Think twice about using United miles to Australia
Jan 4, 2012, 6:43 am
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL
Posts: 23,376
Its scarce, but not impossible, over the last year I got YVR/LAX/SFO-AKL and return J seats without any issues at 10 months, 6 months, 3 months out.
The 330 day booking window is a myth.
Jan 4, 2012, 12:33 pm
#32
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: AA Plat, IHG Plat, HH Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Hertz Gold
Posts: 1,933
While I generally agree with this advice and it makes sense for those of us who earn miles faster than we would be able to burn them making only Y redemptions, I think it is a harder sell for those who fly only a couple times a year since C/F is roughly 2x as many miles as Y. I'd love to learn how you're able to do C for 20% more...
Jan 4, 2012, 2:16 pm
#33
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: MEL
Programs: VAG
Posts: 1,865
The trick to flying business class to Sydney on miles is to book a couple of days in advance (and have enough flexibility if the precise day you want isn't available). There's usually some biz or first availability on SFO-SYD or LAX-SYD one or two days in advance... though almost never any for the NZ routing.
Personally I'm curious as to whether (say) SFO-ICN-SYD in business (UA+OZ) is actually less painful than a direct SFO-SYD in Economy.
Jan 4, 2012, 3:21 pm
#34
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: UA Gold-MM, AA Gold-MM, F9-Silver, Hyatt Something, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,404
Welcome to FT, OP!
If you stick around, someday you'll look back and say 'flying a crappy UA 747 in coach is the greatest thing that ever happened to me..... cause now I know how to redeem for better carriers, routings, or cabins'. Trust me, we all had to learn somehow.
If it's any consolation, I once did a MR that was SFO-HNL-LAX-SYD-SFO-HNL-DEN. While we managed to UG LAX-SYD, by the time I got home, my rear-end was pretty sore.
If you stick around, someday you'll look back and say 'flying a crappy UA 747 in coach is the greatest thing that ever happened to me..... cause now I know how to redeem for better carriers, routings, or cabins'. Trust me, we all had to learn somehow.
If it's any consolation, I once did a MR that was SFO-HNL-LAX-SYD-SFO-HNL-DEN. While we managed to UG LAX-SYD, by the time I got home, my rear-end was pretty sore.
Jan 6, 2012, 10:17 am
#35
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 7
Business seat to NYC-SYD
I want to fly NYC-SYD and unable to find saver plus business seats for any dates 330 days out other than OZ via Korea. Sorry I don't know all the abbreviations for business etc. Is it just because it is Australia? And is there anyway to book a business seat to SYD?
Jan 6, 2012, 10:39 am
#36
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: MEL
Programs: VAG
Posts: 1,865
Yep, a definite paucity of seats. You might have better luck closer to the date.
If I were you I'd take the OZ, though. It's only an extra four or five hours.
If I were you I'd take the OZ, though. It's only an extra four or five hours.
Jan 6, 2012, 10:41 am
#37
Join Date: May 2006
Location: MYF/CMA/SAN/YYZ/YKF
Programs: COdbaUA 1K MM, AA EXP, Bonbon Gold, GHA Titanium, Hertz PC, NEXUS and GE
Posts: 5,849
Having flown UA 747 Y, the only way to really handle it is to get an exit row. Even that kind of sucks, as US carriers have horrid Y seats. Of course, be happy you didn't have the "pleasure" of sitting in one of CO's park benches for the whole flight. The only way I would do a TPAC without a confirmed upgrade/purchased C or better seat across the Pacific is on AC and MAYBE NZ if not on the 773ER. AC has probably the most comfortable Y seat around and also an extensive AVOD throughout the Y cabin.