DONE4 - The problem with SEA...

[jamesatfish]

I didn't plug in your specific dates, but you could try the following which is a valid bookable fare on the OneWorld website:

SYD-SIN-LHR-MIA-ORD-SEA-DFW-LAX-SYD

1060 SCs without any bonuses. SYD-SIN, SIN-LHR and LAX-SYD are QF flights.

Edit: SYD-SIN-LHR-JFK-MIA-ORD-SEA-DFW-LAX-SYD. Takes the total up to 1130SCs.

[docjames]

I'd be switching flight numbers in SIN on the outbound, and then you could come home via MEL to add two extra QF flights to get your 4 minimum flights.

So SYD-SIN-LHR-SEA-DFW-LAX-MEL-SYD.

[simongr]

If you are willing to add a few hours to your journey you could a SC run to LCA from LHR. If you went the other way around the world, ex-LHR you could get BA662 (8:30AM) to LCA, same aircraft back to LHR on BA663 and connect to BA to HKG... An extra 160 SCs and potentially avoiding the APD ex-LHR.

So... my suggestion would be:

SYD-DFW-SEA-DFW-LAX-(JFK)-LHR-LCA-LHR-HKG-SYD

Although that seems a tame 1180 SCs (1140 if you took the direct flight LAX-LHR)

[Homer]

I'd be switching flight numbers in SIN on the outbound, and then you could come home via MEL to add two extra QF flights to get your 4 minimum flights.

So SYD-SIN-LHR-SEA-DFW-LAX-MEL-SYD.

What's the deal with switching flight numbers? I know I get extra SCs but what is the schedule like? Does it bump me off the 380...?

On the return, I just found out this morning that a friend/colleague is on QF 108 out of LAX at the same time as me so I'll stick with that flight. Thanks though.

[Homer]

So... my suggestion would be: SYD-DFW-SEA-DFW-LAX-(JFK)-LHR-LCA-LHR-HKG-SYD

Once upon a time I would have done that, or worse, but the circumstances just don't suit me on this trip. I need to go via LHR on the way over to meet a friend and I don't want to be away too long or be tired when I get home... I'm getting old.

[simongr]

I wasn't sure the time line was (i.e. could you meet the LHR friend on the way back) - you could still do the LCA thing and connect to a JFK flight rather than a HKG flight I know how it goes though now wanting to keep trips brief - although I still don't get jet lag.

[Homer]

The friend is from Sydney but he's over there for work and there's a small window to catch up. Marge will have her mum help out for the week but, yeah, I need to keep the trip brief. My main issue was really getting to/from SEA and my TA wasn't very helpful at sorting that (I'm sure that's not at all surprising to the folks on this forum) but I'm happy enough with the solution of going via DFW even though I'll be schlepping it there and back on a couple of AA's ageing 757s... No jet lag Simon? If you have a secret, please share it.

[simongr]

Well I see my parents (who are of course much more aged than me - 67/69) knocked about for days after the flight from UK to Oz - even in J. For me, I got off a flight JED-HKG-SYD (about 30 hours of travelling) in J. I arrived at about 8AM and admittedly slept a lot of the flight HKG-SYD. Sure I was tired but it was Saturday morning, shopping to do etc. About 9PM I got tired and went to bed. Next morning fine. When I travel I drink like a fish on the flights - until I slip into blissful sleep (generally fill up on food in the lounges). I have a shower at transit points but most importantly - I change into PJs as soon as I board...

[docjames]

What's the deal with switching flight numbers? I know I get extra SCs but what is the schedule like? Does it bump me off the 380...?

On the return, I just found out this morning that a friend/colleague is on QF 108 out of LAX at the same time as me so I'll stick with that flight. Thanks though.

QF 94 LAX-MEL is a 380.

You switch in SIN so you get two flight numbers - essentially from one flight to LHR ex-MEL and the other ex-SYD so you get different flight umbers. I think this acutally works better to fly ex-MEL as the SYD flight schedule is to arrive later than the one ex-MEL. So you may be better doing it the other way around --> SYD-MEL-SIN-LHR and then get the direct flight back into SYD ex-LAX.

All SIN flights are 380s apart from FRA as far as i'm aware (last minute subs not included).

[Homer]

I think this acutally works better to fly ex-MEL as the SYD flight schedule is to arrive later than the one ex-MEL.

But then I'll miss out on the SYD F lounge...and I haven't been in there for a while!