AA or QF to New York

[ludoh]

Going to New York in May and was wondering what the best option is regarding sts credits, plane comfort etc.

I can think of 3 options:
1) Syd-JFK on QF 107-108
2) Syd-DFW on QF and then AA to JFK or other New York airport
3) SYD - LAX on QF and then AA to New York

All will be in in J and as May is first month of new qualifying period the max nr of credits would be good although being stuck in AA for 5 hrs maybe not nice either (never flown J on AA)

Any advice welcome.

Thanks.

 

[drron]

Best way would probably be a circle pacific fare SYD-LAX-DFW-LGA-DFW-LAX-NRT-SYD. Usually cheaper than direct QF J fare and using AA LAX-DFW-LGA-DFW-LAX you would book into F so total SCs 940 vs 560 flying QF J SYD-JFK return.Or 480 if using the 1 QF flight number.

 

[GT351]

Avoid AA if possible! would be my reaction

QF 107 is 747 unfortunately and not a380

GT

 

[NM]

Avoid AA if possible! would be my reaction

QF 107 is 747 unfortunately and not a380

GT

Its 747-400 SYD-LAX and it changes to A330-300 LAX-JFK

 

[serfty]

DCIRnn is my thought - agree with drron.

 

[ludoh]

Thanks - will try circle fare. Dont need to be in dfw so will probably try direct flight from lax to new York. Will the AA booking into F class happen automatically?

 

[medhead]

Thanks - will try circle fare. Dont need to be in dfw so will probably try direct flight from lax to new York. Will the AA booking into F class happen automatically?

From what I've read here AA flights direct LAX-NYC have 3 classes and won't book into F.

 

[serfty]

From what I've read here AA flights direct LAX-NYC have 3 classes and won't book into F.

In general, on a DCIRnn you book into business (D class) on those domestic AA flights that sell F, J and Y.

You need to book those AA flights that do not sell Business class - specifically 2 class domestic flights. For those you book into A class.

 

[drron]

Thanks - will try circle fare. Dont need to be in dfw so will probably try direct flight from lax to new York. Will the AA booking into F class happen automatically?

The direct LAX-JFK flights are 3 class so book into J so much less in the way of SCs.If doing the directs best to use QF.Going via DFW is just to maximise SCs-all such flights are 2 class so book into F and get F SCs.
Domestic premium cabins on AA aren't that bad and totally different to flying Y.

 

[ludoh]

Thanks - might find a reason to stop in DFW to make sure the flights are in 2 class cabins. I hope the flight schedules are good as this all needs to be done in about 5-7 days of travel

 

[drron]

Thanks - might find a reason to stop in DFW to make sure the flights are in 2 class cabins. I hope the flight schedules are good as this all needs to be done in about 5-7 days of travel

Dont have to stop in DFW.Frequent connections,especially to LGA.We virtually always transit DFW twice on our DONE4's precisely to maximise Mrs.dr.ron's SCs.

 

[cove]

The last couple of times I have gone LAX to New York I have gone on AA in either J or First and it was fine. I booked the flights on QF site on points and we moved 5 all on points. The points were 75k for First and 50k for J each way.
AA coach is a bit painful to quite painful.....it depends on your pain tolerance so if everything comes out wrong price I use the Australian Expedia site and go with someone else.
If you are paying I would go for that 21 day advance purchase I class fare in J and if you have the points try a points upgrade.
Drron has posted an excellent SC answer which may be attractive.

 

[serfty]

Just to note that if on a QFF business class award; travel in 2 class domestic AA flights put the passenger in coach. If on 3 class flights, then you do get business class.

The real pain is you still get charged for business class even when in coach.

 

[cove]

Serfty that would be a real ouch.
I think we have been lucky with the dozen we have done on 3 class planes.
AA business has been ok too.
With airlines things can change very quickly so last July may be history especially in American travel.