QF 25/26 MEL - LAX ticketing question

[tombob]

I have a question about QF 25/26 ticketing. Currently my family and I ( 2 adults & 2 kids ) can fly to LA return in Sept for around $8400 AUD.

However if I book 2 separate blocks of tickets, MEL - AKL return via the local QF website and then book AKL - LAX return via the Kiwi QF website and take advantage of a strong Aussie dollar I can do it for $7000 AUD.

Now I understand that these flghts are operated by the same aircraft but is there any policy that would prevent me from booking our trip to Disney this way?

I'm very wary of arriving at the airport and having dramas at check in both here in Melbourne or in Los Angeles.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[Mwenenzi]

It is the same aircraft. You will need to check the min connection time (MCT) for International to International transfer at AKL. You may need to get the 2nd boarding pass at AKL (more delay ?) If QF MEL or QF LAX will not check your baggage thru to LAX / MEL you have no hope.

MEl-AKL QF39 19:00 0:59 the evenning before, with an airport hotel is another option instead on QF 25. At that saving its worth staying in AKL for the night. Eg www.ventura.co.nz for an airport hotel with free airport transfers-

Also it may be cheaper again to book AKL-MEL as a seperate ticket, instead of MEL-AKL-MEL return. Often cheaper from Kiwiland.

The price diff is not the due Au dollar, but lower NZ point of sale pricing. Has been happening for many years, which is why I always buy one ways Au-NZ & NZ-Au

The other risk is if one of the flights is delayed and QF substitutes an aircraft, especially on Au-NZ legs, causing you to miss the flight. Check what your travel insurance covers

 

[tombob]

Thanks Mwenenzi.

 

[Travel Guru]

I can't see any reason why QF can't check your bags right through, i've never once been refused and my itineraries are generally a bit more complex than MEL-AKL-LAX.

I'd certainly be booking the tickets that way for a saving that high, go for it.

TG

 

[JohnK]

If the saving is that significant I would be booking on separate tickets. There should not be a problem to get the bookings linked and the luggage would more than likely be checked through to the destination.

As someone else mentioned if worse comes to worse then have an overnight in AKL on the way over.