Mel - Yvr

[Josh]

Hi,

I'm planning a trip from MEL-YVR later this year, leaving late August returning mid/late Dec.

My options are to go MEL-LAX-YVR (or similar) on QF, or MEL-HKG-YVR on CX. Both in Y.

Given that the price is irrelevant, so which would you people recommend? Lounge access is taken care of, because i'm QFF SG. Your recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Josh

 

[NM]

If you transfer in HKG you avoid the need to complete the USA i94W Visa Waiver and can hence later enter the USA if you like over the 3 months validity of the Visa Waiver. And HKG is a much nicer airport for transit than LAX.

 

[Mal]

MEL-LAX-YVR is around 2000miles shorter (Great Circle), although flight distances may vary due to weather conditions and other traffic issues.

Points wise when crediting to Qantas, flying Qantas is a much better idea than Cathay. (No Gold Status bonus for points with Cathay, and most economy classes on Cathay earn 0.5 points per mile flown vs the bonus you'd get on Qantas and 1 point per mile).

However, if chasing Status Credits, then flying via HKG will give you about 15 extra each way.

Personally I'd take this trip with Cathay given the choice. Overall, I think they're a better airline than Qantas in a lot of ways. Plus I'd overnight if possible in HKG or have a stopover there. I like HKG and think it's a nice place to visit.

 

[NM]

and if using the AA codeshare on the QF MEL-LAX flight, you can complete the AA Platinum Challenge, providing a viable alternative to remaining with QF FF program.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

If you transfer in HKG you avoid the need to complete the USA i94W Visa Waiver and can hence later enter the USA if you like over the 3 months validity of the Visa Waiver. And HKG is a much nicer airport for transit than LAX.

For the return flight US can also be avoided by taking AC's YVR-SYD or NZ's YVR-AKL. Much quicker than going via HKG, but of course no one world mileage or status benefits.

 

[NM]

For the return flight US can also be avoided by taking AC's YVR-SYD or NZ's YVR-AKL. Much quicker than going via HKG, but of course no one world mileage or status benefits.

However, those would not meet his stated "options"

My options are to go MEL-LAX-YVR (or similar) on QF, or MEL-HKG-YVR on CX. Both in Y.

Me thinks Josh is wanting to use OneWorld for this trip.