$1312 from HBA to LAX, Reasonable Price?

[jsd]

Just having look at the VA website its showing the following fares to LAX for next year at the moment:



Is the price for the 'V Promo fare a reasonable price to pay? or are there better deals to be had out there?

I like pricing up domestic becasue you've got 4 choices but on International I just get lost becasue that number doubles, or triples depending on where you go :mrgreen: Uuugh confusing

Any thoughts, ideas?


Josh

 

[notzac]

You *can* get cheaper .. you could potentially even earn some QF points and SCs!

 

[danielc]

You may wish to try playing with doing it as two separate bookings to get a lower price. I have put your dates into the VA website for a MEL-LAX trip around your suggested dates and was able to get a fare of $987 return. I then checked Virgin Blue for a HBA-MEL and was able to get $58 +$10 Baggage each way so that the total comes out to approximately $1100 for the trip. If you wanted to try Tiger for the HBA-MEL portions, the fares are even lower but there is the opportunity for missed connections. The MEL-LAX flight leaves Melbourne later in the evening so that provides plenty of time during the same-day to make your way from Hobart.

I have an upcoming trip from MEL-SFO that I have booked on QF but I checked the VA fares at time of booking. I was able to find a great VA fare from MEL - LAX but when I tried to do a MEL- SFO routing (they use Virgin America for the connection from LAX to SFO) the fare went up significantly. As with your trip, I think you will find it cheaper to book the two legs separately.

 

[jsd]

You *can* get cheaper .. you could potentially even earn some QF points and SCs!

View attachment 1362

Hmmm, thats slightly cheaper yes but if I understand correctly, QP members don't get lounge access flying FJ

 

[ozbeachbabe]

I would also check ex SYD also as there's a lot more competition too. Have a look at one of the generic websites eg FCI, Zuji or Webjet (but don't go any further than availbility ie making a booking) as you should be able to view several airlines on the one page so you can compare all their prices.

I would then go to the airline website direct to make the booking or a trusted TA that you've either used before or someone has recommended to you.

Before booking the international flights, check out the best domestic fares HBA/SYD/HBA again as above before booking direct on your chosen airline.

On the way out I'd seriously consider overnighting in SYD at an airport hotel just for piece of mind as the last thing you need is some unforeseen delay stuffing up your trip from Day 1.

 

[Sprucegoose]

If you wanted to try Tiger for the HBA-MEL portions, the fares are even lower but there is the opportunity for missed connections.

for gods sake dont even think about the Tiger option - what a way to ruin a trip!!!
:evil::shock:

SPRUCE

 

[thegurio]

for gods sake dont even think about the Tiger option - what a way to ruin a trip!!!
:evil::shock:

SPRUCE

Now here is a veery smart man!

Josh, you and i are looking for the same thing. I have a conference in LAX mid January and I said yes on the premise that they were going to be around the $800-900 mark but now, like you, I'm seeing $1200-1500 and would prefer to use VA. I did look at other options like 2 separate bookings but I thought the savings in money were outweighed by the chance of it all going to custard.

Like ozbeachbabe said, an overnight in SYD might be an option, and one I'm looking into.

Keep me posted if you find a bargain cos I'll book it too!

EDIT: I just realized your talkng $1300 return... I'm talking my prices are one way... Book it now!

 

[Sprucegoose]

Also look at JASA out of AKL to get you to lax via syd. Pick up a return off the us site.

Can be cheaper but do need to get to akl and do you need to go back, if you do then this option may work for you.

Check the QF US website for specials

 

[extracta]

Just having look at the VA website its showing the following fares to LAX for next year at the moment:

Is the price for the 'V Promo fare a reasonable price to pay? or are there better deals to be had out there?

I like pricing up domestic becasue you've got 4 choices but on International I just get lost becasue that number doubles, or triples depending on where you go :mrgreen: Uuugh confusing

Any thoughts, ideas?


Josh

Use the savings to get an on departure upgrade to either premium economy or business.

 

[Boof1]

Yes you can get to LAX from HBA cheaper flying the other airlines, and you certainly can get them if you book separate flights with the DJ group (ie;HBA-MEL then MEL-LAX) but remember that if something goes wrong between flights, or there is a delay with the first leg, you are going to be on your own.

Another thing to factor into the decision is that with DJ you get 23kg luggage for $10, VA offer a total of 32kg luggage for Y class. If you book them as a connecting flight like you have first posted you will get the 32kg's all the way from HBA. At $10 per kilo excess luggage on DJ the difference is worth $90 alone! (assuming no status with DJ)

Given that QF want around $4400 for Y+ and DJ want under $3000 I would be flying HBA to LAX in Y+ for the price. I did it recently and it is well worth it.

Cheers,

Boof