Earlybird specials to U.S for Jul/Aug next year?

[aussiecruisers]

Well I have been spending every spare moment looking for cheap airfares for our trip to the US in september, but I am not having much luck .
So far I have found the following for this itinerary:
BNE to MIA
EYW (key west) to SAN
SAN to BNE

If I go through Qantas and go via HNL the best I could get was:

Fri 14 Sep 07 17:15 Brisbane 18:45 Sydney QF545 Domestic Sale
19:45 Sydney 09:30 Honolulu QF3 1

Flight Back:

Sat 20 Oct 07 09:15 Honolulu 15:45 (Sun) Sydney QF386 Main Sale
17:35 (Sun) Sydney 19:00 (Sun) Brisbane QF542 3


Total Price*
Price Passengers Total Price
$1462.06 x 2 adults = $2924.12 (AUD)

Then for the USA segments, I go through AA, the best I could find was:

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES 2 HNL Honolulu/ Oahu Sep 14, 2007
12:50 PM LAX Los Angeles Sep 14, 2007
09:05 PM 763

AMERICAN AIRLINES 276 LAX Los Angeles Sep 14, 2007
11:15 PM MIA Miami Sep 15, 2007
07:05 AM 757


CONTINENTAL AIRLINES
OPERATED BY GULFSTREAM DBA CONTINENTAL CONNECTION 9177 EYW Key West Oct 04, 2007
10:15 AM FLL Fort Lauderdale Oct 04, 2007
11:10 AM BE1

AMERICAN AIRLINES 507 FLL Fort Lauderdale Oct 04, 2007
12:35 PM DFW Dallas/ Fort Worth Oct 04, 2007
02:40 PM M80

AMERICAN AIRLINES 1961 DFW Dallas/ Fort Worth Oct 04, 2007
04:23 PM SAN San Diego Oct 04, 2007
05:23 PM M80


HAWAIIAN AIRLINES 15 SAN San Diego Oct 20, 2007
09:50 AM HNL Honolulu/ Oahu Oct 20, 2007
12:35 PM 763

Fare Summary ?
Average Fare Per Person - 840.22 USD
Passenger Type Used in Pricing Fare per Person Additional Taxes and Fees per Person Total Price
2 Adult 840.22 USD 61.90 USD 1804.24 USD
Total Price 1804.24 USD ($2342.16AUD)

Which comes to a total of $5266.28 ($2633.14). I don't mind the above fares except I couldn't find a returning from SAN to HNL to match up with HNL to BNE. It appears Qantas only fly in the mornings? and the above flight arrives 12.35pm. So if we were to book the above we would have to have a night in Hawaii.

So when you add 1 night's accommdation in Hawaii into the costs, is it worth it or should I book the below fare at $3192.08 p/p for the WHOLE trip as shown below. (n.b. would have to add in EYW).
Whole fare through webject
Total Price: $ 6,384.19 (without EYW) = $3192.08 p/p
FLIGHT DETAILS
Fri 14 Sep 2007
Qantas Airways
Economy Class Flight QF533 Depart Brisbane Fri 14 Sep 2007 At 2:15 PM
Arrive Sydney Fri 14 Sep 2007 At 3:45 PM

American Airlines
Economy Class Flight AA7295 Depart Brisbane Fri 14 Sep 2007 At 11:05 AM
Operated by Qantas Airways Arrive Los Angeles Fri 14 Sep 2007 At 7:00 AM

American Airlines
Economy Class Flight AA280 Depart Los Angeles Fri 14 Sep 2007 At 9:25 AM
Arrive Miami Fri 14 Sep 2007 At 5:20 PM

Thu 04 Oct 2007
American Airlines
Economy Class Flight AA1593 Depart Fort Lauderdale Thu 04 Oct 2007 At 10:10 AM
Arrive Los Angeles Thu 04 Oct 2007 At 12:40 PM

American Airlines
Economy Class Flight AA3067 Depart Los Angeles Thu 04 Oct 2007 At 1:45 PM
Arrive San Diego Thu 04 Oct 2007 At 2:50 PM

