Business Reward availability to LAX. Is it actually possible?

[vandy]

I have been searching on and off for almost 10 months for a Business Reward seat to LAX and back in July/August, from either MEL, SYD, or BNE. Maybe I am searching wrong, but I've spent hours looking and have never found a single seat available to book.

Even searching random dates from tomorrow to almost a year away, is seems no Business Reward is ever available to LAX?

I thought seats become available closer to departure for upgraders, but a quick search of next 7 days from MEL returns nothing. Am I more likely to find something ex Brisbane instead of SYD/MEL?

Should I keep trying or just give up and transfer the points to KrisFlyer?

 

[serfty]

If you want confirmed some months out then maybe KrisFlyer.

Other than that, awards in Business often show up 5 to 7 days away from a flight.

See here: Is International Virgin Reward availability now worse that QANTAS?

 

[Bolthead]

We have been reasonably successful getting reward flights but only when we have allowed plenty of time and been flexible. We booked just the other day but it is a paid tick in Y+ and then I have put us down for a points upgrade to J. (fingers crossed) Also fly as ( @serfty ) has mentioned with Singapore airlines but that does cost more points and longer route.

As well the other day while waiting at the lounge in Singapore they announced a flight on SIA that goes to San Francisco via HKG. That made me think. I then checked and there was reward flight on Singapore for these flights for dates in September. (I know you said LAX) This then opened up another idea. Fly to HKG on VA using a reward flight. (once again available in September) Then take a reward flight from HKG - HAK - CSX - LAX. There is also HKG - PEK - LAX. Available when I looked. It takes more points to go this way and obviously the route is much longer but it can be done on points. I also think you have to stay overnight in HKG.

Good luck...

 

[clipped_wings]

Are you checking as a return trip for the imminent trips? I find if I search as One Way and Pay With Points - I get a better result.

 

[clipped_wings]

 

[clipped_wings]

 

[vandy]

Thanks for the tip on the one way vs return. I've only ever searched as a return and never thought to try it as a one way. Doing a search as a return none of those flights show as available!