AKL Mileage Run Questions

[Platinum A332]

Hi - I was thinking of doing a MR SYD-AKL-SYD to retain my Gold status. But I had a couple of questions;
- Is the 75 minute minimum connecting time in Auckland strict? It seems that I cannot book a 65 minute turnaround which would be ideal.
- What is the transfer procedure like in AKL? Or could I get my boarding passes printed for the return flight when I checkin at SYD.
- Is it possible to claim back GST on recent purchases as easily as flying international for a same day return flight to AKL?

I was also thinking of booking the flight to AKL on the LA Codeshare. Has anyone experienced LA across the Tasman? Or would I be better off sticking with QF. Planning on doing the MR in J.

thanks in advance.

 

[Mwenenzi]

The LA SYD-AKL flight at times can be delayed or cancelled. If the LA aircraft from SCL is very late they just cancel the AKL-SYD-AKL. Looking at Auckland airport web site shows when its late arriving from SCL. I would not rely on LA for a same day return

 

[AIRwin]

I have done a MEL-AKL-SYD run (long story) with the overnight JQ215 flight from MEL arriving at AKL in the morning and then connecting to QF142. I was travelling with HLO and managed to get my boarding pass at the transfer desk (just follow the signs) who advised me that I just missed the earlier QF50 by minutes. At least it did give me some time to shop for duty free, but sorry I don't know about GST refunds as I didn't have any to claim.

 

[ric_melb]

I have a return QF flight booked MEL/AKL/MEL paying cash under current sale. Roughly $1050 return. Prefer QF for the schedule certainty and easy points posting.
Decided an overnight stay at Auckland Airport Novotel was easier than a one day return. Not a bad points earner using Qantas hotels and Amex 2.25 points for the cash paid.

 

[Platinum A332]

Thanks for the tips so far, will probably stick with QF for schedule certainty. Although I am considering runs to CNS or HBA as J fares on sale seem decent to there also. Just worried immigration might be a hassle on the return as it is odd for someone to go to AKL for less than 3 hours...

 

[macrop]

Thanks for the tips so far, will probably stick with QF for schedule certainty. Although I am considering runs to CNS or HBA as J fares on sale seem decent to there also. Just worried immigration might be a hassle on the return as it is odd for someone to go to AKL for less than 3 hours...

If you are happy to spend some cash (and some points too) you could try a JASA (even on LAN) over to AKL and a paid J one-way fair back on the Emirates A380 for the way back. Leaves around 5:30 in the afternoon. All up this would still cost around $1000 and 36000 points for just 160 SC. Not the best value. As you mentioned HBA, this can be done via MEL for 48000 and $340 which maybe better value. And to CNS (direct) and back for 72000 and only $150 or something. All depends on how much you want to spend I guess. All net you 160 SC. Is this all you need?

I'm booked on the A380 in 4 weeks (AKL to MEL) with a cheap economy ticket over there in the morning. J ticket cost was around 690 Aussie pesos (NZ$796 from memory on EK NZ). Not doing this as a status run though, more so a 'check out the J bar at the back of the big plane thing'.

I've been on the LAN (QF codeshare) A340 across the Tasman in J a couple of times. The seat in pretty good with plenty of legroom. Sort of similar setup to the MK1 business seat with Qantas. The in-flight entertainment is excellent as was the service by the crew. Their English is very good. Meals were nothing too special though but this is a short flight so no biggy. Highly recommended for something different. The kiwi based Qantas crew (Jetconnect) on the QF flights are also top of the line too.

Claiming back GST at the airport is easy at SYD airport though you must carry the stuff onboard. Look up TRS on the googling interwebs

I wouldn't worry too much about the immigration thing, I'm sure Aussies have zipped in and out quickly many times before.

 

[Platinum A332]

If you are happy to spend some cash (and some points too) you could try a JASA (even on LAN) over to AKL and a paid J one-way fair back on the Emirates A380 for the way back. Leaves around 5:30 in the afternoon. All up this would still cost around $1000 and 36000 points for just 160 SC. Not the best value. As you mentioned HBA, this can be done via MEL for 48000 and $340 which maybe better value. And to CNS (direct) and back for 72000 and only $150 or something. All depends on how much you want to spend I guess. All net you 160 SC. Is this all you need?

I'm booked on the A380 in 4 weeks (AKL to MEL) with a cheap economy ticket over there in the morning. J ticket cost was around 690 Aussie pesos (NZ$796 from memory on EK NZ). Not doing this as a status run though, more so a 'check out the J bar at the back of the big plane thing'.

I've been on the LAN (QF codeshare) A340 across the Tasman in J a couple of times. The seat in pretty good with plenty of legroom. Sort of similar setup to the MK1 business seat with Qantas. The in-flight entertainment is excellent as was the service by the crew. Their English is very good. Meals were nothing too special though but this is a short flight so no biggy. Highly recommended for something different. The kiwi based Qantas crew (Jetconnect) on the QF flights are also top of the line too.

Claiming back GST at the airport is easy at SYD airport though you must carry the stuff onboard. Look up TRS on the googling interwebs

I wouldn't worry too much about the immigration thing, I'm sure Aussies have zipped in and out quickly many times before.

Thanks for the awesome summary (especially of the LA service). I will require 130SC to be exact, but happy to travel somewhere that requires 160SC. I plan on using cash as opposed to points + pay/JASA. The tax refund should hopefully offset some of the trip cost .

Irrespective of the TRS, the cost works out as in July I will be heading to the US for work...in....*shudder*....Y(!), so hopefully some of the points I earn can go towards an upgrade. So for slightly more than the cost of a Q Club membership I will retain my Gold and get around 13k points (with the 8k points bonus).

Reason I was leaning to AKL is that it is slightly cheaper than domestic at the moment, and I would have access to better lounges and slightly better inflight service than domestic. Truly a case of first world problems, however.

 

[AIRwin]

Thanks for the tips so far, will probably stick with QF for schedule certainty. Although I am considering runs to CNS or HBA as J fares on sale seem decent to there also. Just worried immigration might be a hassle on the return as it is odd for someone to go to AKL for less than 3 hours...

Immigration didn't ask me any questions even though I was in transit in AKL for less than 3 hours...