Sat 20 Oct 2007
Qantas Airways
Economy Class Flight QF544 Depart Sydney Sat 20 Oct 2007 At 6:05 PM
Arrive Brisbane Sat 20 Oct 2007 At 7:30 PM

American Airlines
Economy Class Flight AA3084 Depart San Diego Sat 20 Oct 2007 At 4:15 PM
Arrive Los Angeles Sat 20 Oct 2007 At 5:05 PM

American Airlines
Economy Class Flight AA7298 Depart Los Angeles Sat 20 Oct 2007 At 11:20 PM
Operated by Qantas Airways Arrive Brisbane Mon 22 Oct 2007 At 6:05 AM


Anybody have any other suggestions?

 

[baswitzer]

Mal - Did you go to the expo? I avoided it as I have booked my flight now and did not want to see (or bear to see) cheaper fares.
Im still pretty happy with my Air Tahiti flight to NYC from 1100 plus tax. Gets decent write ups on airlinequality.com as well.

Well I have been spending every spare moment looking for cheap airfares for our trip to the US in september, but I am not having much luck .
So far I have found the following for this itinerary:
BNE to MIA
EYW (key west) to SAN
SAN to BNE

If I go through Qantas and go via HNL the best I could get was:

Fri 14 Sep 07 17:15 Brisbane 18:45 Sydney QF545 Domestic Sale
19:45 Sydney 09:30 Honolulu QF3 1

Flight Back:

Sat 20 Oct 07 09:15 Honolulu 15:45 (Sun) Sydney QF386 Main Sale
17:35 (Sun) Sydney 19:00 (Sun) Brisbane QF542 3


Total Price*
Price Passengers Total Price
$1462.06 x 2 adults = $2924.12 (AUD)

Then for the USA segments, I go through AA, the best I could find was:

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES 2 HNL Honolulu/ Oahu Sep 14, 2007
12:50 PM LAX Los Angeles Sep 14, 2007
09:05 PM 763

AMERICAN AIRLINES 276 LAX Los Angeles Sep 14, 2007
11:15 PM MIA Miami Sep 15, 2007
07:05 AM 757


CONTINENTAL AIRLINES
OPERATED BY GULFSTREAM DBA CONTINENTAL CONNECTION 9177 EYW Key West Oct 04, 2007
10:15 AM FLL Fort Lauderdale Oct 04, 2007
11:10 AM BE1

AMERICAN AIRLINES 507 FLL Fort Lauderdale Oct 04, 2007
12:35 PM DFW Dallas/ Fort Worth Oct 04, 2007
02:40 PM M80

AMERICAN AIRLINES 1961 DFW Dallas/ Fort Worth Oct 04, 2007
04:23 PM SAN San Diego Oct 04, 2007
05:23 PM M80


HAWAIIAN AIRLINES 15 SAN San Diego Oct 20, 2007
09:50 AM HNL Honolulu/ Oahu Oct 20, 2007
12:35 PM 763

Fare Summary ?
Average Fare Per Person - 840.22 USD
Passenger Type Used in Pricing Fare per Person Additional Taxes and Fees per Person Total Price
2 Adult 840.22 USD 61.90 USD 1804.24 USD
Total Price 1804.24 USD ($2342.16AUD)

Which comes to a total of $5266.28 ($2633.14). I don't mind the above fares except I couldn't find a returning from SAN to HNL to match up with HNL to BNE. It appears Qantas only fly in the mornings? and the above flight arrives 12.35pm. So if we were to book the above we would have to have a night in Hawaii.

So when you add 1 night's accommdation in Hawaii into the costs, is it worth it or should I book the below fare at $3192.08 p/p for the WHOLE trip as shown below. (n.b. would have to add in EYW).
Whole fare through webject
Total Price: $ 6,384.19 (without EYW) = $3192.08 p/p
FLIGHT DETAILS
Fri 14 Sep 2007
Qantas Airways
Economy Class Flight QF533 Depart Brisbane Fri 14 Sep 2007 At 2:15 PM
Arrive Sydney Fri 14 Sep 2007 At 3:45 PM

American Airlines
Economy Class Flight AA7295 Depart Brisbane Fri 14 Sep 2007 At 11:05 AM
Operated by Qantas Airways Arrive Los Angeles Fri 14 Sep 2007 At 7:00 AM

