North American Airpass Options

[power71]

Hi everyone.

This is only my second or third post on the FF community and I thank everyone in advance for their patience and assistance with my question.

I am due to travel to North America and Canada in April 2009 for 5 weeks flying BNE - LAX with V Australia and then due to do a JQ flight from SYD to Hawaii in June 2009 for 3 weeks.

My question is, what options do I have to purchase an airpass that would be valid for the April -June period, and valid for travel to/from Hawaii and mainland North America and Canada? Some airpasses like oneworld and star alliance have said that you must enter into the country on their affiliated network. Unfortunately with V Australia, this won't make it possible for me?

Any other options?

 

[serfty]

... Some airpasses like oneworld and star alliance have said that you must enter into the country on their affiliated network. Unfortunately with V Australia, this won't make it possible for me? ...

This is correct: oneworld - Visit North America

Terms and Conditions
...

Available only to residents of the country of sale outside North America, when booked prior to departure at country of origin. This fare must be booked in conjunction with return travel to North America on oneworld member airlines. ...

 

[trooper]

I looked at USA airpasses some time ago... but worked out I could get better deals with multi-city bookings on the airlines websites.... In fact the more flights I added the less each one seemed to cost.... :?:

No flexibility there of course.. but that wasn't a concern.. I knew "when and where".....

 

[Travel Guru]

I couldn't tell you the last time as an agent I booked an airpass, these days it's usually cheaper just to book BFOD and run with that.

As it was said, its less flexible, but often rather advantageous price wise.

TG

 

[power71]

Thanks for the options so far everyone. I am travelling during Easter next year and a quick look at airfares within North America on various airlines are quite expensive, hence my investigation into airpasses, which also provide flexibility.

Any other options or suggestions appreciated.

 

[MasterTatts]

I've just started looking for the same type of deal now as you are and will share any info I can find.

20 odd years ago I managed to snag a deal with Northwest airlines for an 8-flight pass that I used flying from Hawaii to continental USA (but for the life of me I can't remember who I flew with from Sydney to Hawaii) for around $900.00. The bonus with this airpass was that when you used all of the tickets you could then return the "Ticket Book Stub" to any Northwest ticket counter and purchase another 8-flight pass for U.S.$50.00. So hopefully somewhere out there is a deal similar to this one. But after reading a few threads maybe these sorts of options aren't available any more

So far from my research most airlines will only offer travel originating in continental USA which leaves Hawaii out of the equation (Staralliance being one). Most major airlines offer airpasses so I'll search a bit more and let you know.

 

[aybee]

You may get more options/suggestions if you can provide what sort of segments you are looking at doing on the two trips. As others have mentioned, airpasses aren't so good a deal anymore these days.

 

[MasterTatts]

I agree aybee, airpass deals don't give much value any more, shame.

After searching around I have only found the VUSA air pass quoting US$518 for an 8-flight pass low season and $559 in high, with the current conversion rate it's not all that attractive. The trouble with this type of deal is your restricted to travel through the airlines hub so getting from point A to point B and then onto point C may take up to 4 tickets just to visit 2 cities on your itinerary.

Domestic bookings are looking a more attractive deal here.