Need quality affordable flights from Melb to US. Pls Help!

[motlking]

Hi all,

I am getting married on Sat 11/10/14 and plan on going on our honeymoon soon after (12th or 13th) and go away for approx 1 month (return first week of Nov).

At first our plan was to build up QFF points and upgrade to business class but found out that there is no availability and even if there was we would have slim chance at getting it (bronze status). Now I am feeling really stupid for not knowing how useless our QFF points would be and to top it off good flights (A380 direct) MEL to LAX are no longer cheap. She has ~180k points and I have ~110k points

We were really hoping to get the chance to fly business class since we have never been + especially because it is our honeymoon and it is a long flight. Now it looks like we have to scrap that idea and find some cheap (full service) economy airfare tickets instead.

The places we definitely wanted to go were Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York and Hawaii (any anywhere else that would nice in between - maybe Disneyworld).

Or if the above is not possible we were thinking of scrapping it altogether and going to Japan/Korea but even there QFF points won't get us business


If anyone can help or have any suggestions on what we could do I would really be very greatful.

Thanks!

p.s. is asking for an upgrade because you are on your honeymoon at check in and being offered one like winning the lottery?

 

[mannej]

Have you looked at flying to the US going via Fiji? That can cut the cost down significantly compared to the other carriers on that route.

As for asking for an upgrade at checkin for any reason pigs have more chance of flying. They just aren't handed out like that.

 

[dajop]

If you want affordable business class, consider getting yourself to Fiji, take a short break there and then flying from there to LA! Often it can be fairly cheap, and the business class on Fiji airlines is OK with good albeit angled lie flat seats .... could possibly be booked using QF points, or using $$ via Qantas (on QF code) or Fiji Airways website.

 

[motlking]

hey guys for the quick reply and same suggestion. What airline are Fiji comparable to? Thanks I will check it out

 

[Mattg]

Have you considered Premium Economy on Qantas? I can see a premium economy award seat available on 11 October connecting in BNE onto QF15 to LAX.

 

[Mattg]

hey guys for the quick reply and same suggestion. What airline are Fiji comparable to? Thanks I will check it out

I don't think they're quite up to the standard of Qantas, but if you're in business class it can't be too bad, I guess.

 

[dajop]

I don't think they're quite up to the standard of Qantas, but if you're in business class it can't be too bad, I guess.

My view is that if not used to flying in business class they'll be OK ... I haven't flown them but from what I've read they should be fine for people who aren't used to the QF, CX, SQ and EK's of the world.

 

[Mumfreqflyer]

What about flying cx via Hong Kong? They sometimes release business class seats closer to departure if you wanted to leave it a bit later.....

You could use your QFF points and maybe purchase some AA/Alaska miles to use if you don't have enough QFF points for the return. By then you may get a return and 1 way then use the other points for a one way home.

 

[motlking]

Thanks for the ideas guys I really appreciate it. I am thinking I would rather fly premium economy or economy than a lower level business class. I will see if any premium economy seats are available.

What about flying cx via Hong Kong? They sometimes release business class seats closer to departure if you wanted to leave it a bit later.....

You could use your QFF points and maybe purchase some AA/Alaska miles to use if you don't have enough QFF points for the return. By then you may get a return and 1 way then use the other points for a one way home.

Hmm didn't know about that. How do I search for those flights? on the CX website? would via HK mean a stop over in the airport or could you choose to stay a couple of nights before leaving?

 

[mannej]

Thanks for the ideas guys I really appreciate it. I am thinking I would rather fly premium economy or economy than a lower level business class. I will see if any premium economy seats are available.

A bed albeit angled flat beats any economy offering every day of the week.

For what you pay for FJ J, it can be a really good deal.

 

[motlking]

A bed albeit angled flat beats any economy offering every day of the week.

For what you pay for FJ J, it can be a really good deal.

Thanks I won't discount that option but how do I Fiji using QFF?

 

[Mumfreqflyer]

If you used your QFF points to fly one way to America and then Use Alaska points to fly home for both of you, they allow a stopover in Hong Kong for free.

One way business is 140,000points (I could be wrong as I booked all ours back in Feb!) using QFF points and 60,000 one way using Alaska miles each.

Just have to wait for Alaska to do a 40% bonus points promo so you can buy around 120,000 points for approx $3000. Taxes are a lot cheaper using alaska as well.

 

[motlking]

If you used your QFF points to fly one way to America and then Use Alaska points to fly home for both of you, they allow a stopover in Hong Kong for free.

One way business is 140,000points (I could be wrong as I booked all ours back in Feb!) using QFF points and 60,000 one way using Alaska miles each.

Just have to wait for Alaska to do a 40% bonus points promo so you can buy around 120,000 points for approx $3000. Taxes are a lot cheaper using alaska as well.

Oh that sounds like a option to look at too. Thanks so much.

Are Alaska points better than buying US airway miles?

 

[mannej]

Thanks I won't discount that option but how do I Fiji using QFF?

QFF points? I'd imagine you'd have to use the multi city tool routing you through Nadi to LAX

 

[Shansta]

Another thought:
Mel-Hnl around $1226 or if you could use points to get this flight it would be good
Hnl-Lax-Sea in First class on American or US Airlines (but is more like domestic australian business) for $1800 - it's more expensive just going to Lax but could change depending on your dates - will also get you 480 status credits.
Sea-Lax in Y $200
Lax-JFK in Y $400

OR
Hnl-Phx-Lax in First for $2000 and 340 status credits
hnl-Phx-Clt-JFK in First for $2300 and 660 status credits (almost gold)
Jfk-Lax in economy for $450

These are all Oneworld but if earning points or staus credits aren't important you may be able to get cheaper.

Hope these help!

 

[Mumfreqflyer]

USDM only have return trips.

AA & Alaska offer one way fares.

If you are wanting to use all your QFF points the others are an advantage or else use QFF for 1 ticket and USDM for the 2nd ticket.

Bearing in mind you may need to book closer to departure and only IF CX release seats.

Or maybe set up a seat alert in expert flyer so you et origins if a U class seat becomes available if someone cancels and the seat/s go back I to award inventory.

 

[sandshoes]

If you end up not using points and flying Y you could either use points to get QP membership or look at the AA 30 day pass for lounge access.

Depending on who you choose the fly with of course.

 

[yohy?!]

Virgin australia and virgin America paid Y ticket then upgrade the domestic legs for a little luxury?

CX may be a good option with a stopover but HKG To US J awards will be as difficult as QF to snag

 

[smit0847]

Your honeymoon is usually one of the few life events where you can actually book flights 12 months in advance. I realise you didn't know how useless your QFF points were but why are you waiting until 3 months before your honeymoon to book your flights?!

 

[motlking]

Thanks for all the replies guys! I actually just booked Y tickets with Qantas A380 MEL-LAX for $1150 return! The future wife wants me to try to use our points for upgrade (but I told her its a slim chance) and also any advice on whether its worth going to Hawaii even though we are not flying through?