Booking one-way Los Angeles to Melbourne

[Huggins]

I managed to book 2 adults and 2 children in business class from Melbourne to LA just before Christmas 2012. I did this on 29 December 2011. All reward seats for total investment of about 480,000 points. Very happy with this!

Problem is, I can't get reward seat options to show for the one-way return booking for mid January 2013. Only option is for any seat for 943,000 points each. Not really an option!

I've checked a bunch of other dates (including the next week, month etc) and this seems to always be the case.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Sprucegoose]

Yes, hard work and persistence.

One day they maybe there, the other not.

Bit of a lottery.

I offered someone a spotters fee. You need to find a geek who has a lot of time on their hands who needs the cash basically.

BTW- that's not me!

 

[straitman]

I managed to book 2 adults and 2 children in business class from Melbourne to LA just before Christmas 2012. I did this on 29 December 2011. All reward seats for total investment of about 480,000 points. Very happy with this!

Problem is, I can't get reward seat options to show for the one-way return booking for mid January 2013. Only option is for any seat for 943,000 points each. Not really an option!

I've checked a bunch of other dates (including the next week, month etc) and this seems to always be the case.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Hi Huggins,

Welcome to AFF.

Has the reward availability for the dates you are after opened up yet :?:

I can see seats (via SYD) as late as Dec 30 but no later. (@ 96,000 points each)

 

[Huggins]

Hi Huggins,

Welcome to AFF.

Has the reward availability for the dates you are after opened up yet :?:

I can see seats (via SYD) as late as Dec 30 but no later. (@ 96,000 points each)

Thanks Bill - you guys are quick!

The availability is there but only if you specify December 2012 and then use the change date function.

I can't see the 96,000 points option. Are you specifying a return trip and that is the quote for the homeward leg? The problem seems to be with specifying a one-way from the USA.


Cheers,

Huggins

 

[straitman]

Thanks Bill - you guys are quick!

The availability is there but only if you specify December 2012 and then use the change date function.

I can't see the 96,000 points option. Are you specifying a return trip and that is the quote for the homeward leg? The problem seems to be with specifying a one-way from the USA.


Cheers,

Huggins

I just called up December 31st with flexible dates. Make sure you then tick the box to get business as an option as it only shows economy as the default.

 

[Huggins]

I just called up December 31st with flexible dates. Make sure you then tick the box to get business as an option as it only shows economy as the default.

I'm still only seeing the 943,000 any seat options for 30, 31 December or, indeed, any of the dates up to 22 January 2013 (which are also available). No reward seats showing (as is the case for February 2012 as a check). Looks like I may have to get on the phone!

Cheers,

Huggins

 

[ozbeachbabe]

I'm still only seeing the 943,000 any seat options for 30, 31 December or, indeed, any of the dates up to 22 January 2013 (which are also available). No reward seats showing (as is the case for February 2012 as a check). Looks like I may have to get on the phone!

Cheers,

Huggins

What award did you book on the way to the US - a Classic (nil SC or points earned) or an any seat award (earn SC & points)?

Just be advised that if you do call up it is highly unlikely that reservations would offer you an Any Seat award as they always push the Classic award.

You could sign up to Expert Flyer www.expertflyer.com as if you have the full membership you can set a flight alert for "U" class seats so when they become available E/F will send you an email so you can get online asap & snap them up. If would be up to you whether you choose to book a Classic or Any Seat award as both are booked in "U" which is the redemption class for the business class cabin.

 

[Reg Reagan]

What award did you book on the way to the US - a Classic (nil SC or points earned) or an any seat award (earn SC & points)?

Unfortunately DJ ASAs don't earn SC & points despite some outrageously high points redemptions.

 

[Huggins]

Unfortunately DJ ASAs don't earn SC & points despite some outrageously high points redemptions.

Thanks for the all the help guys. Straitman - I can't get PM to work to reply to you any more.

Just spoke to the Velocity contact centre. January 2013 LA to Melbourne seats haven't been released yet, despite the system appearing to show that they have. Also, it looks like this one-way sector always has to be booked over the phone for a rewards seat. I'll just keep ringing them every day from now to make sure I don't miss out.

Cheers,

Huggins

 

[serfty]

Thanks for the all the help guys. Straitman - I can't get PM to work to reply to you any more.
...

That's strange as you should be able to PM a Moderator of this forum even with only four posts.

 

[Limewood]

Similar situation, December last wanted two JASA seats CNS via BNE or SYD to LAX return Aug/Sept @ 192K points each plus taxes, could only find Aug12 out, but not return flight, but grabbed them anyway, joined Expert Flyer 3 weeks later they advised 2 x JASA back to OZ via AKL available so booked those, still have EF looking for LAX to SYD or BNE to Cairns though.