Advice Please - Aus to USA in "J"

[Ikara]

Hi all,

I need some assistance/advice please.

Unfortunately Mrs Ikara and I have to make a trip to Richmond Virginia and we need to go fairly soon. Tried looking for a J or F award flight to LAX but nothing available in the near future.

So what recomendations are there for a cheap J class airfare to Richmond? We don't care how long it takes us to get there or what the routing is. I'd like to restrict it to One World airlines so that we can use the lounges (I'm Plat and she's Gold). So Syd-HK-LAX or Syd-Tokyo-LAX are options. Happy to go around the world if necessary - as I say we don't care how, just as long as it's in J (or Premium Economy if available).

I've already checked out Syd - HNL with Jetstar in Starclass and then AA in First to Richmond. Looks like it would be about $11k total for both of us.

All suggestions gratefully received. Many thanks in advance.

JB

 

[Travel Guru]

One World wise either JAL via NRT or a OW Circle Pacific Fare are going to be your cheapest way of getting there.

If you get stuck, pm me and i'll be happy to give you a hand as I run a TA.

All the best.

TG

 

[StevePER]

Not really oneworld I know, but if it was my money I'd be cheap and do a quick jump over to Vanuatu in economy and then book FJ business to LAX for $2287++.

 

[Travel Guru]

Not really oneworld I know, but if it was my money I'd be cheap and do a quick jump over to Vanuatu in economy and then book FJ business to LAX for $2287++.

Pretty average J class for that sort of $$ though.

TG

 

[BlacKnox]

One World wise either JAL via NRT or a OW Circle Pacific Fare are going to be your cheapest way of getting there.

I'd agree, though it may be worthwhile to do the sums via BKK on JAL etc if they're running specials now.

If you get stuck, pm me and i'll be happy to give you a hand as I run a TA.

All the best.

TG

Seems like a generous offer to me.

 

[drron]

AA have had a special fare via nrt which was only about $A200 dearer than JAL-D on JAL is getting harder to find since joining OW.The AA fare though ends 31/3.Hopefully will continue.
AA also have a lot of availability on F and J awards NRT-USA though QF dont seem to have access to these when i tried recently but may be worth giving QF a ring to see.I could never get any J awards on AA to show up on QF online.

 

[v8Statesman]

So Syd-HK-LAX or Syd-Tokyo-LAX are options. Happy to go around the world if necessary - as I say we don't care how, just as long as it's in J (or Premium Economy if available).

Need to build around this, but
HKG-YVR-HKG on CX in J approx $2,600 AUD seems to be quite good value.

 

[Ikara]

Thanks for all the great advice, but I think I'm going to settle on the Jetstar Starclass to Honolulu and then AA First ("Instant Upgrade") through to Richmond. Looks like costing about $11k all up for the two of us.

Two more questions if I might.

1. Does anyone know where the seating map for Jetstar's A330 is? I can't find it anywhere.

2. It looks like we'll have a day layover in HNL. I'm assuming that there is an Admirals Club that we can use for the day? Anyone used it before? Showers etc?

Thanks in advance

JB

 

[serfty]

Yes, HNL does have showers (2 in fact). It's a bit of a walk from the more populated ares of the terminal.

Just ask about showers when you register at the entrance desk - they are extremely affable there and could not be more helpful IME.

 

[serfty]

Here's an old QF originated 332 seatmap .pdf:

 

[CO BNE]

By the time you arrive in HNL on JQ3, wait for the transport to take you to immigration/customs, clear it and out the doors, the AA check in counters will be closed until 10:30am.

I would advise that you pick up a car for around $40 inclusive of all taxes and head to Waikiki Beach. Lock your belongings in the boot and buy a towel from the numerous ABC stores and then just chill out for the day.

Head back to the airport to just give yourself enough time to shower and board the plane. As Serfty said the staff there are very helpful but spending more than an hour or two inside the small area would drive anyone bored and insane.