Business class flights, not "first class" with QF FF partners HNL to Mainland USA

[zahra01]

Hi All,
Can I fly with a QF partner on FF points in business class to JFK, SFO,LAX,MEX from Hawaii.
All the flights I've looked at are classed as " first class" with the relevant expensive cost in terms of points required, and I am pretty sure from reviews and descriptions this is not a 'normal" first class, and just another name for business class., and probably pretty coughpy by business class standards too.. So is there any domestic Business class flights from HNL to the mainland or international to Mexico. ( now that Mexicana are out of the picture).

 

[serfty]

Except for a few specific transcontinental (east coast to/from west cost) 772 and 762 operated 3 class flights all Domestic AA flights are operated with First and Economy cabins.

Interestingly, if you travel on these flights using QF codeshare flight number you book into Business class.

Personally, I would not bother, generally you can get better fares using "instant Upgrade" fares. (YUP's or KUPS) These earn first class SC's and QFF points but can be much less expensive than similar business class fares within Australia.

Note that for Mexico travel, with flight segments between the USA and Mexico you would travel in Business Class.

Look here: Discounted First Class and Flyer Talk Fares

 

[trooper]

If we want to be credited "First" points for flying on paid "-UP" fares.. (and we DO!)
...then surely we have to accept the other side of the coin.... :mrgreen:

 

[zahra01]

If we want to be credited "First" points for flying on paid "-UP" fares.. (and we DO!)
...then surely we have to accept the other side of the coin.... :mrgreen:

I didn't realise that about the SC's...that's pretty good. It will make the fare more attractive now, even if the product isn't. Thanks for the tips.

 

[NM]

I believe the OP is asking about Qantas FF award flights, so YUPPs and First Class SCs are not of interest.

Qantas Business Class award flights book into the economy (coash) cabin for AA domestic 2-class services. If you want to sit in the First Class cabin on such flights, you need to fork out the First Class award points rate (ouch).

Note that AAdvantage business class awards book into the F cabin for AA domestic flights.

So the HNL to mainland flight is going to be in economy. You could look for business class availability between LAX/SFO and JFK on 3-class services. And if heading international you should be able look for business class availability.

If you want to travel in F between HNL and mainland, then your choices are:

• Pay for F seat using YUPP type fares
• Redeem QFF points for a F award
• Purchase AA miles and redeem for an AAdvantage domestic F award
• Purchase AA coach fare and upgrade with AA miles, "stickers" or gifted EVIPs