZD$480 for the PPT – RAR flight (on either Air Tahiti or Air Rarotonga), in which case it might be preferable just to pay cash ex-Australia instead.

HNL? But then the HNL – RAR flight doesn't seem to have any QFF rewards seats, and costs $800+ cash one way.

Open it up: what are your suggestions? What are your ideas? Any route will do, any stopover, any layover. Is there a goer? Help us out here, folks!

No, we don't have any hotel points nor have I had hotel status in more than a decade. Are there alternatives that are just as good that aren't the run-of-the-mill type of places (i.e. something a little different)? Ideally aiming to fly on QFF points... Unfortunately, seems like RAR is a thin route and that it's also smack bang in the middle of NZ school hols which also doesn't help. Guessing we might have trouble too with the likes of IPC and GPS this far out. BOB looks nice, but the resorts are crazy $$$$. MRU? Tricky to get seats out of Australia and even trickier getting back in on QFF rewards... hmm...

Edit: Not sure what's going on with the URL typos in this post. I never typed those!

og

A decade or so ago i went to RAR. Gave up on using QF points for any of the trip because of availability - even if it was for part of the trip. I did get NZ award seats using UA miles but I paid more attention to actually getting the seats rather than the cold reality of the flight times. Those were the worst possible red-eye flights that guaranteed no sleep. If I do the Pacific Islands trips again, I’d probably just buy based on times rather than the award seats. And re RAR hotels, check whether you want sun in the morning or afternoon because there’s a volcano in the middle and it shades everything at low sun elevations.

Mwenenzi

If QF are not offering award flights on JQ that is it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raroto...tional_Airport

As in the AFF thread a hotel+flight package may offer value.
QF travel agency --> https://www.tripadeal.com.au/
Are others TA's offering similar.

Catweazle

For some reason, searching a multi-city routing with selection of various NZ airports on separate days seems to suggest additional rewards flights that don't appear ex-Australia.

Does this mean that a QFF customer service person on the phone could bring up MEL-AKL-RAR type flights that aren't available if I search for them online?

Also wondering if we should bother churning a hotel credit card for the sake of ZQN or BOB or something.

DownUnderFlyer

This is entirely possible.

Catweazle

Well, fun fact: I was bringing up fares that the customer service agents couldn't see today and ended up booking them myself. So it seems to work both ways. Does the website use a different booking system to what their agents on the phone use?

Been having log-in issues all weekend, and website issues for months (dare I say, as usual).

Finally figured out some flights. Had to input AKL – RAR before they showed up. Then also had to put MEL–NZ on a separate ticket.

cavemanzk

You definitely want to check the cash fare on JQ, especially when they have there Friday Faze Frenzy on. Often you see JQ have AKL-RAR on sale for $129-169NZD, but then again you are looking at during the school holidays.