Assistance BNE-LAX return economy x1 pax + LAX-BOS May-July 2014

[miclyn111]

Dear AFF Members

I know I have the 'gold star' of experts here to guide me on my quest.... Let the think tanks begin!
I have been searching for the most economical and prefer direct flights BNE-LAX return- approx 18/5/14 until 5/7/14- *flexible with these dates.
Also need a LAX-BOS return trip early June 2014 for approx. 2 weeks.(Going to Manchester, NH) but think BOS more accessible from memory.
Relevant info.- Lady in 50's travelling alone with 'bucket list', health issues (breast +secondary cancer).
-Medically ok to travel ( but tires easily) + unable to get medical insurance to USA. Don't get me started on that old chestnut!
-Trip to Manchester, NH is a 'surprise' for my brother's 50th. (His wife is aware of my proposed travel.) Said brother booked my last USA trip.
-Previous USA travel on Air NZ= most enjoyable but had 24 yo neice as escort + company during stop overs/ 18+ hrs travel to LAX.
-Only basic FF status with QF, VA + Air NZ- no preference, prefer not to go via SYDNEY on return LAX-BNE. Have friend to stay with in LA.
Happy with 23 kg luggage limit BNE-LAX-BOS but need 35-40 kg luggage LAX-BNE - or ? cost for prebooked extra bag.
After unsatisfactory experience at travel agent :evilwont name/shame ?was junior staff member at FC) Have been searching online websites but now overwhelmed.:shock: I have never booked on line overseas airfares- any tips? Are there any hidden costs/ surprises I should be aware apart from stated cond.?
Here's is my search/ run down so far......
$1271 Webjet special Bne-lax return on VA7 18/5- 5/7 VA8 - 13hr/ 14 hr direct flights, booked by 31/1, only 23 kg luggage allowed ?extra fees
$1246( sale until 31/1) Air NZ site for 21/5- 5/7, 23 kg, 2 stops, 18 hr/ 19 hr travel times
$1526 Virgin website (on 28/1/) for 21/5- 5/7 but via SYD on return = 13 hr/ 16 hr ,23 KG, ? EXTRA $150 for extra bag
$1863 QF website direct bne-lax but hard to find direct home, 23 kg ? cost prebooked extra bag
Suggested I should book an exit row / window to elevate lymphoedema arm for health/ comfort? Can you do that online(webjet) or do I call airline? Should I consider paying one off lounge access at LAX? (I don't drink alcohol but for a quiet/ comfy seat /wait area) I remember no seats last time at lax and delays.
Sorry this has become v wordy but I'm trying to give as much info as poss.

Many thanks in sharing your knowledge and enjoy reading about ppl exciting trips + adventures here.

 

[blackcat20]

Flights to/from the US on QF and VA include 2 bags at 23kg each.

 

[deejo77]

You have stated you have no STATUS on any airline - thats ok but do you have any points in their FF programs (eg credit card earn or previous flight points)?

How do you feel about Fiji? some very good fares out of there (even business class) that might make up for the non-direct flying (Flights to Fiji - Fiji Airways Official Site (previously Air Pacific))

Good luck and enjoy your trip

 

[markis10]

View attachment 23871




You have stated you have no STATUS on any airline - thats ok but do you have any points in their FF programs (eg credit card earn or previous flight points)?

How do you feel about Fiji? some very good fares out of there (even business class) that might make up for the non-direct flying (Flights to Fiji - Fiji Airways Official Site (previously Air Pacific))

Good luck and enjoy your trip

For the sort of trip planned I would look at FJ in J, always a good deal.

 

[miclyn111]

Thankyou deejo77. A friend had mentioned Fiji airlines also. Checking current prices=$ 5499 business class= YIKES!well out of my price range unfortunately.(That's almost my holiday budget gone there). Almost preferably to fly the brother/wife here with that $ spent.....but his job only allows a 7 day(at a time) leave vacation- the usual US 2 wk total rec leave. My bro currently flies constantly within USA for work.....so he is keen to remain at home@ NH with family any time off- ? a jaded FF with age
FIJI- $1907 economy, stated only 23 kg luggage and 18 hr+ journey, longer stop over on return.
Yes can pay extra $100 I think for extra checked bag home. For $2000 all up I'm thinking VA direct or QF is better option/product to choose.

