Syd - Hawaii November 2012 best use of points?

[Quokka]

We are going to Hawaii on 7 November as part of a larger family group. Kids (adults) will be OK in the back but hubby has back issues and is tall and wide in the shoulders to boot so I would really like to upgrade so that he can get space to stretch out and not invade the next seat, as is usual.

We have around 200 000 QFF points and I liked the idea of flying overnight to Hawaii on the outward trip.

We also have around 100 000 Virgin points if that is a better option.

I have never booked seats using points before and am not sure if it is better to book a seat and then upgrade? Which company has the most comfortable/newest planes?Any advice would be appreciated

[robbegong]

I believe your only options are Qantas, Jetstar and Hawaiian Airlines.

I flew Qantas in January, the planes they run are Boeing 767s, fitted out the same and with the same services that they use domestically. In fact, the plane I was on from MEL-SYD was the same one that flew us on from SYD-HNL. So basically there is no inflight entertainment. That cost 36000 points each way plus taxes for economy, would be 64000 business if you can get a seat. I have to say the seats in the plane were very old and shabby, so it wouldn't be the best use of points to pay for J on this leg in my opinion. However I understand your husband might need the extra leg room.

I can't comment on Jetstar's service, but I know Hawaiian Airlines will cost you 36000 points as well, available through Velocity. They run the 767s too I think, and I'm not sure their inflight service would be a whole lot better.

In any case, Hawaii is such a wonderful place I can assure you the flight will soon be forgotten :-)

[pyffii]

we recently flew Jetstar BC to Honolulu and I am also tall but not so large but I needed the room for the overnight flight....Seats were Ok...I had 2E so i could fully stretch out and I really didnt sweat on the leather seats and even though you only get a short sleep you soon forget any inconvenience from the flight almost immediately you land in Honolulu....The islands are, in my opinion, the best place to go to...Agree completely about Qantas on this sector and wouldnt dare use my points with them...as regards Hawaiian I believe they are introducing new 330-200s on the sector from May ( ???) but not too sure how the new seats will compare to the old 767 seats...In summary go J* and buy BC seats when on sale...at the time you are travelling you have the odds in your favour

[simongr]

I have been thinking around this for a while and the JQ option seems to be the best for me based on all reports here. It isn't that they are good - that route is just not well serviced. I would only try for the QF upgrade route if you are flying outside of peak times (which you seem to be as you are flying in Nov). The benefit of flying JQ in J is the business class points and status credits that you will earn.

Sadly although Hawaiian are a partner for DJ - you do not earn SCs.

[pyffii]

Spot on simongr

[Limewood]

We have done the SYD/HNL/SYD twice on JQ (last one Nov.) get bulkhead seats if you can, so much more room.

We picked up two J seats for $2150 each inc full Q and status points.