We are booked on an Antarctica cruise in January 2024 that was originally booked for 2021, then re-booked for 2022 and 2023 so we definitely want to go next January. If possible we would like to fly in J , flying SYD-SCL-EZE in early January and returning in early February, and we will book AEP-USH later when Aerolineas Argentinas release their flights. We plan to leave SYD a week before the cruise departs and will stay in Buenos Aires a couple of days and fly to USH 3 or 4 days before the cruise. This is to allow flexibility with flight delays and possible delayed or lost baggage to ensure we arrive in plenty of time before the cruise departure.
I've been watching air fares and been waiting for the dates we need to be released. On February 02 I saw return fares with QF for dates as close to what we need that had been released at the time at $5161 Saver Y, $9349 for PE and Saver J at $10486. On Feb 10 a combination of sale and saver Y fares were showing as $4361, PE saver and sale $9424 and J saver $10661. On March 07, for dates we actually need, I could get Y for $4365, PE for $9428 and J Saver for $10665. I have just looked today and see Y saver for $3413, PE saver for $7841 and J Flex for $12466. Sometimes I have seen fares cheaper by moving dates a day or 2 either way and these fares I have listed are the best I can see now with dates that work for us. I've looked at LA J fares and they are higher than QF.
I was hoping we wouldn't have to pay more than approx 10K return for each of us but since the J saver fares are no longer available it looks like we have to decide soon whether to pay $12,500 each for J. If there is a sale for South America flights would it be possible QF could release more J saver fares or is it likely that they have already sold so many J seats that they won't need to release any more discounted seats? If we decide to pay this price for J fares I would think we should book them soon.
The Y fares seem to be gradually becoming cheaper as the J fares are rising. If we decide to fly in Y, which I would prefer not to do except for the reason of cost, we are allowed one bag up to 32kg with QF. I would want to purchase an additional bag as I would prefer to have 2 bags with less than 23kg in each bag rather than one under 32kg. For the AEP-USH AR flights they have a lower baggage allowance and I would rather have to pay for a lighter extra bag rather than with just one bag up to 32kg.
Looking at QF charges for additional baggage flying to South America, the QF website says that additional baggage charges only apply to QF operated flights. Does anyone have experience in purchasing additional baggage in advance through QF for flights from EZE to SYD when the initial flights are with LA or KL connecting with QF?
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
I've been watching air fares and been waiting for the dates we need to be released. On February 02 I saw return fares with QF for dates as close to what we need that had been released at the time at $5161 Saver Y, $9349 for PE and Saver J at $10486. On Feb 10 a combination of sale and saver Y fares were showing as $4361, PE saver and sale $9424 and J saver $10661. On March 07, for dates we actually need, I could get Y for $4365, PE for $9428 and J Saver for $10665. I have just looked today and see Y saver for $3413, PE saver for $7841 and J Flex for $12466. Sometimes I have seen fares cheaper by moving dates a day or 2 either way and these fares I have listed are the best I can see now with dates that work for us. I've looked at LA J fares and they are higher than QF.
I was hoping we wouldn't have to pay more than approx 10K return for each of us but since the J saver fares are no longer available it looks like we have to decide soon whether to pay $12,500 each for J. If there is a sale for South America flights would it be possible QF could release more J saver fares or is it likely that they have already sold so many J seats that they won't need to release any more discounted seats? If we decide to pay this price for J fares I would think we should book them soon.
The Y fares seem to be gradually becoming cheaper as the J fares are rising. If we decide to fly in Y, which I would prefer not to do except for the reason of cost, we are allowed one bag up to 32kg with QF. I would want to purchase an additional bag as I would prefer to have 2 bags with less than 23kg in each bag rather than one under 32kg. For the AEP-USH AR flights they have a lower baggage allowance and I would rather have to pay for a lighter extra bag rather than with just one bag up to 32kg.
Looking at QF charges for additional baggage flying to South America, the QF website says that additional baggage charges only apply to QF operated flights. Does anyone have experience in purchasing additional baggage in advance through QF for flights from EZE to SYD when the initial flights are with LA or KL connecting with QF?
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
. No practical alternative after canvassing all other options ... 