American Airlines
Economy Class Flight AA280 Depart Los Angeles Fri 14 Sep 2007 At 9:25 AM
Arrive Miami Fri 14 Sep 2007 At 5:20 PM

Thu 04 Oct 2007
American Airlines
Economy Class Flight AA1593 Depart Fort Lauderdale Thu 04 Oct 2007 At 10:10 AM
Arrive Los Angeles Thu 04 Oct 2007 At 12:40 PM

American Airlines
Economy Class Flight AA3067 Depart Los Angeles Thu 04 Oct 2007 At 1:45 PM
Arrive San Diego Thu 04 Oct 2007 At 2:50 PM

Sat 20 Oct 2007
Qantas Airways
Economy Class Flight QF544 Depart Sydney Sat 20 Oct 2007 At 6:05 PM
Arrive Brisbane Sat 20 Oct 2007 At 7:30 PM

American Airlines
Economy Class Flight AA3084 Depart San Diego Sat 20 Oct 2007 At 4:15 PM
Arrive Los Angeles Sat 20 Oct 2007 At 5:05 PM

American Airlines
Economy Class Flight AA7298 Depart Los Angeles Sat 20 Oct 2007 At 11:20 PM
Operated by Qantas Airways Arrive Brisbane Mon 22 Oct 2007 At 6:05 AM


Anybody have any other suggestions?

 

[Mal]

Mal - Did you go to the expo? I avoided it as I have booked my flight now and did not want to see (or bear to see) cheaper fares.
Im still pretty happy with my Air Tahiti flight to NYC from 1100 plus tax. Gets decent write ups on airlinequality.com as well.

Nah my FC expo isn't for a couple of weeks. Think I'm going - although I'm not sure I'll get anything out of it!

 

[Evan]

I thought i may come along (and mobile internet in hand to be sure its a good deal) and see whats on offer just for a holiday break or 2.
Melb is 10/11 feb (next weekend)

Evan

 

[Travel Guru]

I'm still looking around for any earlybird fares - but still can't find any.

Does anyone know enough about fares to the U.S to advise if a sale will commence / early bird specials will be available?

(Of course I know that flights to LAX/SFO etc are extremely overpriced and not really competitive, but I still live in hope!)

The earlybird fares you see advertised are restricted to UK/Europe.

Being an agent myself, i'd hold off booking unless I could get something for under $1600 inc taxes until march or april, as the airlines (especially QF and UA) tend to release specials season by season.

I wouldn't bank on FC Expo having anything you cant get on bestflights, but you never know, the airlines continue to surprise!!

 

[serfty]

... Anybody have any other suggestions?

That AUD1464 is the sale price ex BNE.

Your problem is EYW as is it not a major port and costs are generally higher.

There are some HNL-MIA, MIA-SAN & SAN-HNL options showing on those dates that includes some travel with Hawaiian Airlines with for a total of ~USD784pp. If you can find a reasonable priced way to get from EYW to MIA and fly from MIA you can save.

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES 2 

HNL Honolulu/ Oahu Sep 14, 2007 12:50 PM
LAX Los Angeles    Sep 14, 2007 09:05 PM 763

AMERICAN AIRLINES 276
	
LAX Los Angeles    Sep 14, 2007 11:15 PM
MIA Miami          Sep 15, 2007 07:05 AM 757


AMERICAN AIRLINES 431
	
MIA Miami          Oct 04, 2007 08:10 AM
SFO San Francisco  Oct 04, 2007 11:00 AM 763

AMERICAN AIRLINES 7016 OPERATED BY ALASKA AIRLINES
	
SFO San Francisco  Oct 04, 2007 03:43 PM 	
SAN San Diego      Oct 04, 2007 05:13 PM 737


HAWAIIAN AIRLINES 15
	
SAN San Diego      Oct 20, 2007 09:50 AM
HNL Honolulu/ Oahu Oct 20, 2007 12:35 PM 763

Fare Summary 
Average Fare Per Person -  725.22 USD

Passenger Type   Fare per Person  Additional Taxes      Total Price  
Used in Pricing                   and Fees per Person

2  Adult         725.22 USD       58.50 USD             1567.44 USD

                                  Total Price           1567.44 USD

That's ~AUD1025pp which when added to the QF 1464 gives a total of nearly AUD2500pp.

