Average J class fare to Europe

[TravelingJ]

Does anyone know what the average J class fare to Europe (LHR or CDG or even FRA) is? I am looking to travel in Sept/October next year and am finding the prices to be extremely high and was wondering if this was normal or just the average?

 

[spudseamus]

Welcome to the so called Global economy laffer!!! the red head reminds us that we live in a Global economy Wane Swan does so as well ,many corporate leaders join in the jingle as long as the great unwashed dont hit the bottom line by accessing internet (Global) pricing !! the red head tell us that WE have the best preforming economy in the world as does her side kick Wane (worlds best treasurer) but you have asked the prickly question as have a few others WHY?????? is it that I can get a long haul air fare from London to Melbourne return in J for $4242 but the same ticket in reverse Melbourne to London is at best $6500 or more averaged at $7000+ . Where is the benefit to a flyer from this " best economy" ? It is becoming more prevalent to the older among us who are not as internet aware as younger people that something smells !!!

 

[lightie]

Spuds not sure what you are on about, I thought you meant Wayne not wane? Anyway that has always been the case, even back in the 1980s and 90s, it is dearer to fly out of Australia than into Australia. Some people buy business class off HK or Singapore agents and fly economy to those places. Me I just shop around on the internet

 

[TravelingJ]

I scrolled down and saw the post from Nige_perth and the helpful replies therein.

I have been thinking about exiting QFF for a while. I have about 140k points left in the scheme which is enough for two economy fares up to BKK. I was thinking about using those points up and then booking a Fin Air flight out of BKK. I did price a nice CX flight from Taipei but getting there seems to be much harder (unless you fly Eva Air or something). What do people think?

If I do exit QFF, anyone recommend a good FF program linked to Amex (I am a member of membership rewards).

 

[haydensydney]

You could use your existing points to fly return Australia-Bangkok/Hong Kong, then pay for a business class ticket from there to Europe... much much cheaper. Use Cheap Flights At Best Flights-Online Travel Agents Australia which has the best fares.

I found some <$2000 business class fares from Bangkok (though Egypt air or Pakistan air.... ) but for something better like Etihad, you could be looking between $2000 - $3000. It may be worth booking the points flights nowish, but leave the paid flights for a while as specials often open up closer to the time.

Looking at 01/10/12 - 13/10/12 I found:
BKK-CDG-BKK
Aeroflot = $2525
Gulf Air = $2842
Egypt Air = $2855
Etihad = $3489

BKK-LHR-BKK
Sri Lankan = $2101
Kuwait Airlines = $2500
Aeroflot = $2724
Egypt Air = $2877
Gulf Air = $3042

So as you can see, you can do it on the cheap but you will likely have the pleasure of flying some "interesting" carriers if price is your sole requirement. Gulf Air / Etihad look the best out of the above options.

 

[leemin]

Welcome to the so called Global economy laffer!!! the red head reminds us that we live in a Global economy Wane Swan does so as well ,many corporate leaders join in the jingle as long as the great unwashed dont hit the bottom line by accessing internet (Global) pricing !! the red head tell us that WE have the best preforming economy in the world as does her side kick Wane (worlds best treasurer) but you have asked the prickly question as have a few others WHY?????? is it that I can get a long haul air fare from London to Melbourne return in J for $4242 but the same ticket in reverse Melbourne to London is at best $6500 or more averaged at $7000+ . Where is the benefit to a flyer from this " best economy" ? It is becoming more prevalent to the older among us who are not as internet aware as younger people that something smells !!!

What are you talking about?!! Australia's comparative macro economic position has very little if anything to do with the relatively small airfare market we have, which is the main reason for the prices we see. As it has been pointed out, ex-Australia fares have been higher for decades. This is to do with competition in the local market; the number of consumers, airlines etc.

While the point you're trying to make is a very valid one (and one which comes up regularly on AFF), if you're going to surround it with a lot of - IMHO unnecessary - inflammatory political commentary, at least make sure you have a sound factual base on which to do it.

 

[leemin]

If I do exit QFF, anyone recommend a good FF program linked to Amex (I am a member of membership rewards).

Do you fly much domestically or is it mostly international? This may have an impact on what program's people recommend for you.

Would you be inclined to stick with OW or would a *A program be an option (in some cases with domestic earning/redemption on DJ)?

