25th March quickly approaches - EK no more on the Tasman to AKL

[mushez]

As 25th March quickly approaches - D Day for EK to stop flying between BNE & MEL to AKL daily/at all .......... I am no closer to choosing what I do - nor tons of time to start to research all and every option quite yet.

So what are the options for someone seriously considering Frequent Flying loyalties from EK given their move to withdraw from the Tasman (AKL)?

I fly BNE-AKL 6 odd times and year, and BNE-PVG 2-3 times a year. Prefer flying via SIN - flying during day, and hoteling overnight in SIN both up and down.

I know, I can stick with EK and fly QF on the Tasman - however I expect Tasman rates to spike with QF and the options I have always had to book within 7 days of flying and not paying through the nose on EK flights. Plus more likely than not will not get usage of EK lounge?

Do I simply fly the cheapest again, both Tasman - and then look at sucking up MU direct flights BNE-PVG for a few years?

I value Wide Bodies over 737/A320's

I value baggage allowance.

 

[Deleted member]

I shall miss the EK code share to AKL. That said, my reasons for traveling to NZ will reduce as mum is selling up to retire and live close to her sister in BNE. I am sure I will find some way of improving my TT experience !

 

[AIRwin]

Try China Airlines

 

[Deleted member]

Try China Airlines

Just so long as they accumulate QF points

 

[wannabeinvestmentbanker]

As much as I am not a fan of the VA program and am not intimately familiar with the program post the recent changes, crediting to VA would allow you to fly NZ widebodies via SYD for example and fly SQ up to PVG which could be quite a nice earner on a Flexi.

I would say you ultimately have 4 options:
1. VA (fly Air Nz and SQ)
2. QF (TT and PVG via SYD)
3. Star Alliance program (perhaps Asiana flying Air NZ and SQ)
4. BFOD

 

[Mattg]

Try China Airlines

I was thinking the same thing. Direct BNE-AKL flights at good times with widebody aircraft, fares are reasonable and they can also get you from BNE to PVG (albeit via TPE).

If I were you (flying those routes), I would probably move my loyalty over to a SkyTeam airline and start building status there.

 

[wannabeinvestmentbanker]

I think this might be the only thread on the entire forum promoting a SkyTeam FF program...there's a reason why they are colloquially known as the Scary team...yes the airline's may be quite reasonable these days but I never hear anyone raving about the FF value they get with any of the programs.

 

[Mattg]

I think this might be the only thread on the entire forum promoting a SkyTeam FF program...there's a reason why they are colloquially known as the Scary team...yes the airline's may be quite reasonable these days but I never hear anyone raving about the FF value they get with any of the programs.

Yes, it's an interesting one. FWIW I think that Korean Air has a decent frequent flyer program, and Flying Blue isn't bad either. Can't think of too many other good Skyteam programs though... Certainly not Delta, Vietnam Airlines, etc...

 

[mushez]

As much as I am not a fan of the VA program and am not intimately familiar with the program post the recent changes, crediting to VA would allow you to fly NZ widebodies via SYD for example and fly SQ up to PVG which could be quite a nice earner on a Flexi.

I would say you ultimately have 4 options:
1. VA (fly Air Nz and SQ)
2. QF (TT and PVG via SYD)
3. Star Alliance program (perhaps Asiana flying Air NZ and SQ)

Why re 3- Asiana vrs joining SQ KrisFlyer?

Advantages/Disadvantages over VA vrs Star Alliance?