Choice between 2 J flights and $$

[Pushka]

I have the choice between the following and don't know which way to go.

1. J class all paid flight on A380 Hong Kong - Sydney - Adelaide ( only been in Y+ on the A380 so that is a treat for me)

OR

2. Classic Award flight on Cathay in J direct Hong Kong to Adelaide.

What to do?

 

[MartinMemo]

If I had the cash to blow, option 1, and save/grow points base for when I don't have the cash.

 

[Pushka]

If I had the cash to blow, option 1, and save/grow points base for when I don't have the cash.

I was also thinking I might get a points upgrade to F.

 

[MartinMemo]

Again yeah, upgrade to F would be epic.

 

[MartinMemo]

I used to make the mistake of using all my points for upgrades but now have caught on to just forking out for J when I can - get more points and SC, and your points stay there for when you need them. Just my op.

 

[Pushka]

I used to make the mistake of using all my points for upgrades but now have caught on to just forking out for J when I can - get more points and SC, and your points stay there for when you need them. Just my op.

Might need to do a status run on those points to up my chances of the upgrade request.

 

[MartinMemo]

My mum makes them turn the computer around so she can see the available seats on check in - always works for her, though she is crazy.

 

[markis10]

If its ex HKG I would be looking at neither, especially of you plan on being back in Asia in the next 6 months, book a classic award to TPE and grab a CX J return for $2500:

Date Flight Operated By Departure Arrival Stop Duration Aircraft Class
30 Aug 2013 CX531 Cathay Pacific TPE 20:05 HKG 21:50 0 12:10 343 Business Standard (D)
30 Aug 2013 CX105 Cathay Pacific HKG 23:35 ADL 09:45 +1 0 333 Business Standard (D)
14 Nov 2013 CX104 Cathay Pacific ADL 12:20 HKG 21:45 1 14:30 333 Business Standard (D)
14 Nov 2013 CX408 Cathay Pacific HKG 22:45 TPE 00:20 +1 0 744 Business Standard (D)
Inflight entertainment (available on CX/KA serviced flights only): Taipei To Hong Kong , Hong Kong To Adelaide


Fare Details


Passenger Fare Taxes/Carrier Surcharges Total fare
Adult x 1 TWD 58,534.00 TWD 11,070.00 TWD 69,604.00
Hide Currency Converter Total fare TWD 69,604.00
Convert to other currency for your reference: Total fare: AUD 2,523.31

 

[Pushka]

Some out of the square thinking there Markis10! Hmmm

 

[MartinMemo]

Impressive.

 

[markis10]

Some out of the square thinking there Markis10! Hmmm

And when you go back to Asia, your journey ends in TPE where you can pickup another J ticket to your final destination for around $600 return, often earning 180-200 SC since they all go via HKG .

Date Flight Operated By Departure Arrival Stop Duration Aircraft Class
12 Sep 2013 CX451 Cathay Pacific TPE 19:40 HKG 21:20 0 5:15 773 Business Save (I)
12 Sep 2013 CX709 Cathay Pacific HKG 22:10 BKK 23:55 0 772 Business Save (I)
19 Sep 2013 CX754 Cathay Pacific BKK 12:40 HKG 16:25 0 5:50 333 Business Save (I)
19 Sep 2013 KA5470 Cathay Pacific HKG 17:45 TPE 19:30 0 772 Business Save (I)
Inflight entertainment (available on CX/KA serviced flights only): Taipei To Hong Kong , Hong Kong To Bangkok , Bangkok To Hong Kong , Hong Kong To Taipei


Fare Details


Passenger Fare Taxes/Carrier Surcharges Total fare
Adult x 1 TWD 14,434.00 TWD 4,046.00 TWD 18,480.00
Hide Currency Converter Total fare TWD 18,480.00
Convert to other currency for your reference: Total fare: AUD 669.94

 

[knightman7]

Yeah, this tip was probably my favourite I've gotten from this forum. Saved me thousands this year already

 

[Pushka]

Markis, could I check. Will this work if I don't have dates to return to HK/Asia? And what would it look like with a departure from HK on 4th April to end up in Adelaide. Does this work so a one way fare?

 

[markis10]

Markis, could I check. Will this work if I don't have dates to return to HK/Asia? And what would it look like with a departure from HK on 4th April to end up in Adelaide. Does this work so a one way fare?

One ways are always more expensive, if you know you will be back in Asia in 6 months or less its a no brainer, just pick a date and when it gets closer change it as required, you can also cancel the return for a small penalty.

 

[Pushka]

One ways are always more expensive, if you know you will be back in Asia in 6 months or less its a no brainer, just pick a date and when it gets closer change it as required, you can also cancel the return for a small penalty.

Ok. That works for me.

 

[Aeolus]

Markis, brilliant suggestions. Hoping you could guide me as well I will be in Hong Kong for 3 weeks in April and am thinking of flying around the region. Are there any J bargains to be had via HKG or always via TPE?
TIA

 

[Spongbob]

I had a similar dilemma for flights from SYD-HKG (return) in July. When the bookings had to be made by work in April, QF has a J sale at about $3K. Yet, this would only be at 240 SC (assuming status credits are a factor in your decision).

MH had their “Business Promo” fare (Z Class) for about $2800. While this meant transiting via KUL (J gives you lounge access in KUL), it allowed for travel on the A380 (KUL-HKG-KUL) and also – due to MH being in the OneWorld alliance – I got 400 SC.

Another factor in this decision was the QF flight was in the morning while the MH flight was in the evening (about 21:30h) which made it more compatible for work.

So the simple cost benefit analysis was QF for $3000 and 240 SC, MH for $2800 for 400 SC.

But I had to go through the drama of claiming missing points/SC after the journey (so keep your MH “e-ticket” with your QFF number and your MH boarding passes with your QFF number).

Oh, and the MH sectors in J on the A330 and A380 were very good (but not as good as the QF A380 in J).