Advice sought - first-time USA/Canada trip, as a QF Gold

[flyingfan]

+1 and I are planning on a North American trip around May/June 2016. Intended itinerary is over three weeks is:
MEL - LAX - LAS - NYC (via road to) DCA - ORD - YYC (via road to) YVR - SFO - LAX - MEL

It's a bit rushed but we're happy travelling this way, about 2-3 days in each city and 4 in NYC. Would go for longer if finances permitted it. I've only had half a day on the ground in LA once and been in transit at LAX and DFW so this would be my first proper trip to the USA.

Sadly I would have dropped to QF SG by then. To benefit my QFF membership I will try to use AA for all flights in North America. Would also like to book a fare on the LAX-MEL leg that allows an upgrade to J with points. Current balance is 250,000 points.

A few questions to cast out to the knowledge base here:

1. With oneworld Sapphire status, I can guest my +1 into all the Admirals Club lounges we'll find along our way. And last time I visited there was that one-drink chit system. Are these correct and is there anything we should be aware of with lounge access?

2. Is it worth trying to book Instant Upgrade for as many sectors as possible to maximise SCs? Due to demise of MASAs I'll struggle to even retain SG next year. Unfortunately, +1 is going to take a dim view of any SJU or any other status runs.

3. Anything I should be aware of with crediting to QF? Was thinking that as long as I book on aa.com and enter my QF number it should be OK.

4. I'd like to do at least one stretch by car, probably NYC - Washington DC at the moment. Is this a more interesting drive than LAX-LAS (desert drive might be interesting with mesas but it's a considerable distance) or SFO-LAX? I would actually like to see American suburbia/towns, doesn't have to Great Ocean Road-type scenery.

5. If you could pick just one national park in the USA to visit which would it be? Grand Canyon? Yosemite or Yellowstone?

All advice is most gratefully received.

 

[Hvr]

A couple of quick points. Putting your QF number in the bookings is the way to go and as an SG you'll also get priority boarding if in coach. If you need more drink chits just ask.

Travelling from NYC to DC is a good train trip. Drive to LAS. I've driven LAX to SFO and spent a day visiting Hearst Castle. There is a New York thread on AFF that is worth reading.

 

[Quickstatus]

1). One drink voucher is true. Also Admirals club lounges in North America generally quite poor in offering. One drink and maybe some peanuts:/carrot sticks. But they do have free wifi.

2) AA Instant upgrades way to go. Usually can get these at $5/SC which is a cheap way of accumulating SC.

3) the QF/AA alliance is deep but make sure after entering your QFFF number in online booking that it is printed on boarding pass. And keep pass until SC/Points are reconciled, ( and also prevent unsavoury others knowing your nane and FF number combo

4) no info

5) all national parks in US are beautiful, seasonality is important. Most are best visited outside of winter. Pick one near your itinerary.

6)get a local SIM card

 

[goo57l]

Hi flyingfan,

Sorry can't answer first 3 queries but I have done the LAX-LAS/LAS-LAX a few times as well as LAX-SFO/SFO-LAX.

LAX-SFO via coast road we found too long. Sure the scenery was great but at around 11hrs was soon tired of it. Came back via the expressway, no scenery but only around 7hrs.

The trip to LAS is an easy drive at around 5hrs but not a lot to see.

Have driven NYC to Niagara Falls as well as around the Hamptons & found it very scenic.

Of the national parks have only been to Grand Canyon, via helicopter tour, & would highly recommend it.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

You may or may not get a drink chit. AAdmirals Clubs now have a free open bar for house drinks, so the need for a drink chit is slightly diminished.

instant upgrades are good, it can be a good idea to leave at least one flight in between connections for allow for delays (for example, if the first flight out of ORD/DFW etc only allows 1 hour connecting time, select the flight leaving 2 or 3 hours later if possible etc).

Short sectors such as LAX-LAS can be had in first class for as little as USD120 (compared to economy for USD40). It may be worthwhile to fly first depending on how many SCs you are chasing.

