One way to USA using QFF points, disadvantages

[ellen10]

Does it cost more points to travel on 2 different flights. e.g. SYD - LA, LA to NYC as opposed to a direct flight to NYC (even if clearing customs in LA)

 

[grussellt]

No, the awards are distance-based using QF/AA but using other partners like BA/CX can increase the number of points required. If searching SYD-DXB-JFK try the multi-city tool as SYD-DXB/DXB-JFK which will give you alternatives with an overnight in DXB (which should be free if you satisfy the time requirements).

 

[Pushka]

From 1 search I did, it cost lets say, 80,000 points to get from Rome to Adelaide via Singapore (transit). If I try booking Rome to Singapore, that was 60,000 points, then Singapore to Adelaide, another 60,000 points.

(Those are dummy points, I was just trying to demonstrate the principle )

 

[grussellt]

From 1 search I did, it cost lets say, 80,000 points to get from Rome to Adelaide via Singapore (transit). If I try booking Rome to Singapore, that was 60,000 points, then Singapore to Adelaide, another 60,000 points.

(Those are dummy points, I was just trying to demonstrate the principle )

If you have a stay of more than 24 hours in the "transit" city then this trip will book as 2 separate awards (as you have created a stopover) which will generally cost more than a single award even if that award has two flights.

 

[Nizar]

If searching SYD-DXB-JFK try the multi-city tool as SYD-DXB/DXB-JFK which will give you alternatives with an overnight in DXB (which should be free if you satisfy the time requirements).

What do you mean by free ?
Do EK offer a free hotel night (Dubai Connect ?) for those flying through DXB in J or F ?

 

[grussellt]

It's Dubai Connect as long as you qualify.

 

[ellen10]

Just tried some dummy bookings for SYD/DBX, DBX/NYC for July 2015 in J. Does not seem to be any direct flights DBX/NYC

Return flights NYC/SYD on Cathay taxes are much cheaper than Qantas.

 

[grussellt]

There doesn't seem to be any J availability SYD/DXB/NYC after June 10. EK seems to be slower than QF in loading awards. NYC/HKG/SYD is only 11000pts more expensive but saves about $400. Most airlines have lower taxes/charges than QF (unfortunately).

 

[ozbeachbabe]

If going via Nadi it's sometimes easier to book the NAN/LAX as a partner award for 72,000 points pp one way then purchase a regular fare SYD/NAN as you're often in front because you'd be burning more points ex SYD plus you'd be up for higher taxes travelling on QF rather than FJ.

If you flew HNL/SYD that's 72,000 points on a Classic award in J on QF or 57,600 on JQ in Star Class. Both carriers have day flights ex HNL to Australia so you're not sleeping overnight on the plane.

As the award seats are released GMT time so you'll need to be ready to roll at the equivalent time locally when you make the booking.

 

[ellen10]

Hmmm, the dilemma would be to take a CX or QF flight or wait to see what EK releases.
I'm inclined to grab whatever is available first, as I don't want to miss out.

ozbeachbabe I will look into the Nadi option. Yes those QF fees are expensive. I would love to sneak HNL in on the way home.

 

[JohnK]

Does it cost more points to travel on 2 different flights. e.g. SYD - LA, LA to NYC as opposed to a direct flight to NYC (even if clearing customs in LA)

Only if you had a stopover in LAX.

 

[ellen10]

Well it is getting close to booking dates for our trip to NYC for 2015 and every time I look the J awards on Qantas are already gone.
Any suggestions how I can be successful?

I have looked at going via Brisbane but they seem to be gone as well.

 

[Nizar]

Well it is getting close to booking dates for our trip to NYC for 2015 and every time I look the J awards on Qantas are already gone.
Any suggestions how I can be successful?

I have looked at going via Brisbane but they seem to be gone as well.

Have you considered FJ via NAN ?
Availability is much easier that way

 

[ellen10]

Hi Nizar
I tried doing a multi booking via NAN, nothing comes up. Says we unable to find flight recommendations for requested segment. Looking at flexible dates around 4th Sept 2015.

 

[grussellt]

The last J flights seem to be 31st August for SYD-NAN/NAN-LAX so it's possible that FJ hasn't yet loaded flights for the LAX leg. There are some single seats coming up via MEL so keep looking and be ready to book

 

[ellen10]

Yes I keep looking every day. The best I have seen via Melbourne is MEL to LAX in J but LAX to NYC in Economy. And that is only for 1 seat.

The only other offers are with CX but of course will cost us more points, which we will be scraping to get.

 

[grussellt]

There are now some individual J seats to DFW on Sept 2 and 4 but QF are being a bit mean and there are none for 2 pax. Unfortunately AA availability for internal flights won't show for another 20 days or so and J may be hard to get. Keep on searching via DXB when EK is available.

 

[serfty]

For Qantas flights, check at exactly 10am QLD time 353 days beforehand. (or 30-90 seconds later)

That's when any award seats first become available to book online.

For speed of research get a subscription to ExpertFlyer or KVS, check all possible overwater segments (BNE-LAX,MEL-LAX,SYD-LAX,SYD-DFW).

Book that segment - you can add more later (at the cost of the change fee/additional charges).

 

[ellen10]

Last weekend I tried a dummy booking at 10am and they were gone by the time I got in at 10:04, only economy left.
I just looked at going via Dallas Fort Worth but cannot book the NYC leg yet.
Can I just book the NYC leg later when they are released?
But I can't choose Dallas Fort Worth to NYC in the Qantas booking engine. What am I doing wrong?
Getting close to my dates and getting very nervous.

 

[grussellt]

Try DFW-JFK on 13/8/2015. It should return lots of choices in Y and First for Newark and La Guardia. I know this is not your dates but it will show you if you are doing something wrong.