Best sites to find o/w cross Atlantic flights

[Pollywaffle]

Hi all.

I plan on doing an rtw trip in either Oct/Nov/Dec 08. I will soon have enough QFF points to do the SYD-NYC leg and the leg to get me home from Europe (either London or Paris).

I will need to buy the NYC to either London or Paris leg, and I wanted to ask what sites do you recommend I should be looking at for cheap airfares? I've had a quick look at Expedia and Kayak so far but since i have a bit of time to play around with before I make a final decision, I'd like to broaden the research net.

Thanks, PW.

[stuartfaz]

If you're just looking for a cheap flight (ie. FF points for this leg aren't an issue) then Zoom Airlines offer pretty good fares across the Atlantic.

Flights from JFK to LGW are around US$350 (tax incl.) one-way for economy (which includes a 31" seat pitch, dedicated check-in and 20kg baggage, with 1 meal, 1 snack and free soft drinks throughout the flight)
Price goes up to US$530 (tax incl.) for premium economy (36" seat pitch and 30kg baggage, seat selection, free drinks incl. alcohol, choice of meal and 1 snack, plus headsets)

Just an option should you just want to get to London. I think they also fly to Paris from Canada should you want to start your home leg from there.

Website is http://www.flyzoom.com

[Pollywaffle]

Thanks Stuart.

I should have said that accumulating FF for the trans-Atlantic flight is not an issue.

These days, I get most of my points from c/card spend, and don't plan to pursue many QFF points once I take this trip - frankly I am tired on jumping through the Qantas hoops trying to get awards flights.

PW.

[littl_flier]

I'm not sure if it applies to you or not but Cheap Tickets for College Students and Faculty: Airfare, Rail and Hostel Deals has a whole range of flights available including one ways accross the atlantic at reasonable prices. eg. $USD238 with Air India and $258 with Virgin Atlantic. You do need to be a student or teacher though.

Generally, if you look at ZUJI: Your Online Travel Guru and search with flexible dates, you can see all the airfares available for the general month/s you want to travel and then search to see if there is availability in the booking class on your desired date of travel. Taxes are extra on the base fares quotes and do vary widely between the airlines though. All prices are in AUD.

[serfty]

Of course, you can alway try ITA Software: Login

[Pollywaffle]

Hello again. I need to use you all as a sounding board again...

I've been searching for FF flights and have found a direct flight SYD-LHR on a date that works for me - will wonders never cease?

When in Europe I'm only going to London and Paris, so since I can land in London, it's easier to fly CDG-JFK for the next part of my trip. The departure date for the CDG-JFK trip is 20 Nov 08.

I'm now tossing up whether to just pay for the additional FF points I need. It will cost me $480 (for 16K points). There are plenty of CDG-JFK flights to choose from.

I've been searching the sites recommended and the cheapest airfare I can find leaving Paris is about $560 with Air India.

I'm leaning towards buying the points because:
- It's the cheapest I can find for now
- If I book the entire flight as a single FF booking then I can take advantage of the additional checked baggage since I am going through the US.

Can anyone see a flaw in my reasoning?

Thanks again

[Mwenenzi]

Hello again. I need to use you all as a sounding board again...

I've been searching for FF flights and have found a direct flight SYD-LHR on a date that works for me - will wonders never cease?

If you have found a reward flight book it NOW. It very possible it will gone in the next few minutes. You are not the only person trying for a SYD-LHR award flight.

I'm now tossing up whether to just pay for the additional FF points I need. It will cost me $480 (for 16K points).

Plus a bunch of $$ for fuel surcharges & taxes, so total will be about the same. I would go for the flight with the most suitable departure & arrival times.