Getting the most out of QF - MEL/SYD-LAX?

[flyingfan]

So +1 (NB) and I are planning on going to North America around May/June 2016. By then I would have dropped to SG (*sob*). Currently have 220,000 QF points and intend to fly QF or oneworld. Planned itinerary includes LAS, YVR, LAX, SFO and NYC - doesn't matter which order as long as it doesn't make things much more expensive.

In terms of the flights to and from North America, any tips for making the most of what we have in terms of a better cabin? I can see the points won't stretch far enough for awards in J or even indeed in Y for both of us return. Is it worth getting the cheapest fare in one direction and a flex in the other and submitting to the upgrade lottery, or are loads pretty full trans-Pacific? If upgrading is a possibility, I'd prefer to do it on the way back to Australia.

Anything else I mightn't have thought of? Will need to keep an eye on costs so don't have a lot of cash to splash around... if there's nothing else to be extracted, we'll just make the most of the J lounge and try to preselect good seats in Y

 

[Alanslegal]

I would be looking for a cash deal to the USA, they are selling in the low $1,000's return nowadays - sometimes even lower. Then I would pay for a good bulkhead or exit row seat.

If you want to spend your points, the best way is for business class seats (and then pay cash for the return legs). Otherwise, you can use points for economy return for two, but end up paying crazy taxes anyway .... which makes you realize that the low $1,000 cash fare I suggest you look out for is much better value.

Domestically, we flew South West recently LAX-SFO-LAS-MSY and chose them purely because they had the best price and included two free checked luggage @ 23kgs each too! You don't get seat allocation though but are given a number where you line up to check in, I found that system pretty good.

 

[serfty]

To be reasonably sure of getting business awards for May/June, you need to star looking from June the year before.

Moreover, late May may be more available for both Awards/Cheaper fares than June.

 

[flyingfan]

Thanks. There have been a few attractive fares although they don't cover the dates we're hoping for yet. I think a cash fare is the way to go.

I couldn't book award J seats 12 months ahead as I didn't have enough points earlier and still don't quite have enough

Thank you again for your insights.