Help re: travel to USA and within USA

[taswegian77]

Hi AFF'ers,

Long time since I posted due to my change in job I see some help please.

I am planning a trip with my family to the USA next May 2012 and was wondering whether anyone is aware of any special flight types/deals etc that could allow me to incorporate the following flight plans:

MELto LAX to SFO (willing to fly to SYD to get to SFO if cost ok) from SFO to Toronto then to New York (drive segment) from Washington to Orlando to Vegas to LAX to MEL.

We are after the best alternatives ( I used to read a lot about DONE4, DONEX but never knew what they meant.) Cost is a priority as I have a traveling contingent of 7.

I look forward to hearing back from the gurus out there as to how I can source th ebest cost alternatives please.

Thanks - taswegian and family....

 

[BAM1748]

When you say 'best', do you mean cheapest or time and convenience?

 

[Blackadder]

If you want to keep to OW then QF Mel-LAX-Mel (or via SYD if you want the A380) and then hire a car or AA LAX-SFO, personally for the short hop to SFO would be inclined to look at someone like Southwest who will check the first two bags per pax free of charge and fares are very reasonable (even better if sale fares are on)

For the internal flights in the US again would hit the LCC (Southwest,JetBlue etc) if you want to do AA they offer passes for x number of flights that may work out more cost effective.

 

[woolnough04]

I agree with Blackadder.I was in the States last year and this year and found Southwest great.2 bags per person free.I paid $10 early bird boarding and got the seats i was after.I did 5 flights i think with Southwest and no complaints about them.Good prices as well.Only flew on Delta once only because i had never been on a 757.

 

[drron]

Well the Circle pacific fare on OW may come in at an OK price-unfortunately they no longer list fares on the OW site.someone here may have done one recently.The J fare Circle pacific i know is not the greatest value-virtually the same price as a DONE.

the other OW option is the Air pass-
oneworld - Visit North America

Again someoner here may know but just ring or pop into your nearest Flight Centre etc just to get the price.I think Best Flights may also list them.

 

[Rebekkap]

If you want to keep to OW then QF Mel-LAX-Mel (or via SYD if you want the A380) ...

Don't need to fly via SYD to get the A380 - I'm flying QF 93/94 MEL > LAX > MEL on 5/22 December, both ways are direct, both ways are an A380.

cheers
Rebekka

 

[schomers87]

Southwest I found great.

The free baggage certainly saves money when it come particularly to multiple passenges. Flights were on time and planes were clean. Although very much a us carrier we have all grown to know and love.