Need help with J ticket to JFK

[IainF]

My wife has to go to LAX for a conference and wants to add in a trip to JFK.
Work will pay us $4000 towards the total cost to the ticket, which is plenty for an economy seat or even a Economy + seat, but we would be happier if we could find her a J seat.
We are happy to throw in $1500 to $2500 to take it up to J, but right now there is very little under $8000 that we can find.
Trip is set as follows : BNE-LAX-JFK Stop -LAX Stop- BNE
Dates BNE to JFK on 5th Jan, JFK to LAX 10th Jan, LAX to BNE 20th Jan

Not worried about FF points or SC's... this is about getting her a comfortable seat for a reasonable price.

If it was me I would go for a Done3 out of Asia, but she has her Mother with for the entire trip who is paying for her own ticket and is not looking for a 16 leg trip in 20 days....:mrgreen:

Happy to look at V aust, UA, QF etc but have not been able to find any fare under $8000 so far.

Thanks in advance.
Cheers
IainF

 

[drron]

The BNE-LAX QF flights have been giving the downstairs Skybeds to those paying PE recently.If someone in the know can give you a heads up for January that might be the ideal solution.No J service but the seat would be the number 1 priority I guess.Y+ LAX-JFK-LAX as day flights should be fine.

 

[Sprucegoose]

what status is your wife?

that will determine a few things as well.

SPRUCE

 

[Mal]

United is probably your best bet. Their return J fares to NYC (from SYD) start at around $6100.

Maybe some creativity is required.

BNE-SYD-BNE via Qantas or Virgin Blue (Economy) for circa $250.
SYD-LAX-SYD via United in Business for circa $6100.
LAX-NYC via Unites/American or other for probably around $300 return (Economy) a lot more in Business.

Even completely in Business from SYD, the following option (and others) is available:

$8,821.32
United
870
Depart: SYD Jan 5 16:25
Arrive: JFK Jan 5 21:29 1-stop
Business

United
891
Depart: JFK Jan 10 6:39
Arrive: LAX Jan 10 9:58 Non-stop 6h 19m
Boeing 757-200
Business

United
839
Depart: LAX Jan 20 22:20
Arrive: SYD Jan 22 7:50
Arrives 2nd day Non-stop 14h 30m


(This is found via their multi-city itinerary search).

With V Australia, you can get return J (PE to SYD/J to LAX) for $5837 if you're willing to let the return slip a day to the 21st. Much more expensive to leave on the 20th.

I suggest you have a look at the various options, including Econ LAX-JFK, and there should be something. I don't think you'll find much under $6K for Business though....

 

[IainF]

Thanks all for your help.

I have had a few ideas given and it seems that Prem E on QF in J seats for $5200 or V Aust for $5800 is suitable.
Will pop them on AA from LAX to JFK for $400 return
and upgrade using miles (60k in total) + $300 in fees.

Anyone flown Korean Air or China Air ?

Thanks again
IainF

 

[Mal]

I have had a few ideas given and it seems that Prem E on QF in J seats for $5200 or V Aust for $5800 is suitable.

On the 5th, Expertflyer is showing PE in J seats BNE-LAX (QF15), however all seats bar a few are marked as occupied and the rest are Blocked. Qantas is still selling PE seats though... perhaps there is an op-up opportunity for someone.

There is no QF16 (LAX-BNE) on the 20th though, so a routing through Sydney would be required (and most likely in PE seating) -- or delaying the return till the 21st (Also showing as PE in J seating).

 

[Travel Guru]

Why not look at JAL via TYO, just over 6k on a companion fare

Great service and the bonus of QFF SC's and Points.

If she need to do LA and NY, just do an open jaw and purchase an internal between the 2.

TG

EDIT: QF also have a J Special fare for $6663 pls taxes at the moment, on sale to 31 Jan

 

[drron]

Only problem with JAL would be overnighting in NRT if going to LAX and coming back on an overnight flight with the old regional J seats into BNE.

 

[Travel Guru]

Only problem with JAL would be overnighting in NRT if going to LAX and coming back on an overnight flight with the old regional J seats into BNE.

You can always do what I do and fly back into SYD and pay for an additional flight to BNE.

TG