 

[spudseamus]

What are you talking about?!! Australia's comparative macro economic position has very little if anything to do with the relatively small airfare market we have, which is the main reason for the prices we see. As it has been pointed out, ex-Australia fares have been higher for decades. This is to do with competition in the local market; the number of consumers, airlines etc.

While the point you're trying to make is a very valid one (and one which comes up regularly on AFF), if you're going to surround it with a lot of - IMHO unnecessary - inflammatory political commentary, at least make sure you have a sound factual base on which to do it.

if you have been inflamed Im sorry about that !! Julia did say those words! Wayne was the recipient of that award ! Gerry Harvey said "if you cant beat them join them" ! ????? why are you reading so much into this ? you agree with what I said ! and in this relatively small air market as you say it is in itself not set aside from the big picture (Global) and that's the point I was trying to make -- we have leaders pushing level playing fields and telling us we have to be a part of this world !OK I have no problems with that at all but when it comes down to what I pay to travel which ever route which ever way and I feel Im being Galumphed just because of where I start and finish my journey (all things being equal) such as the same planes /same seats filled (full plane) same times ect. Im in the position of not being a long haul flyer that often so my ticket will be full fare --dont care about sky miles ect.-- Just making some posts ,as others have done , about the seemingly unfair position that people like me find themselves in whilst looking for the best possible price for an air fare ! I do understand where your answer is coming from but please allow me to vent my opinion about how I see it !!

"if you're going to surround it with a lot of - IMHO unnecessary - inflammatory political commentary, at least make sure you have a sound factual base on which to do it.[/QUOTE]"

the commentary I believe is justified as to our present situation politically! I would have made the same comments no matter who was in power in Canberra as an aside the only party I have ever been a financial member of is the Labor party ..

 

[Dalescott]

What are you talking about?!! Australia's comparative macro economic position has very little if anything to do with the relatively small airfare market we have, which is the main reason for the prices we see. As it has been pointed out, ex-Australia fares have been higher for decades. This is to do with competition in the local market; the number of consumers, airlines etc.

While the point you're trying to make is a very valid one (and one which comes up regularly on AFF), if you're going to surround it with a lot of - IMHO unnecessary - inflammatory political commentary, at least make sure you have a sound factual base on which to do it.

JLM, like Spud I am no lover of the Government. But in regards to this matter there is little that can be done. We are one of, if not the only market in the world where there is good profit to be had. This is due to the fact that we are in a boom economy. But the market is changing and the Chinese airlines are increasing their passenger numbers out of Australia. This is due to their ticket costs being around the $5000 and less when on special. The affect will be to increase pressure on the high cost airfares, they are loosing passenger numbers and therefore loading on their planes. EK is a good example of this, their loading out of Melb is low in J, this is the reason why the A380 is coming to Melb on EK406, and EK407. It will help up loading in J.
As to the original question, there are now few truly independent TA's in the market. Most have a tie up to an Airline, or Airlines. Try getting the Royal Brunei Airline special ($3729 Best Flights) out of Flight Centre good luck!! As suggested keep a eye on Best Flights, I understand that most of their call centre is manned by backpackers, and is therefore a little lacking in Industry knowledge. So if you are going to use them you must know what you want. Once booked do not alter any part of the booking as Best Flights will hit you with a large fee for the alteration.
As I travel several times a year, and with various Airlines, I do not look for FF points (there a waste of time), there are people on this forum with a huge knowledge on this matter.
Finally may I suggest that you look at Cheap Flights & Airfares - Book International Flights | Jetabroad and Cheap Flights, Airfares and Discount Airline Tickets from Australia |Book International & Domestic Flight and Travel Insurance Online &ndash; FlightsFlights.com.au, and use - Cheap Flights - Phone Flights Resultsas a reference.
Use Airline Reviews | Airport Reviews | Seat Reviews | Airline Ranking, to check service levels, and seat quality. But most of all research, and then research some more.

 

[spudseamus]

Thank you Dalescott my only worry is that I wont live long enough to see what you are alluding to LOL! (joking I hope ) yes I have been watching these air fares for a little while now -- I will heed your comments

 

[spudseamus]

thanks dalescott that site jetabroad is very good !

 

[lovetravellingoz]

As I travel several times a year, and with various Airlines, I do not look for FF points (there a waste of time), there are people on this forum with a huge knowledge on this matter.
.

