American domestic travel

[Madam Mina]

Hi

Thanks to those that helped me out before with my questions about travelling to from SYD to the US. I now need to book some domestic flights in the states as we are doing a bit of hoping around while we are there and I was wondering if there was any tips or warnings for a first time traveller in the states. Does anyone have any strong preferences for or against particular airlines? I have heard some grumbles that none are that great but would like to know which ar e the best choices if pricing is relatively similar. I am silver status with Star alliance (which I am pretty sure gets me out of paying for bags but nothing else) and a QP but only bronze Qantas but would probably prefer one world points if that helps your recomendations.

Also was wondering if any one experienced had any advice about the three different airports in NY. We will fly there from either Lexington or Cincinnati and there seems to be a bunch of flights all about the same price but landing at different airports does any have any strong advice here or worse is one a "Ryan are gets you almost there" situation where your actually landing miles from were you intend to be and we will spend hours and dollars trying to get back to Manhattan were we will be staying.

 

[drron]

Well if you are wanting OW miles then it basically is AA.There are many horror stories but I have never had a major problem with them even before getting status and flying Y.Sure you dont get free meals etc but basically that is the same for all the US airlines.Having QP gets you access to the AA Admirals clubs with free drink coupons,basically no food that is complimentary but paid options.
As to NYC the closest to Manhattan is LGA-taxi to hotels roughly $US30 to midtown.From JFK the taxi fare is fixed but with tolls and tip basically-$US 55-60.EWR is in New Jersey which complicates taxis and i have always avoided it.though if willing to travel by train and staying close to Penn station it wont be costly.Also there is an airtrain from JFK which is cheap but not suitable if reasonable luggage.

 

[The Beast]

A useful website for checking multiple US domestic fares can be found at Discounted First Class and Flyer Talk Fares
This particular site gives you a means of searching for discounted F fares (in some cases, e.g. AA, termed 'Y up'). This can be a good way of maximising SC earning whilst enjoying a nicer class of travel.

 

[harvyk]

My personal pref is to avoid flying in the US. I have done cross country on AA, and it's an experience I'll never repeat again.

If you're flying to the US on QF, you may be able to then fly transcon on QF107 \ 108. If your flying Y it'll make it a much more pleasurable experience, and then fly a local airline from either LAX or JFK.

Short hops on AA are ok (read - you get a seat and a can of drink, but nothing more) but I'd personally avoid them for anything longer than a couple of hours.

Keep in mind as a NB, you'll need to pay for checked luggage on any AA flights.

 

[Dave R32]

As others have said if you want OW points you are stuck with AA which isnt that bad, it just isnt good.

You will appreciate our domestic carriers more when you return

Into NYC either LGA or JFK are the airports to use, from memory they are both AA hubs which usually means better flight options as well.

When I used to fly US domestic I had a couple of golden rules...if checking bags, book direct flights whenever possible even if they cost more and (post 9/11) get to the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure, sometimes you will be checked in and through security in no time at other times it can be chaos.

Cheers
Dave.

PS: Personally I prefer to drive in the US...you can cover a lot of miles on their interstates and you get to see a lot more.

 

[Madam Mina]

Hi thanks for replies so far. To clarify the flights we still need to book that we will be doing will be SFO-LAS, LAS - MSY and LEX or CVG to NY (not sure which airport). We are already booked to fly in on QF 11 to LAX from LAX -SFO on an AA flight can't remember number sorry and back home from JFK on QF108. I seriously doubt we will fly AA from SFO-LAS as they don't seem to go direct and that is probably our highest priority but we may use them for LAS-MSY as that is going to involve a stop somewhere as I can't find any direct flights. What are the *alliance airlines like as the waiving of baggage charges does make a big difference to the real cost of the fare I guess and United and Continential look like good options for SFO-LAS and CIN-NY.

 

[chanteuse]

I second the driving suggestion - it's great..

Also, I flew domestically in the US with Southwest. Definitely a no frills airline but bags are free and I found the service friendly!

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Hi thanks for replies so far. To clarify the flights we still need to book that we will be doing will be SFO-LAS, LAS - MSY and LEX or CVG to NY (not sure which airport). We are already booked to fly in on QF 11 to LAX from LAX -SFO on an AA flight can't remember number sorry and back home from JFK on QF108. I seriously doubt we will fly AA from SFO-LAS as they don't seem to go direct and that is probably our highest priority but we may use them for LAS-MSY as that is going to involve a stop somewhere as I can't find any direct flights. What are the *alliance airlines like as the waiving of baggage charges does make a big difference to the real cost of the fare I guess and United and Continential look like good options for SFO-LAS and CIN-NY.

What dates would you be travelling on the the above sectors?

I would suggest the following carriers over the sectors you mentioned:

SFO/LAS Virgin America (VX) www.virginamerica.com

LAS/IAH/MSY Continental (CO) www.continental.com (CO are now in Star Alliance)

LEX/JFK 1 stop at DCA (DL)
LEX/LGA non-stop (DL) www.delta.com

CVG/EWR on CO (ops by subsidiary ExpressJet Airlines inc DBA CO Express in an ERJ)
CVG/EWR on DL (ops by Comair DBA Delta Connection in a CR7)
CVG/LGA on DL (Airbus A319 operated by Delta Airlines) *this would be my choice
CVG/JFK on DL (ops by Comair DBA Delta Connection in a CR7)

Once you have some dates you will have a better idea of what's options you have. Keep in mind most
USA domestic airfares have pretty strict change fees (USD100-USD150.00) so changing you bookings
is like buying a new ticket.

Good idea to take out your travel insurance asap so that would cover you in the event of cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances.

You can also allocate your seats at the time of booking for these airlines.

On CO for travel LAS/IAH/MSY you will be able to through check your luggage to the final destination.
Might be worth checking if you get free baggage allowance being a *A member.

You will need to pay for baggage on VX & DL which you can do by credit card when you web check the day before or at the airport via a self service kiosk. You only pay more at the airport for bags if you
use the full service queue at checkin.

Cheers

Oz

 

[danielc]

For travel within the US, I have found Orbitz (www.orbitz.com) to be an excellent place to find the best priced options all at a single site. You may also want to keep an eye on this US forum site for any upcoming fare specials Mileage Run Deals - FlyerTalk Forums .

 

[Alanslegal]

If one weren't too fussed with points and/or lounge access, I would definitely recommend JetBlue. Having flown a few segments with them over the last three years (as well as a variety other airlines) I can say, domestically, they are right at the top. Also their exclusive terminal at JFK is pretty neat

 

[Blackadder]

Would be inclined to look at SouthWest for SFO-LAS, from what I have heard for a LCC a very good product in terms of inclusion and customer service.
As always make sure you are there by the cut off time for checkin to avoid costly re-booking fees.

If you are flying AA and can afford it look at the Instant UpGrade fares that will put you into First Class (Business on 3 class levels services), at a fraction of the cost. Very handy for boosting the FF points and Status credits.
Personally only problem I had with AA was a cancelled flight from MEM-DFW, but they were very professional trying to find alternatives and in the end with my agreement booking me onto a later flight from MEM-DFW.