QF/AA Baggage and QFF redemption

[BenAlexander]

Hi all,

I have a trip to the US coming up and have a few questions to make the most of it.

I am looking for Sydney to San Francisco to Washington, DC to Sydney.
The Qantas multi site tool really can't handle this search and I'm not sure if by breaking it up into multiple bookings, that I am getting the best value.

I did notice that the American Airlines page works for this, and I can select QF for long international legs. I just wanted to know:
- Will I have food and baggage on the QF legs? What about the domestic US sectors?
- Will I still accrue 100% of any QFF points or credits even though I have booked via AA?
- Can I upgrade my return leg to business using QF points (assuming a seat is still available)?

Second question, if I do use points to upgrade to business, do I still accrue QFF points and credits at the higher rate?
EG, if it's 45,000 points to upgrade, but by flying business I am now entitled to an extra 20,000 points, does that mean I am really only ~ 25,000 points out of pocket?

Finally, if I can't get a oneworld flight, how does a QF A380 compare to an United 787 for the long jumps? Is it vastly different?

Thanks!

 

[raleyoz]

Hi - Will I have food and baggage on the QF legs? What about the domestic US sectors?

QF flights yes, US domestic, no unless in first over 2 hours

Hi - Will I still accrue 100% of any QFF points or credits even though I have booked via AA?

As long as you enter you QFF number, where you book it's not important

Hi - Can I upgrade my return leg to business using QF points (assuming a seat is still available)?

Pretty sure you can,

Hi Second question, if I do use points to upgrade to business, do I still accrue QFF points and credits at the higher rate?

No, you accrue points/SC as per your original booking class

Hi EG, if it's 45,000 points to upgrade, but by flying business I am now entitled to an extra 20,000 points, does that mean I am really only ~ 25,000 points out of pocket?

if it is 45k to upgrade you are flying PE, so you will accrue as per PE only

Hi Finally, if I can't get a oneworld flight, how does a QF A380 compare to an United 787 for the long jumps? Is it vastly different?

Each to there own, both take off, fly and land, both are pretty much the best of there respective companies, so no pretty similar.But I prefer QF over United

 

[BenAlexander]

QF flights yes, US domestic, no unless in first over 2 hours

Wait, I should have split this question.
- If I book SYD->SFO->IAD->SYD will I have at least one baggage for every flight? (and what if I go via LAX to SFO with that short hop?)
- Same question for meals, although less important

As long as you enter you QFF number, where you book it's not important

This is what I was hoping

No, you accrue points/SC as per your original booking class

Awww, I thought I found a loop hole

Thanks for the response!

 

[raleyoz]

You get at least 1 bag for every flight, your OW status can give you extra bags, if you have any

No food on the LAX-SFO

 

[raleyoz]

Oh some extra tips
Matrix-will often show flights that don't appear on AA.com, if you call AA, and give them the booking code they can often find it, but generally AA.com is pretty good
Do you need car rental, I recommend www.americacarrental.com, best price s and include all insurance for Australians.
Also if the rental they use is dollar, thrifty, Alamo, then join there frequent driver program online, for free, helps you skip the lines in busy places

Money, you don't need cash before you leave. Your cards work here perfectly, and visa exchange rate is better than airport booths always

 

[MEL_Traveller]

- Same question for meals, although less important

As rayleoz has pointed out, there is no food service in economy class on any AA domestic flight, whether it's one hour or 7 hours. All you'll get for free is tea/coffee/sodas. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, and on select longer flights, there is a buy-on-board menu of sandwiches and snacks.