Creative routing Australia to Hawaii

[Deleted member 29185]

this is still the first time I've heard of PX (Air Niugini). So much diversity in this region in terms of airlines.

AU to PNG, PX is by far my preferred airline. From BNE, they fly a 767 as opposed to both QF and VA flying 738's, they are almost always cheaper (usually by a considerable margin) and unlike VA they actually serve a pretty reasonable meal! QF code share with PX on that route.

PNG has a plethora of great (and safe), largely unspoiled, tourist attractions (unfortunately POM itself does not fall into that category unless you're familiar with the city) and although I'm yet to visit Micronesia, it does certainly look like a laid back spot to transit and diving/ snorkelling looks good as well. PX fly to both PNI and TKK so any routing could bypass PNI if time or cash is in short supply, or if connections are a bit troublesome!

 

[CPMaverick]

Just an update, it came to my attention that entry to PPG / American Samoa is not so easy on a foreign passport. Certain passports need an "Authority to Board" which must be sorted in advance. Some may need a visa, even if they don't need one for the USA.

In any case I am on a USA passport so I don't have a worry, but wanted to note it for others. I don't have any more details, just something to consider.

 

[Scarlett]

CP, not sure if you’ve already booked the FGI-PPG leg but highly recommend Polynesian over Talofa.

I flew that route in the middle of last year return. The Talofa a/c (Aero Commander iirc) looked worse for wear and interestingly, took off downwind from FGI whilst I was waiting for my OL flight. When you see the strip you might understand why that concerned me... OL flights taxied to the far end for a more ‘expected’ departure.

But hey, I wasn’t the PIC, just a guy watching so what would I know.

 

[CPMaverick]

CP, not sure if you’ve already booked the FGI-PPG leg but highly recommend Polynesian over Talofa.

I flew that route in the middle of last year return. The Talofa a/c (Aero Commander iirc) looked worse for wear and interestingly, took off downwind from FGI whilst I was waiting for my OL flight. When you see the strip you might understand why that concerned me... OL flights taxied to the far end for a more ‘expected’ departure.

But hey, I wasn’t the PIC, just a guy watching so what would I know.

Thanks for the info. I actually booked the Talofa flight already. The smaller plane (and a unique plane option) sounded appealing. I figure it is marginally less safe than Polynesian, but the odds are still in any air traveler's favor. I guess we'll see how it goes.

 

[CPMaverick]

Hi All-

The trip described above went perfectly. I did post photos to my flicker in the 'Samoa' and 'American Samoa' albums here (the short hop from FGI is covered in the American Samoa Album). Thanks for all your help!

CPMaverick’s albums | Flickr

www.flickr.com

But the main reason I'm bumping this thread - I had another opportunity to book a creative routing (this time ex-HNL). Here's what I have booked:

Great Circle Mapper

HNL-MAJ on UA. 27k UA miles. Must keep in mind that this flight arrives +1 day.
* 1 night in MAJ
MAJ-KWA-KSA-PNI on UA. 12.5k UA miles.
* 2 nights in PNI
PNI-TKK on UA. 8k UA miles.
* 3 nights on TKK
TKK-POM on PX, using cash ($335 USD). This flight only operates on Sundays, hence the 3 nights on TKK (although it's an early Sunday flight).
* 2 nights in POM
POM-BNE-MEL on VA (A$335, had a travel bank credit so used it instead of points).

This is going to be fun. PX offers some interesting opportunities via POM if you can get the schedule right (many flights only operate 1 day a week). PX flies from PNI-POM as well so I figure I have a few options if something gets delayed.

Thanks to the member who suggested PNG (seems to be gone now).