2 x MP First to Down Under - No Problem.
Oct 19, 1999 | 1:34 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Henderson, NV
Programs: Hyatt LT Globalist, Marriot LT Titanium, UA 2.4MM, HH Gold, AS MVPG
Posts: 3,520
2 x MP First to Down Under - No Problem.
I was surprised that when I finally broke down and made my reservations to fly to Australia in June/July next year that there was absolutely no problem in getting seats on the exact flight and exact dates that I wanted.
Although I nearly cried when I saw the 240,000 miles disappear from my account.
Although I nearly cried when I saw the 240,000 miles disappear from my account.
Oct 19, 1999 | 1:41 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Texas, U.S.A.
Posts: 19,523
Ouch! But I'll bet you'll be glad you did!
Oct 19, 1999 | 1:48 pm
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 42,608
Yes, when they eliminated the 2x awards, my gift to my brother (honeymoon) down under became a business class one. Also no problem booking. And the 180k hurt bad too... and I didn't even get to go!
Oct 19, 1999 | 1:58 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Million Miler (mostly earned on CO)
Posts: 2,599
I was able to book two seats for friends IAH-SYD in C class during February (during America's Cup time and Sydney Mardi Gras); no problem when I changed them to April. (Except I was unable to get FC on the IAH-LAX and SFO-IAH legs.)
FWIW, I was able to get a BC seat on Qantas LAX-SYD during February, and FC in April using CO OnePass miles.
FWIW, I was able to get a BC seat on Qantas LAX-SYD during February, and FC in April using CO OnePass miles.
Oct 19, 1999 | 4:12 pm
#5
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Everywhere
Programs: UA MM; DL SPG HH Gold
Posts: 635
I was also able to book a first class award to the land down under on the exact dates I wanted, for the holidays. Of course, I did this back in March... 
Oct 19, 1999 | 4:30 pm
#6
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: Loyal to Myself
Posts: 8,303
My experience has beenthat the flights are very light during the Australian late fall and winter. during the spring and summer, everything gos up for grabs. My flight from LA to Sydney last Friday was completely 100% full, and Sydney airport was a zoo.
Oct 19, 1999 | 4:37 pm
#7
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Jersey City
Posts: 1,321
how'd you do that dgolds? i thought feb was blocked out by qf this yr? i was bagging mardi gras, and attempting to go to olympics & the "ball" in the fall on cx instead. is the blackout just with aa?
[This message has been edited by lonman (edited 10-19-1999).]
[This message has been edited by lonman (edited 10-19-1999).]
Oct 19, 1999 | 5:18 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Far forward aisle seat please!
Programs: UA MP, AA Advantage, IHG, HH
Posts: 322
SF1K-
Having had UA take 780,000 miles from me for First seats downunder over the last fews years, I know that "ouch feeling! Its a shame they got rid of the 2X awards. Hopefully they will have the sleeper seats to placate you
Having had UA take 780,000 miles from me for First seats downunder over the last fews years, I know that "ouch feeling! Its a shame they got rid of the 2X awards. Hopefully they will have the sleeper seats to placate you
Oct 19, 1999 | 5:46 pm
#9
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Million Miler (mostly earned on CO)
Posts: 2,599
lonman: Not a clue. I called CO and asked for seats on QF. They got back to me 7 days later with the seats. I think they had just added a flight shortly before I called. My original (Feb) itinerary was really a mess. It was SFO-PHX-LAX-AKL-BNE-SYD-MEL-LAX-PHX-SFO.
That's what happens sometimes when you fly out of a non-hub.
We decided not to go during Mardi Gras because we thought it would be too much of a hassle getting hotels, getting into restuarants, etc. It will be the first time in Australia for all of us and we want to see the country.
That's what happens sometimes when you fly out of a non-hub.
We decided not to go during Mardi Gras because we thought it would be too much of a hassle getting hotels, getting into restuarants, etc. It will be the first time in Australia for all of us and we want to see the country.
Oct 19, 1999 | 5:58 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Henderson, NV
Programs: Hyatt LT Globalist, Marriot LT Titanium, UA 2.4MM, HH Gold, AS MVPG
Posts: 3,520
1K - I am really keeping my fingers crossed that they will have the suite seat. At first I was going to postpone my vacation until they were finished with the retrofit. But then I thought with enough pills I'll sleep fine in the old seat as well.
We get so spoiled at times. Most people in coach would be happy with a bus. class seat, let alone an old style first seat, but NO I need a suite.
We get so spoiled at times. Most people in coach would be happy with a bus. class seat, let alone an old style first seat, but NO I need a suite.
Oct 19, 1999 | 6:16 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Texas, U.S.A.
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We are spoiled. Don't you just love it!
Oct 19, 1999 | 7:35 pm
#12
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Far forward aisle seat please!
Programs: UA MP, AA Advantage, IHG, HH
Posts: 322
If only they would carry more than 1 bottle of Dom Perrrigon onboard :;
Oct 19, 1999 | 8:42 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Henderson, NV
Programs: Hyatt LT Globalist, Marriot LT Titanium, UA 2.4MM, HH Gold, AS MVPG
Posts: 3,520
Well actually, 1K, I'm not a big fan of Dom, or any other Champagne for that matter. Must have to do with the fact that it was the first thing that ever made me sick from over indulging. (This is showing you my personal side )
First time I had it was on UA and I said to the FA if nobody was having any and she didn't have to open the bottle if we could take it home. She said no, so we said we decided to try a glass. After one sip we had had enough. Their is that snob thing again.
)First time I had it was on UA and I said to the FA if nobody was having any and she didn't have to open the bottle if we could take it home. She said no, so we said we decided to try a glass. After one sip we had had enough. Their is that snob thing again.
Oct 20, 1999 | 9:51 am
#14
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Jersey City
Posts: 1,321
dgolds: for the past three yrs i've gone to mardi gras, and the past two years i've found accomodations last minute at only one place; the downtown hilton on pitt st. it's right in the center of the shopping district, one block from the park, a 5 min walk to the action, and best of all AVAILABLE FOR 50% OFF WITH AN AA HOTEL CERTIFICATE. brings the cost of a room down to about $170AUS, which we know is a steal!!!
beside, last year, i saw about seven new hotels that had just been finished. capacity in sydney is going to be about double what it was pre-olympics. you probably would have been ok.
[This message has been edited by lonman (edited 10-20-1999).]
beside, last year, i saw about seven new hotels that had just been finished. capacity in sydney is going to be about double what it was pre-olympics. you probably would have been ok.
[This message has been edited by lonman (edited 10-20-1999).]
Oct 20, 1999 | 2:42 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Henderson, NV
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IONMAN - So you like the Sydney Hilton, because that is what I have booked, used the Going Global Award 100,000 points for six free nights. Sounds like the location is good. I haven't been to Sydney in a number of years so my memory is a bit vague. What are the rooms and lobby area like? Thanks for the info.