Suggestions for 4 squiggles ex MEL

[QF029]

I'm heading overseas in a month for an extended period and need to get 4 squiggles before I go. I have considered flying QF out of Ausralia but I think I'd prefer to do an award booking on CX (to the USA).

Any suggestions for the most cost effective options are appreciated. I'd prefer not to overnight and pretty much any days / times are ok.

 

[RichardMEL]

MEL-SYD-OOL r/t in Y - 4 sectors can do in a day and probably better value $ wise than say a MEL-CBR-SYD-CBR-MEL

 

[QF029]

MEL-SYD-OOL r/t in Y - 4 sectors can do in a day and probably better value $ wise than say a MEL-CBR-SYD-CBR-MEL

Thanks RichardMEL that's certainly on my short list at this stage.

 

[docjames]

There are intermittently cheap flights to Mildura, do a return starting early then a return to next cheapest (ADL/SYD/CBR).

 

[docjames]

Current "flight specials" showing ex-MEL (one way Y)

Launceston $105
Mildura $129
OOL $129 (on sale for next 2 days)
ADL $135
HBA $139


It's really going to depend on your available dates vs airfares / capacity on those dates.

If you post dates then others may be able to look at options. Port Lincoln is $119 ex-ADL and should connect in time from an early departure ex-MEL so MEL-ADL-Port Lincoln-ADL-MEL would do it.

 

[QF029]

Thanks docjames. I can literally do any day in the next month. I thought about trying to do a jq F lounge run to and /or from SYD but they seem to be no longer available.

 

[eminere]

I'm sure someone will be along soon to suggest flying EK on a QF flight number across to AKL in F or J, so you can experience the QF Flounge in MEL and travel on EK widebodies (instead of those damned narrowbodies QF just keeps operating). Even though doing so will be completely not cost effective for your objectives. I'd start with the recommendations provided by docjames instead.

 

[RichardMEL]

Thanks docjames. I can literally do any day in the next month. I thought about trying to do a jq F lounge run to and /or from SYD but they seem to be no longer available.

Best bet for that is MEL-CNS on JQ on Wednesdays.. I think that one is still around... it's a very early flight

 

[russ]

I'm sure someone will be along soon to suggest flying EK on a QF flight number across to AKL in F or J, so you can experience the QF Flounge in MEL and travel on EK widebodies (instead of those damned narrowbodies QF just keeps operating). Even though doing so will be completely not cost effective for your objectives.

Perhaps you could wait until someone actually makes that post before saying they are wrong?

 

[GoldCanyon340]

I'd do two MEL-MQL or MEL-ADL returns in a day and get it over with, as long as it prices OK.

 

[Virgin Bart]

I'd do two MEL-MQL or MEL-ADL returns in a day and get it over with, as long as it prices OK.

And I'd be happy to do them for you, QF029, using OLCI, if you're time poor

 

[docjames]

Ironically you'd find it easier transiting TO melbourne rather than originating in MEL.

Eg. 8/3 LST-MEL $79 early morning, MEL-LST $79 evening return.


Doesn't price well the other way....

 

[Mattg]

You can usually get some fairly cheap QF Link flights (during a sale for around $69) to regional NSW destinations ex SYD. So perhaps something like MEL-SYD-TMW-SYD-MEL?

NTL-BNE on QF Link can also be cheap sometimes. So perhaps MEL-NTL-BNE-NTL-MEL with MEL-NTL legs on JQ (you'll earn ~ provided you book the plus bundle).

 

[opusman]

so MEL-ADL-Port Lincoln-ADL-MEL would do it.

Not just a terrorist organisation; Port Lincoln = PLO.

 

[ncm]

I did a MEL-SYD-CFS day trip last month. Got ~4 hours up there - more than enough time for a swim at the beach and a few beers before heading back to a very lonely QP at CFS before the return flight. Was a little under $400 (before offsetting with some QFF points) I think, plus 2 x$15 cab rides at either end. Not strictly the cheapest but I hadn't been there in 15 years and wanted to go back.