 

[Maca44]

I went to the Flight Centre Expo last weekend in Sydney with the intention of a good priced flight from Sydney to Seattle in AUG07, however, I left empty handed. I was a little dissappointed with the staff who emphasised that the price was a special expo fare and was avail for that Saturday only which I suspect is a lot of cough, trying to con a con.

United SYD/SFO, and then Alaska SFO/SEA was just over $2350, and United all the way with an 8 hour layover in SFO was just over $2000. QF was way out of the picture at over $2750. I understand its cheaper to fly into Vancouver, but after doing a bit of research the difference in price is offset by the fact it cost more to rent a car in YVR than SEA, so I will take Travel Guru's advice and wait. If nothing comes along that meets my pocket I'll wait until next year. I would only be away 7 days to attend a wedding, so if I can't make it I send over US$150 as a gift and save for my next trip.

 

[aussiecruisers]

Your problem is EYW as is it not a major port and costs are generally higher.

There are some HNL-MIA, MIA-SAN & SAN-HNL options showing on those dates that includes some travel with Hawaiian Airlines with for a total of ~USD784pp. If you can find a reasonable priced way to get from EYW to MIA and fly from MIA you can save.

HAWAIIAN AIRLINES 2 
 
That's ~AUD1025pp which when added to the QF 1464 gives a total of nearly AUD2500pp.[/quote]
 
I think the only way to remove the costs of the Key West (EYW) sector is if we hire a car or get shuttled from Key West to the airport.  I know the cheaper option would be to hire a car but I don't really want to go there.  I don't want the added stress. A shuttle from the Keys to MIA is $72US (approx $100AUD) per person one way.

 

[aussiecruisers]

Being an agent myself, i'd hold off booking unless I could get something for under $1600 inc taxes until march or april, as the airlines (especially QF and UA) tend to release specials season by season.

I wouldn't bank on FC Expo having anything you cant get on bestflights, but you never know, the airlines continue to surprise!!

Does anybody think I can get $1600 incl taxes for my itinerary?:shock: I would be having one hell of a celebration if I could.

Does anybody think $2500-$2600 is a good deal for my itinerary of BNE to MIA; Key West (EYW) to SAN; SAN to BNE via Honolulu both directions? If so, should I take the plunge and do it NOW?

 

[Travel Guru]

Does anybody think I can get $1600 incl taxes for my itinerary?:shock: I would be having one hell of a celebration if I could.

Does anybody think $2500-$2600 is a good deal for my itinerary of BNE to MIA; Key West (EYW) to SAN; SAN to BNE via Honolulu both directions? If so, should I take the plunge and do it NOW?

Which airline are you quoting aussiecruisers?

If it's QF, id consider that a fairly good price, as HNL is never an option on their cheaper fares, so you always pay a premium for the privelige of stopping there.

TG

 

[aussiecruisers]

Which airline are you quoting aussiecruisers?

If it's QF, id consider that a fairly good price, as HNL is never an option on their cheaper fares, so you always pay a premium for the privelige of stopping there.

TG

Qantas for BNE to HNL return
American Airlines for HNL, MIA, EYW, SAN sectors.

Don't get me wrong, I would rather fly direct to MIA from BNE. It appears it's cheaper to go Via HNL to the US for some reason. You can see the post from me yesterday at 10.03am (4/2) and Serfty's post (9.43am today) for more details on the flights.

 

[Travel Guru]

Qantas for BNE to HNL return
American Airlines for HNL, MIA, EYW, SAN sectors.

Don't get me wrong, I would rather fly direct to MIA from BNE. It appears it's cheaper to go Via HNL to the US for some reason. You can see the post from me yesterday at 10.03am (4/2) and Serfty's post (9.43am today) for more details on the flights.

I know UA had a special a couple of times where for $1 more than the west/east coast fare they'd fly you to a city beyond their hub...perhaps it would be worth waiting to see if they repeat it this year.