 

[markis10]

FIJI- $1907 economy, stated only 23 kg luggage and 18 hr+ journey, longer stop over on return.
Yes can pay extra $100 I think for extra checked bag home. For $2000 all up I'm thinking VA direct or QF is better option/product to choose.

Do a search ex NAN to LAX, and use points or another ticket to get to NAN, J is under $3K.

 

[miclyn111]

Hi Blackcat20- is the 2 bags at 23 kgs for QF and VA always the norm despite who you book with online ?or is that only if directly booking with them- ie QF and VA.
The webjet site (for preferred VA direct flights $1271) was clear to state 23 kg luggage only- but couldn't find option to add extra checked bag for payment on return. Could I do that at check in on return.
Friend has suggested it could be 'code share' maybe Delta aircraft not virgin-so now I'm getting a bit confused. He suggested there are hidden agendas with on online booking websites and it may be risky to try do it myself.(unless I book direct with said airline).
Am I being too presumptuious trying to book this myself online? I know its different from booking the usual Australian interstate flight which I feel confident to do.
Has anyone booked USA online with webjet with success?

 

[blackcat20]

Hi Blackcat20- is the 2 bags at 23 kgs for QF and VA always the norm despite who you book with online ?or is that only if directly booking with them- ie QF and VA.
The webjet site (for preferred VA direct flights $1271) was clear to state 23 kg luggage only- but couldn't find option to add extra checked bag for payment on return. Could I do that at check in on return.
Friend has suggested it could be 'code share' maybe Delta aircraft not virgin-so now I'm getting a bit confused. He suggested there are hidden agendas with on online booking websites and it may be risky to try do it myself.(unless I book direct with said airline).
Am I being too presumptuious trying to book this myself online? I know its different from booking the usual Australian interstate flight which I feel confident to do.
Has anyone booked USA online with webjet with success?

Yes its the norm. The best way to work out if its on Delta instead will be the flight number. VA filghts are usualy two digit numbers, I think the Delta flights would be longer (someone correct me if I'm wrong). I always suggest booking directly as you can deal with the airline themselves if there are any problems, rather than having to go through a third party.

 

[miclyn111]

View attachment 23871




You have stated you have no STATUS on any airline - thats ok but do you have any points in their FF programs (eg credit card earn or previous flight points)?

How do you feel about Fiji? some very good fares out of there (even business class) that might make up for the non-direct flying (Flights to Fiji - Fiji Airways Official Site (previously Air Pacific))

Good luck and enjoy your trip

Sorry deejo70 maybe my wording with FF membership was confusing- QF bronze 30,000points, VA red 2,000 points, Air NZ basic-? not many points here. Does that help?

 

[miclyn111]

BTW- sis-in-law has emailed me LAX-BOS quote currently AU $350 return virgin (on kayak). She suggested as my dates/times are flexible from LAX, better to wait + watch specials.
She has set up 'price alert' on kayak. She agrees BOS best entry point vs. MAN but says sometimes longer/indirect flights to Manchester NH(7 hrs vs. 5.5 hrs) can be very cheap esp. last minute....also said JET blue/ Southwest price includes one checked bag.
This is more reassurring than the $700 lax-bos return quote given by travel agent.

 

[miclyn111]

Do a search ex NAN to LAX, and use points or another ticket to get to NAN, J is under $3K.

Good suggestion- but wonder if I use different airline bne- nan economy and this flight get changed/delayed causing me to miss connecting FIJI J -what then? Know to allow 2-3 hr minimum connections but this could make for 20+ hrs hanging around-add an overnight bed in Fiji? cost for extra luggage(on economy) about 40 kg nan-bris.???

 

[deejo77]

Sorry I wan't clear.

