Searching for Airfares

[Gold60]

Hi Guys,

I got an airfare from my travel agent that I am trying to emulate on an online search engine.

The airfare I am trying to emulate is a RTW Business Class fare with Lufthansa for about $8.5K. My trip is planned in Sept/Oct 2015.

I have tried to get a fare at this level or thereabouts using a heap of engines, but none even come close.

I have tried websites like Kayak, Airtreks, Skyscanner, QANTAS, ITA Matrix, Webjet, Indie travel, and so on.

My rough route is - BNE>HKG>FRA>JFK>LAX (or similar on West Coast)> AKL>BNE. Apparently I fly CX to HKG, LH to the WEST Coast (I think), and then NZ home to Bne via Auckland.

I am wondering if I am doing something wrong on all of these sites, and ITA in particular, or perhaps are these kinds of fares not really replicable, searchable, et on the web?

My travel agent assures me that ATM if I travel at the above time period, and follow the above route, I should be able to get this RTW fare in Biz Class at this price.

The airfare is advertised on Flight Planet.

This question came about because I am trying to learn how to use Google ITA. I thought ITA would give me a similar result, but the one I get using my dates comes nowhere near the Flight Planet price, and the one I got from my TA.

I am assuming that my dilemma is almost largely operator fault ( as in me LOL). But I am open to suggestions.


Any ideas please?

Thanks,

Al

 

[zainman]

Maybe try the Star Alliance website?

 

[Gold60]

i have thanks, and it APPEARS to be the same story, UNLESS i am doing something wrong - which is a bit possible LOL

 

[juddles]

When you say ¨google ITA¨, do you mean the USA-focused versión of ITA Matrix? IMHO it is useless.

 

[TomVexille]

This may be the sort of thing a TA actually has access to the best fare.

 

[Gold60]

i think so, yes ?? are there other/different versions ?

 

[Gold60]

it is looking that way. thanks.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Expert Flyer gives the following if this is any use




Routing Details

Search:

Departing BNE on 09/10/15 for BNE Fare basis code CCPSTAR1 Flying LH

[TABLE="class: fc_nf, width: 100%"]
[TR]
[TD][TABLE="class: fcb, width: 100%"]
[TR]
[TD][TABLE="class: ibody, width: 100%"]
[TR]
[TD="class: fd, colspan: 3"] V FARE BASIS BK FARE TRAVEL-TICKET AP MINMAX RTG
1 CCPSTAR1 D‡R 7287.00 ---- 7 ‡‡/ 6M CT01
PASSENGER TYPE-ADT AUTO PRICE-YES
FROM-BNE TO-BNE CXR-LH TVL-10SEP15 RULE-LHP1 CTR2/430
FARE BASIS-CCPSTAR1 NORMAL FARE DIS-N VENDOR-ATP
FARE TYPE-BR RT-BUSINESS CLASS RESTRICTED
AUD 9339.00 0801 E10DEC14 D-INFINITY FC-CCPSTAR1 FN-62
SYSTEM DATES - CREATED 01DEC14/1421 EXPIRES INFINITY

PUBLISHED RTG BNE-BNE/LH801 /TAR-CTRG1 EF-10DEC14 DIS-INDEF

/CIRCLE TRIP/
AC OR AI OR AV OR A3 OR BR OR CA OR CM OR ET OR LH OR LO
OR LR OR LX OR MS OR NH OR NZ OR OS OR OZ OR SA OR SK OR
SN OR SQ OR TA OR TG OR TK OR TP OR UA OR ZH ONLY
MUST NOT EXCEED MPM 22000
TRAVEL IS NOT PERMITTED VIA THE FARE ORIGIN[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[Gold60]

Thank you for this TheRealTMA. if you only fly overseas say once a year, and around OZ say twice a year, is it worth joining Expert Flyer ??

 

[dajop]

Be aware that:

1. CCPSTAR is a circle pacific fare that only permits travel in Asia, SW pacific and West Coast entry points in North America.

2. Star Alliance circle/Round the World products have substantial surcharges on some airlines/equipment, particularly NZ and SQ.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Thank you for this TheRealTMA. if you only fly overseas say once a year, and around OZ say twice a year, is it worth joining Expert Flyer ??

One can subscribe on a per monthly basis and use it just when you need, or i believe AFF offers a discount for members.

 

[RooFlyer]

This may be the sort of thing a TA actually has access to the best fare.

Yes, and that's one of the reasons I use a ( good) TA for my international flights. LH is one (AY is another) who bundle routes and carriers which wouldn't normally be found together on line and sell them, with TAs able to access.

 

[vantage03]

Yes, and that's one of the reasons I use a ( good) TA for my international flights. LH is one (AY is another) who bundle routes and carriers which wouldn't normally be found together on line and sell them, with TAs able to access.

Exactly. Want to fly LH F all the way to Europe (without going via the States)? Only way is with BA (to SIN) of all carriers..! LH's own website won't even give you the BA option.

 

[albatross710]

Can I suggest making contact with RoundAbout Travel in Adelaide. (I'm in Brisbane). They only do round the world airfares. When I needed to put together an itin last year they were well ahead of my other options.

At least you will have the options.

 

[c814875]

Have a look at your routing. Can often get cheaper if go different/busier routes - eg - LAX - SYD - BNE instead of through AKL.

 

[TiredOldFlyer]

Can I suggest making contact with RoundAbout Travel in Adelaide. (I'm in Brisbane). They only do round the world airfares. When I needed to put together an itin last year they were well ahead of my other options.

At least you will have the options.

I agree.
Have booked RTW fares in J with RAT in high season at $6,669 (including 1.5% amex) after weeks of searching happy with the fare
and the service from RAT is excellent and very efficient - and all good airlines and fully flat seats.
Thought I was pretty good at finding fares after joining AFF and learning the tricks but I could not beat this !