Help planning a 'last-minute' trip (November) to the US - point options

[AL10]

Hi All,

I would love some help planning a trip to the US for my parents in November. They wish to fly J but are not fussed with airlines. Obviously availability for 2 pax will be the issue.

Currently, their point situation is approx as follows:


Dad: 250k QFF
AS - 60k
AA - minimal
Amex MR - approx 105kMR points


Mum: 140k QFF
AA - minimal


I was thinking the following options:


1. Transfer MR points to Asia Miles or Velocity - use this to buy a one way J ticket (other way could be AS?)
2. Use Dad's AS points and buy another 60k to buy a one way J ticket on CX from MEL - the US.
3. Use Dad's AS points and buy another 60K to buy a one way J ticket on CX from HKG/SIN - the US and buy a cheap QF fare from MEL - HKG/SIN. This could help with the availability issue.
4. Any other options?

I would appreciate any help and suggestions/ideas. I have about 20k SPG points, so could transfer that to either of them if that would assist.

Thanks so much. I am not too familiar with MR transfers to airlines, so am not sure of the best value for flights to the USA.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

What dates are they looking at and what cities do they wish to fly to?

Any stopovers eg Hong Kong or HNL?

 

[AL10]

It will be approx mid Nov, they need to be in the U.S. for thanksgiving. Don't need stopovers.
My main concerns are them not having enough points for return J.

Maybe dad should buy more AS miles now.

 

[AL10]

Would 100k MR get them a one way ticket?

 

[AL10]

Anyone with any suggestions please?

 

[JohnK]

Would 100k MR get them a one way ticket?

That should be enough for a one-way in business on VA. Not sure if enough on SQ/CX.

Is it a must they travel together on same flights?

It would appear they have enough QFF points for 2 business class return awards but availability could be an issue.

Another option could be using AS miles and Amex MR for one-way and using QFF points for the return or vice versa.

You may need to spend some time searching availability and that should give you a better indication of what is possible.

 

[AL10]

That should be enough for a one-way in business on VA. Not sure if enough on SQ/CX.

Is it a must they travel together on same flights?

It would appear they have enough QFF points for 2 business class return awards but availability could be an issue.

Another option could be using AS miles and Amex MR for one-way and using QFF points for the return or vice versa.

You may need to spend some time searching availability and that should give you a better indication of what is possible.

Thanks JohnK. They do wish to travel together, which is why I think CX may be best availability wise.

 

[JohnK]

Thanks JohnK. They do wish to travel together, which is why I think CX may be best availability wise.

Have you tried looking at Qantas availabilty outbound/inbound?

 

[AL10]

Have you tried looking at Qantas availabilty outbound/inbound?

Nothing available