Eeeek..wash your mouth out with soap!!!!!! :shock:

However perhaps what you were getting at was not letting what a J Ticket would earn in FF points being the reason to buy a J Ticket on a particular airline, as by shopping around you can often buy a J Ticket for a lot less in overall cost (even after allowing for quality differences) by chasing available specials and will this save more than what the FF Points value would add.. With this sentiment I would fully agree.

For even though I love gaining my FF points...I always look at what is "best value" to me overall. So I will shop at NQR...use VISA rather than Amex at some stores...use cash if I can gain a discount up front....and even fly sans-FF points on airlines that do not offer them if the price is right etc etc..

But I would always at least look at FF points., and will garner them on several FF programs when it makes sense to do so. As I now earn each year a goodly sum of FF points, I now have become a lot fussier and will pass on some point earning opportunities and pick and choose which ones to earn rather than just chase any earn..

PS: Admittedly redeeming FF points is more restrictive that buying a ticket for when you want to go....but I just over the last 2 months bought my wife a J return to Europe by:

* Amex Plat = $900 = 40K for me + 80K for my wife (Plus flight to Cairms or NZ worth say $400+)
* Amex Edge = $99 = 25 K (Plus domestic flight worth say $300+)
* Citibank Plat = $149 = 60K ( 40 k to SQ).
Total: 185K

J to Europe = 127.5 to 150K

By the time I pay for taxes and charges say $2000 will gain a J to Europe + Y to Cains + Y to Brisbane with 35-60K left over.

 

[Dalescott]

Point taken, I do not allow FF points to affect my purchase, and yes I use my Citi Plat and use the points to have some fun. Like Cape Kidnapper this year OHH YESSSSS, and on the cheap. I was refering to Airlines FF's, not card points.

 

[casanovawa]

Depends on what your situation is and whether you are looking at J tickets to be funded by work or its work related travel etc, but if just for your personal use, i think the US Airways Dividend Miles scheme will be about your cheapest option, business class for only about $2500 including taxes if you buy during the bonus periods... You won't get any FF points or status credits but with business class lounges available, extra luggage and all the rest who cares...

 

[TravelingJ]

Depends on what your situation is and whether you are looking at J tickets to be funded by work or its work related travel etc, but if just for your personal use, i think the US Airways Dividend Miles scheme will be about your cheapest option, business class for only about $2500 including taxes if you buy during the bonus periods... You won't get any FF points or status credits but with business class lounges available, extra luggage and all the rest who cares...

What is availability like generally? Do you have to fly through the US or can you use code share to get over to Europe (i.e. SQ)

As to travel domestically, I do not do alot so it is mainly international (and then only personal). When I do travel for work it is only domestic and the organisation has now adopted a policy of cheapest fare on the day (which means DJ usually).

 

[casanovawa]

You can fly any *A airline, and to get to Europe from Asia or Australia you can't go via the US, but i am flying through Asia to Europe to the US for a couple of weeks and then stopping off in Europe on the way back for another 3 weeks...

Availability looks fairly good but i guess the further out you book the better it is... I am flying mainly Thai and Lufthansa but once you get up to SIN or BKK etc you could also fly SAS or Austrian or Turkish airlines etc... If your on the East Coast of Oz there will be more options including maybe Asiana, SQ etc... There seems to be about 3 flights on SQ a day out of Perth but only one seems to ever offer J seats from what i can see on the way up and down and they are not at the most convenient time so more why i chose Thai to get up there and back, you may have more luck if your on the east coast on SQ...

 

[lightie]

Business Class Flights from Australia | AlphaFlightGuru
I am not sure about this but it does have an Australian Toll free number to it so can be checked out I guess, seems to be an American Company

 

[lightie]

Business Class Travel – Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Qantas, British Airways, Cathay Pacific This is another one, I have just found and will probably look at next time

 

[winfred]

What are you talking about?!! Australia's comparative macro economic position has very little if anything to do with the relatively small airfare market we have, which is the main reason for the prices we see. As it has been pointed out, ex-Australia fares have been higher for decades.

Rubbish. I used to get MEL-HKG-YYZ return in F for A$9000. It would cost me more than A$9000 for just the HKG-YYZ return if I bought the ticket in Hong Kong. I did that for morethan 6 years until the A$ appreciated too much against the USD.