 

[exceladdict]

You may or may not get a drink chit. AAdmirals Clubs now have a free open bar for house drinks, so the need for a drink chit is slightly diminished.

instant upgrades are good, it can be a good idea to leave at least one flight in between connections for allow for delays (for example, if the first flight out of ORD/DFW etc only allows 1 hour connecting time, select the flight leaving 2 or 3 hours later if possible etc).

Short sectors such as LAX-LAS can be had in first class for as little as USD120 (compared to economy for USD40). It may be worthwhile to fly first depending on how many SCs you are chasing.

Furthermore, if you plan on visiting non-hub cities (like SFO, LAS, etc), conneting flights SFO>LAS will give you double the SCs for not too much more investment. +1 may not mind in this case.

Have a fantastic trip. LOTFAP on AA as a QF SG isn't too bad (lots of reviews in my below TR).

 

[Quickstatus]

The one drink chits are for alcoholic stuff. Soda is self serve

 

[Dr Ralph]

5. If you could pick just one national park in the USA to visit which would it be? Grand Canyon? Yosemite or Yellowstone?

All are great for different reasons. To make an informed decision you need to consider things like your budget, amount of time you have to see the park and the parks proximity to the locations you are planning to travel to. IE. Some parks may be a long way out of the way and difficult/expensive to get to.

I've been to all 3 parks and would be happy to revisit any of them.

Hard to separate, but Yosemite in December was my favourite.

 

[RooFlyer]

A bit about YYC-YVR by road. May/June is obviously just before or in Nth American school holidays and the roads and hotels will be packed.

How long are you planning to take on the drive? There's so much to see and do. I would suggest a minimum of 2 nights and 3 full days.

Tough question re the National Parks . I was going to say Yellowstone, but the vistas and experiences there are small. I'd go for Yosemite; climb the falls track if you can. It doesn't take as long as the sign says unless you really dawdle. Out to the east there's more to see like Mono Lake Mammoth Lakes etc. Grand Canyon you can get a good appreciation for by the pictures you see. The vistas at Yosemite are constantly changing and different.

 

[flyingfan]

Travelling from NYC to DC is a good train trip. Drive to LAS. I've driven LAX to SFO and spent a day visiting Hearst Castle. There is a New York thread on AFF that is worth reading.

Thanks, hadn't considered a train. I do like trains too (and flying, and driving, although don't like trains/driving if there's really nothing to see outside). I'll dig up that thread.

1). One drink voucher is true. Also Admirals club lounges in North America generally quite poor in offering. One drink and maybe some peanuts:/carrot sticks. But they do have free wifi.

It's been so long that I can't remember what the lounges are. We don't actually drink alcohol at all but seems food isn't even at the standard of the QP - OK then, good to know so won't plan to have a proper meal there then. I'm sure a separate waiting place is still better than the gate.

6)get a local SIM card

Have thought about this and already looking at data plans. Google Maps etc will definitely be good to have.

LAX-SFO via coast road we found too long. Sure the scenery was great but at around 11hrs was soon tired of it. Came back via the expressway, no scenery but only around 7hrs.

Thanks, I'd love to do a drive, almost any drive, but time is a bit short.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

We don't actually drink alcohol at all but seems food isn't even at the standard of the QP - OK then, good to know so won't plan to have a proper meal there then. I'm sure a separate waiting place is still better than the gate.

AAdmirals clubs supposedly have a slightly upgraded complimentary food offering now - and other foods are available in the lounge for purchase.

Details (from AA's website):

You’ll find an enhanced selection of complimentary food, including hearty soups, Greek yogurt, oatmeal and new sweet and savory snacks. In addition to complimentary snacks, the Admirals Club Dining menu, available in most locations, features wholesome handcrafted sandwiches, market fresh salads, small bite samplers and refreshing premium wine and coughtails for sale. Seasonal and regional specialties are also featured throughout the year, with special chef demonstrations at select clubs.

 

[flyingfan]

instant upgrades are good, it can be a good idea to leave at least one flight in between connections for allow for delays (for example, if the first flight out of ORD/DFW etc only allows 1 hour connecting time, select the flight leaving 2 or 3 hours later if possible etc).

Short sectors such as LAX-LAS can be had in first class for as little as USD120 (compared to economy for USD40). It may be worthwhile to fly first depending on how many SCs you are chasing.

