EK F SYD/MEL - CHC for Honeymoon

[Longrass]

Hi Team,

My honeymoon is coming up in August this year and thinking of heading to NZ for something different as we have done long hauls to Europe almost each year for the last 4 or 5 years now on top of a heap of domestic adventures.

Having been to the north island, the south is calling and the thought of cool weather and snow is ticking the boxes for a 2 and a half week stint.

At this stage my thoughts are to follow this routing, I am looking for feedback on value for money or better ideas even!

To NZ:

DRW - SYD - QF842 arriving into SYD at 1850 (QF J)
SYD - CHC - EK412 departing from SYD 0750 (EK F)

Total QFFP is 150k both one way. Thinking EK F will be a nice start to the trip and also use of the F Lounge will be wonderful again.

From NZ:

CHC - SYD - QF138 (QF J)
SYD - DRW - QF840 (QF J)

Total AAdvantage is 50k both one way. Seems like good value for money...

Any thoughts guys??? Would love learned recommendations!

​

 

[scwappy]

F on EK is better value IMHO from NZ to AUS as it is a late afternoon, evening flight and you can enjoy some very fancy booze if that's your thing. This would outweigh F lounge access in my view , however it would likely require an overnight most likely in MEL, BNE or SYD. It's not a bad way to travel what you have selected!!

 

[RichardMEL]

Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials!!!!

First 150k QFF points is a LOT. For example currently there is a sale on for F for ~1700ish return from the east coast, and probably not that much more from the top end. While I realise that would be north of $10k each for return, maybe you could split the points for one trip with some cash? If points are aplenty though then go for it.

I would absolutely *NOT* do QF J trans-tas on the return. yes the schedules are better, but I would do EK F on the return (and perhaps maybe EK J on the way over). Why? ex-NZ service is better, evening flights for a full dinner service and it will be a lovely way to finish your special trip. QF J, honestly, would be a let down. You will get pretty much the same going back to DRW anyway. If it was me I wouldn't let my new other half do trans tas on anything but EK F, and try and arrange something specia with EK like a cake and acknowledgement, maybe even indulge in a shower (think they may frown on 2 of you at once though )

Also EK often has F fares on sale ex-NZ that are pretty decent if the budget allows.

I understand you can't use AA miles for the EK flights of course, but if it was the case maybe I'd look to do it the other way around and fly into NZ on AA points. Why? EK ex-oz brekky service is a bit average, and it's an early flight, you two may wish to uh sleep in prior to trans tas and there may be better connections later on.

each to their own but just my immediate thoughts on the matter

 

[Longrass]

Some great suggestions above. The FLounge is definately a big attraction to start the trip and we will stay at Rydges Int Airport Hotel so it will be a quick and easy walk across at 5am...

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Sydney hands or paws up... Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel prior to trip and SYD QF F and thats my feel of/for it.
Lounge opens at 6am.
You have about 45 mins then boarding.

 

[Longrass]

Sydney hands or paws up... Rydges Sydney Airport Hotel prior to trip and SYD QF F and thats my feel of/for it. Lounge opens at 6am. You have about 45 mins then boarding.

LocationAirside, Level 4, past immigration. Enter on level 3 via escalatorHours05:00 to 22:00Website shows 5am... Is this wrong?

 

[Longrass]

Thinking out aloud.

Would it be permisable and the same price to say do SYD-AKL (EK F) -ZQN (JQ)???

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

I was there at the QF F lounge door prior to 6am but no magic.
6am and then it happened. Door opened.
Maybe during non daylight savings its 5am.
The walk from gate 10 near where the QF F lounge is to gate 50 or 51 is far.
SYD - CHC - ZQN might be possible in one PNR with QFF telephone sales.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Thinking out aloud.

Would it be permisable and the same price to say do SYD-AKL (EK F) -ZQN (JQ)???

It's always permissible and quite possible. We've done BNE AKL on EK then on to ZQN via ANZ on same day. But you'll have to pay for the extra flight.