Forward ho to LAX in January...

[thegurio]

Ok, time to get a bit more serious about this...

It looks like I'm now going by myself and about the only things that need to be mentioned is the fact that im PS with DJ and would like this trip to launch "project gold".

So the conference dates are 14th and 15th of jan and it's at the Beverly Wiltshire. I need to go from HBA - LAX. They are the definites, the variables are how long, when and how much. January is quite a busy time so as little time as possible would be nice but having said that if I'm going to spend a few k I may as well see something for it!

I would like to avoid early morning flights where possible, but understand that if i don't leave early i need to spend more on accommodation in transit.

Im thinking VA, but it's almost 4k for a round trip and would like it if the whole trip cost that (accom included)

So in saying that, i would like some input. Most of all the nitty gritty of what i need to do re passports/visas etc. I can see me returning to LOTFAP somewhere late on in the year but thus isn't guaranteed so let's not put that in concrete.

Over to you guys!

 

[Sprucegoose]

And the question is?????

 

[drewbles]

And the question is?????

Ok, time to get a bit more serious about this...

It looks like I'm now going by myself and about the only things that need to be mentioned is the fact that im PS with DJ and would like this trip to launch "project gold".

The OP is attempting to get DJ Gold.

I can't help out here I'm QF centric but im sure there will be others here to help you

 

[trooper]

If you don't already have a passport AND you need to apply for a visa then I'd think you need to get your skates on!

Can't really help with visa questions anyway.. my US travel is all recreational so I just use the Visa Waiver program.....

I take it you are NOT staying at the Beverly Wiltshire..:shock: I just looked at the rates there....Wouldn't do your trip budget much good I'd say...:mrgreen:

VAustralia seems to have fares in that period for $3300-ish... Best I've seen is $2700.. (QF/CA) and that was via SYD and PEK!

 

[Sprucegoose]

I'm QF centric as well and know very little about dj.

It would help if the OP publishes the metrics in order to achieve Gold.

How many points do you need ??? When do you need them by?

 

[thegurio]

Spruce goose - the question wasn't really how to get DJ gold, it was more if there are any participating DJ airlines I could use to get under 3k for flights so i had about a grand for accommodation/money while I was there.

I was thinking delta but I'm not sure what their product is like. I've looked at, and am leaning towards VA at this stage as it's just a little easier. Ive got PS in the bag for this year (my year ends 30th November) and with the normal flying i do I retain it fairly easily. I'm hoping this trip and a few others that are in the works will get me over the line for gold (I already have The Lounge membership so it's not much to gain aside from a different shade of Shiny Card, but there is something about being top tier that you will all agree with!) so essentially I have no points yet to build on and 12 months to get them!

Trooper, I have a passport, and was wondering more about visas etc. I could just say I am the for a holiday as I'm not really earning money or anything - is that acceptable? And I would prefer not to stay at the Wiltshire but I would pay a little premium for convenience. I do have accor membership and would like to use that but it's not entirely necessary.

 

[harvyk]

Trooper, I have a passport, and was wondering more about visas etc. I could just say I am the for a holiday as I'm not really earning money or anything - is that acceptable? And I would prefer not to stay at the Wiltshire but I would pay a little premium for convenience. I do have accor membership and would like to use that but it's not entirely necessary.

Use the VWP and state your there for a conference. Legitimate business travel is permitted under VWP (I've done it twice now without any issues).

If you turned up stating you where there for a holiday, and yet had paperwork about the conference or something else got their attention that holiday was not your only purpose, they may get suss as to your "real intentions". (May think your there for employment)

Enjoy the US, I've just returned from there and loved every minute of the trip.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Ring an agent and say you want a holiday with say four (????) nights in LAX on UA i am sure you could it it better than $4k.

I take it you only want to be there for a few days?

I don't find your original post very clear which could mean one of two things!!

Care to clarify?

 

[yohy?!]

If your goal is Velocity Gold then VA is your only option - no status credits earnt for Delta.

HBA-SYD-LAX return will earn 16,272 SC for a flexi Y (75%@Saver, 50%@Deal, 25%@Promo)

Saver fares are around $3,100 return around your dates. Full Y around $4,200.

PE will earn 20,340 SC return and is pricing around $4600