Furthermore, if you plan on visiting non-hub cities (like SFO, LAS, etc), conneting flights SFO>LAS will give you double the SCs for not too much more investment. +1 may not mind in this case.

Have a fantastic trip. LOTFAP on AA as a QF SG isn't too bad (lots of reviews in my below TR).

Is it still sensible to go for instant upgrades when I'm not trying to build more connections in and just want to get from A to B? (Might not get away with too many status runs - the days of KTA are gone ) I think I might cost my itinerary to see if I can get enough SCs to keep SG.

Thanks, will check out your TR.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Is it still sensible to go for instant upgrades when I'm not trying to build more connections in and just want to get from A to B? (Might not get away with too many status runs - the days of KTA are gone ) I think I might cost my itinerary to see if I can get enough SCs to keep SG.

Thanks, will check out your TR.

It depends. Often the instant upgrade will be used as the incentive to fly via the hub. They can be very reasonably priced compared to the non-stops. On other sectors, like LAX-LAS - F non-stop can be reasonable value. No way we'd get MEL-CBR or CBR-SYD for AUD169 in business class (even if there's no food!)

 

[exceladdict]

Is it still sensible to go for instant upgrades when I'm not trying to build more connections in and just want to get from A to B?

Certainly, sometimes. For example one of the legs in that TR is IND>JFK. While the flight got cancelled and I ended up being redirected via mco, IND>JFK was the same price in Y as the price of IND>ORD>LGA instant upgrade.

And instant upgrades earn at the F rate which at the time was 4x discount Y.

 

[flyingfan]

A bit about YYC-YVR by road. May/June is obviously just before or in Nth American school holidays and the roads and hotels will be packed. How long are you planning to take on the drive? There's so much to see and do. I would suggest a minimum of 2 nights and 3 full days.

Was thinking of about eight days from Calgary, stopping in Banff, Jasper, and Kamloops for one or two nights each. Looking at the distances now though some seem quite significant and wondering if part drive and part flying might be better. I don't mind spending more time if the scenery is worth it but not so keen if it's like the Hume Highway.

Thanks for the heads up re holidays, will keep this in mind. I tend to book accommodation early on rather than chancing it upon arrival.

 

[RooFlyer]

Was thinking of about eight days from Calgary, stopping in Banff, Jasper, and Kamloops for one or two nights each. Looking at the distances now though some seem quite significant and wondering if part drive and part flying might be better. I don't mind spending more time if the scenery is worth it but not so keen if it's like the Hume Highway.

Thanks for the heads up re holidays, will keep this in mind. I tend to book accommodation early on rather than chancing it upon arrival.

Its about 1,000km all up and 8 days would be perfect.

From Calgary to just past Lake Louise its double lane freeway; 110km limit but only 90km/hr through the National Parks. Most people sit on 100 or so, except 10km either side of Banff and Lake Louise, where the cops hang out!!. From there to Revelstoke its a mix of single and double lane highway - lots of passing opportunities. From there westwards, there is a choice - via Salmon Arm and Kamloops or Vernon and Kelowna. Via Kamloops to Merritt is a bit longer but theoretically a shorter driving time; via Kelowna to Merritt is shorter but maybe 1/2 an hour longer to cover. Both these alternatives have winding, mainly single lane roads, but very scenic (lakes, valleys, forests etc). Lots of boating on the lakes. Around Merritt its rather arid (rain shadow to the coastal mountains).

There are very good resources for checking on accidents and traffic flows: DriveBC and 511Alberta .

I'd hate to put you off your plans to drive Calgary-Vancouver. 8 days would be a tremendous experience and yes, the traffic may be heavy in parts but you have lots of time; early starts will avoid most of the hassle. Most of the traffic will have kids in tow and depart after they get organised and a leisurely breakfast!!

To be honest, I was disappointed in the area around Jasper - if you go up Highway 93 north from Lake Louise, getting as far as the Columbia Ice Fields as a day trip might be the way to go; Peyto Lake is a must-see. This is possibly the most spectacular part of the whole road in fine weather.