I would treat this as two tickets. Unfortunately you are a little short on QFF points to do a return out of brisbane to nadi - as per below you need 43K qantas FF points. Then I would have booked a ticket Nadi to LAX return as a seperate ticket doing business class forthe longer flight. You could do these on points from a number of US airlines but I am assuming your brother would then have to know about it if they were his points.

Your Flights
1 Adult Flight Out
From
To
Flight
Travel Class
Award Type
Baggage
Mon 19 May 14 22:40
Brisbane
Duration: 4h 35m 05:15 Tue
Nadi (Fiji)
Stops: 0 FJ922 Economy Qantas/Partner Per Adult : 23 kg

= Flight Operated by Fiji Airways

Flight Back
From
To
Flight
Travel Class
Award Type
Baggage
Tue 8 Jul 14 08:45
Nadi (Fiji)
Duration: 3h 00m 11:45
Auckland
Stops: 0 FJ411 Economy Qantas/Partner Per Adult : 23 kg

15:45
Auckland
Duration: 3h 55m 17:40
Brisbane
Stops: 0 QF126 Economy

Total duration: 10h 55m
= Flight Operated by Fiji Airways

Change Flights
Checked Baggage Allowance
Free Baggage allowance included in your fare applies to Adults and Children. Visit checked baggage for details.
Additional checked baggage allowances are available for Platinum, Gold, and Silver Frequent Flyers and Qantas Club members on Qantas operated services.

Important Information

= Qantas flight = Flight Operated by Fiji Airways
Terminal Information
Qantas flights QF1 - QF399 depart from and arrive at the International Terminals. All other Qantas flights depart from and arrive at the Domestic Terminals.
Total Price
Points available135,086Number of seats1 Points & Card Payment
Trip Price for - 1 x Adult: 43,000
Total Trip Price: 43,000
Points required 43,000

Card Payment * $246.09 (AUD)



I personally think you are very nervous about this and some of these tricks to maximum value will be too risky for you - you may just be better booking the direct VA flight with virgin and feel happy with that.

 

[Grooba]

I personally think you are very nervous about this and some of these tricks to maximum value will be too risky for you - you may just be better booking the direct VA flight with virgin and feel happy with that.

This is great advice.

Sure we can recommend different options to save a few dollars here and there (quite a substantial amount in many cases) but this all comes with risk. For example, how would you cope if you missed a connection after purchasing 2 separate tickets to save a few dollars, and the airlines will not look after you, leaving you stranded (or they will accommodate you at an astronomical cost).

 

[miclyn111]

This is great advice.

Sure we can recommend different options to save a few dollars here and there (quite a substantial amount in many cases) but this all comes with risk. For example, how would you cope if you missed a connection after purchasing 2 separate tickets to save a few dollars, and the airlines will not look after you, leaving you stranded (or they will accommodate you at an astronomical cost).

Thankyou vec, I think these were the questions I was posing in 2 threads above this one-after it had been suggested to I book separate tickets on FIJI airlines.
Obviously ppl here do that and take the risk. I think I was thinking out loud asking these posed questions and assessing my position as a risktaker in the process.
I would feel safer if I had booked all sectors with Fiji air(even as separate tickets as suggested )but felt to miss the J Fiji flight nan- lax would be a big loss esp. as that would be the highlight.
I also understand another carrier doing bne- nan would not have an 'obligation' to me and things are often out of their control.
Sorry I'm probably not as versed with the correct 'jargon' yet like many experienced flyers here but we all have to start somewhere.

 

[Oxy]

If you haven't already found it, Qantas have a special on to LA, $1299 with direct flights, booked on their website.
EG:
[h=2]Your Flights1 Adult

​

[/h]

Flight Out	From	To	Flight	Travel Class	Fare Type	Baggage
Sun 18 May 14	10:35BrisbaneDuration: 13h 05m	06:40Los AngelesStops: 0	QF15	Economy (O)	Sale	Per Adult : 2 pieces
Change Flights

 

[support]

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