American Airlines to New Zealand

[docjames]

Re: AA to launch SYD-AKL-LAX flights (QF Codeshare)

When discussing through connections, don't forget that there will be some that want to buy a connected ticket not necessarily a through (immediate) connection eg.

LAX-AKL (stop),
WEL-MEL (stop)
MEL-SYD (stop)
SYD-LAX

Or multiple variations. It's about an option in and out of NZ without a two direction trans-tasman crossing. Saving time.

So the "through" routing is really more just co-ordinating fares for those who may want eg. 1-2 weeks in Aus, 1-2 weeks in NZ all on the same trip.

Currently, if you buy AA/QF to Aus, you have to buy the trans-taxman fare (on any carrier) and return to Aus to return to the US (if using QF/AA). This gives (is targeting) Americans options in both directions saving a repeat trans-tasman leg.

The immediate (short) connection in AKL isn't the target (as you'd just go direct from east coast Aus - unless you're and AFFer I guess......)

 

[kermatu]

Qantas to upgrade Auckland international business class lounge - Australian Business Traveller

As expected...

I remain to be convinced these international lounges are better. The absence of a separate, quieter area for premium pax is a major failing (in my opinion - minority view I know). An upgrade to QFs lounges is well overdue, but I hope it retains some element of separation.

Little (or no) OW F flights out of Auckland so perhaps that's never going to happen.

I would seriously consider this new route- as I would DFW-AKL. Good move I think.

 

[Isochronous]

Another dilution of OWE benefits. I'm still annoyed that HKG lounge is integrated and has shoe shine service but only for P1 and F - but F has since been phased out. They should open it up to WP too.

 

[incumbent]

Another dilution of OWE benefits. (...) They should open it up to WP too.

Which would be the very definition of a dilution of benefits.

 

[anat0l]

Yuck! Why would anyone choose this over the direct services?!

Yep, I stand corrected on my previous assessment. Only one flight from Australia (two if you count the Perth seasonal) can meet the ex-AKL flight, and they are both fairly long transits. Unless you want an overnight in AKL (the Novotel or other smaller airport hotels are going to get some great business).

Even the domestic Jetstar connecting flights might struggle a bit to meet the flight "back" to LAX. Nearly no chance if you are flying from ZQN. You'd be better off overnighting, or leaving your sightseeing of Auckland near the end of the trip.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

So from this, it can be summized that a flyer will still have to fly QF's JC aircraft from Aust to NZ to connect to the AA wide bodied service to the US, eh?
No sign that AA's own aircraft will be flying from NZ to Au/vv.
AA will fly from and to the US, with the AA planes turning around in AKL.
EK will still have my service, in this case.