I go to Golden a lot for work. Its not much of a town (and you bypass it on the highway) but there are lots of motels there; Prestige Inn on the highway is the best. Revelstoke is quite a big town too.

If it was me, I'd stop at either Banff or Lake Louise; Revelstoke and Kelowna or Kamloops. Actually, I'd choose Kelowna for the Okanagan Valley wines but I see you don't partake. Its also a big fruit and veg growing area.

 

[kiwitripper64]

Sounds a great trip.
Driving from Calgary to Vancouver via Banff, Kamloops is easy. Good roads. Banff is so pretty. We detoured via Whistler before heading down to Vancouver.
You might also think about driving from LA up to Death Valley, stay a night then on to LAS. From there get a flight to South rim of Grand canyon. But in summer it can get very busy so you need to book accommodation early. From LAS it is an easy drive to Utah and Zion or Bryce national parks, then head to salt Lake city to fly out?
You also need to book in early for NY tours of buildings / Statue of Liberty.
Have a great trip

 

[flyingfan]

If it was me, I'd stop at either Banff or Lake Louise; Revelstoke and Kelowna or Kamloops. Actually, I'd choose Kelowna for the Okanagan Valley wines but I see you don't partake. Its also a big fruit and veg growing area.

Thanks for the tips, will plan my itinerary with a very close eye on your recommendations and looking them all up on Google Maps

I'm hoping for something like New Zealand and Interlaken on a bigger scale. Could be my only trip to Canada so want to hit the highlights.

 

[ShaneN]

Sounds like a great trip, but you are trying to fit a lot in, particularly if you are planning to take 8 days from YYC to YVR and also visit one or more national parks. I suggest concentrating on a smaller number of destinations, probably starting by leaving out ORD (much as I love Chicago). Do not forget to allow for travel time e.g. LAS to NYC will take all day with the time difference.

In response to your questions:

1. Soft drinks and basic alcohol are now free in Admirals Clubs, so you may not require the chits for Qantas members.

2. Instant upgrades can be good value for status credits, but status credit earns have been reduced considerably, particularly for short flights. The best value is for flights of more than 600 miles, particularly with a change of flight numbers. In your itinerary, LAS to NYC (via DFW or ORD) will earn plenty of credits, and the price is likely to be reasonable.

3. I have not had any problems crediting to QF.

4. I can also recommend the train (the very fast Acela Express) from New York City to Washington DC, from Penn Station to Union Station in less than 3 hours. I have not driven it, but my guess is that the traffic will be very heavy and the trip on Interstate 95 extremely boring. I suggest leaving the driving to somewhere with a bit less traffic (e.g. LAX to LAS) and preferably more scenic (e.g. SFO to LAX via the coast road).

5. If I could visit one national park of those I have been to, it would probably be Bryce Canyon. Of those you list, I would probably pick Yosemite just ahead of Grand Canyon. I have not been to Yellowstone yet - it is on my bucket list. Yosemite can be specially good in May, with melting snow meaning that the waterfalls will be at their best. Much of Yellowstone is likely to still be closed due to snow in May. It is worth visiting the national parks before the Memorial Day weekend at the end of May, which marks the start of the summer holiday season. Note also that all of these parks are very remote from major cities. Yosemite can be reached by a very long return day trip by road from San Francisco. Similarly for Grand Canyon from Las Vegas, or you can make a same day scenic air trip. Yellowstone is a very long way from anywhere on your itinerary.

All the best with the trip planning. I find the planning is almost as much fun as the trip.

 

[drron]

Yes SG gets you As well as +1 into the ACs.
Drink chits now are for premium drinks-standard drinks are complimentary.So a better class of wine or spirits.If not into alcohol of no benefit.But good for random acts of kindness handing them over to a local.
For flights always look at discount F as well as instant upgrade.Some times cheaper or not much dearer to buy true F.We have been bumped back to Y on instant upgrade fares and I have status with AA.
If you only want to do one drive and this may be the only time you might be to Canada the that is the way to go.We only toured Alberta-
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....os/le-tour-dalberta-assorted-other-54095.html

National parks,seeing you are in LAS a few days and visit the grand Canyon,Zion and Bryce canyon would be a reasonable idea.