Melbourne to Rome ( return ) about mid April 2023 until end of April.

[gerrib]

We ( 2 older females) are considering a tour of Sicily in April ( after Easter). I haven't flown for a few years. I have very few Qantas FF points left so can consider any airline. Ideally the flight should leave later in the day as I have to travel from a regional area to Melbourne. We would probably fly directly to Palermo after arriving at FCO. I see Virgin offer flights. Do they partner with Qatar Airlines? Looking for suggestions of recommended economy flights to Rome (return) . TIA

 

[Mwenenzi]

Both Qantas and Virgin Australia are frequent flyer partners of Qatar Airways

Assume you are looking for cash paid flights. Will be many options to Italy. PMO has flights from several airports. Not Just FCO

Falcone Borsellino Airport - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[gerrib]

Thankyou. Can you accumulate Qantas FF points with Qatar?

 

[Lynda2475]

Thankyou. Can you accumulate Qantas FF points with Qatar?

Yes because they are a one world airline.

 

[SYD]

This will give you a bit of an idea of how much it will cost that time of year per person in Economy just MEL to Rome (FCO) one stop. Plus you need to add internal flights to/from Sicily.


If earning some points is important, the Virgin option is a codeshare on Qatar and will earn VA points (not QANTAS). As would Etihad and Singapore also earn VA points. Booking direct with Qatar, you can earn either QANTAS or VA. The QANTAS fare is on Emirates codeshares and mostly on the early flight out of MEL. Which doesn’t sound like that’s a great option?

If you want to try and get to / from Palermo or say Catania in one go, it could be a good idea to wander down to a trusted travel agent and see what they can on one ticket. British Airways and Finnair might be options - both are also now code-sharing on the same Qatar flight through Doha.

Also, if you’re not necessarily planning spending time in Rome, you could in fact fly to many other cities in Europe and then pick up the still shortish flights to / from Sicily - it could work out cheaper.

 

[odysseus]

For economy flights to Italy in April, I'd suggest Emirates, in the Airbus 380, as that will be best for comfort. They have good connections, and partner with Qantas to earn points.

You can then compare what's cheaper, and see if the savings are worth the tradeoffs (comfort, time).

 

[gerrib]

Thank you for your replies. Helpful. If I want to acquire VA points with Qatar I guess I have to purchase the ticket online through VA. In the past I have flown Qantas. The cheapest flight which leaves at a convenient time is Qatar $2683 rtn per person leaving on 11/4. The idea suggested by Syd is an idea. I may ring a travel agent tomorrow. I live a distance from any TAs. Yes I was wondering about Qantas/ Emirates leaving at 0515 from Melbourne. You would have to be at the airport at 2am before a long hall fight!!
Is it better to accumulate VA points or QFF points with Qatar? I use Albury airport sometimes. I think Virgin flies there. Qantas does. How do I acquire QFF points if I book online through Qatar? TIA

 

[SYD]

I use Albury airport sometimes. I think Virgin flies there. Qantas does.

A quick search and $600 cheaper to fly from Albury to Sydney then Emirates to Rome. The catch is you‘d need to overnight in Sydney before the 6am Emirates flight but you’d have a lot of change leftover from a hotel room - especially sharing!

How do I acquire QFF points if I book online through Qatar? TIA

Just add your QFF number to the booking.

 

[Guvner]

I’m also looking at MEL- PMO/CTA flights for July. As @Mwenenzi mentioned you don’t have to go via FCO. Look for cheaper European cities connecting to Sicily.

 

[gerrib]

Thankyou Syd. My friend lives in Melbourne and would probably want to leave form there. Guvner have you any suggestions for other European cities? We are old ladies and are looking for the easiest option
another query. On which type of flights can you reserve seats. I almost completed the Qatar and Qantas booking but couldn't reserve seats on the 1st leg of the journey.
Maybe I should call a TA tomorrow!