TG

 

[aussiecruisers]

I just emailed the quotes I got from aa.com & priceline.com & webjet to Flight centre and they came back with an itinerary that couldn't match mine and a price of $2998Aud . So much for the price beat guarantee. On the bottom of the email, it read

Price Beat Guarantee - We'll beat any available price you find.

- Based on Australian registered businesses & websites.

- Quote must be presented prior to booking to take advantage of the
price

beat guarantee.

 

[serfty]

I guess AA.com does not comply with the "Australian registered businesses & websites." condition.

 

[Jetsetter]

Hi Aussiecruisers.
Im a newbie to the forum and a T/A and your itinerary presented a challenge and this is what I came up with. More aligned to price....

Option 1:
QF (JL Codeshare) ex BNE to TYO on 14 Sep 0850/1645
NW ex TYO to SEA on 14 Sep 2010/1250
NW ex SEA to DTW on 14 Sep 2220/0526+1
NW ex DTW to MIA on 15 Sep 0915/1219
WN ex FLL to SAN on 04 Oct via BNA (Nashville)- Flight time dependent on schedule**
UA ex SAN to LAX on 20 Oct 0945/1033
NW ex LAX to TYO on 20 Oct 1310/1645+1
QF ex TYO to BNE on 21 Oct 2130/0705+1

Estimated Fare included taxes - $2565.00
I say estimated because the WN (Southwest) fare is subject to available when online bookings open - approx 4 months out from departure. Based on lowest fares in system there seems no reason to assume why similar fares would not exist for October - and you can book in July.

Option 2:

CI ex BNE to TPE on 14 Sep 1000/1700
CI ex TPE to LAX on 14 Sep 2250/2015
AA ex Lax to MIA on 14 Sep 2315/0705+1
WN ex FLL to SAN on 04 oct - time to be confirmed
UA ex SAN to LAX on 20 Oct 1015/1103
CI ex LAX to TPE on 20 Oct 1515/2010+1
CI ex TPE to SYD on 21 Oct 2220/0930+1
QF ex SYD to BNE on 22 Oct 1105/1230
Fare inclusive of taxes - $2165.00

This fare also uses the Southwest option so of course its not a guaranteed fare but Im confident its accurate. The fare is made up of several portions (as is the other one) and the main airfare (CI) has a ticketing deadline of 31/3/07.

You should also note (and you may be aware) that the QF flights noted in your itinerary to Hawaii (QF389??) are operated by Jetstar so allow additional costs for food etc.

Hope this helps
Cheers

 

[Jetsetter]

Sorry aussiecruisers - its QF386 on the HNL/SYD run thats operated by Jetstar. Also the AA flight will only earn QF points at the lowest rate 0.5.

Cheers

 

[serfty]

... You should also note (and you may be aware) that the QF flights noted in your itinerary to Hawaii (QF389??) are operated by Jetstar so allow additional costs for food etc. ...

Hi Jetsetter, and welcome to AFF.

What you have posted is incorrect, It needs to be noted here that PAX travelling QF codeshares on JQ International metal are entitled to complimentary meals and drinks on the flight.

 

[Jetsetter]

Thanks Serfty, my apologies...quite right...and duly noted.

 

[Flashback]

Hi Jetsetter, and welcome to AFF.

What you have posted is incorrect, It needs to be noted here that PAX travelling QF codeshares on JQ International metal are entitled to complimentary meals and drinks on the flight.

Although having said that, there have been many reports of said PAX not receiving their free meals/drinks

 

[serfty]

Although having said that, there have been many reports of said PAX not receiving their free meals/drinks

I believe this is due to either being mis informed or not understanding.

e.g. PAX should not move seats without advising crew and they should retain their BPs throughout the flight.

All PAX should be given a leaflet when checking in which has relevant info on this. If they read these they would be aware of what is available to them and what they need to do.

It is essential those travelling down the back KEEP their BP's as on these is printed what they are entitled (e.g. SPML-Feed me Pack, IFOO = Entertain me Pack etc ...)

I believe those who have meals included are entitled to a Drink served with the meal. Other than that they need to purchase additional beverages.