Thai airlines question - Oz to Palau?!?

[calgarychris]

Hi,

ive been looking at charts lately and while the Thai one is generally regarded as poor, which is true, it groups Australia and Palau into Australia for Star alliance at 45,000 round trip. Am I reading that right, and if so, is it possible to book MEL-ROR on something other than Thai in J? I know SQ is out since they don't seem to release J to partners but perhaps via NRT or ICN?

Ironically I'm flying to Palau on Thai/United but this might be a solid option for round 2

thanks

 

[Mattg]

I don't have any experience with this particular redemption (or the Thai Airways frequent flyer program for that matter) but I guess it will depend on whether they allow award flights to connect via a third zone. I suspect not, but you never know - it may work!

There are a number of programs (some which no longer exist) that have had loopholes relating to travel to this part of the world. If you can take advantage, then go for it.

 

[calgarychris]

I don't have any experience with this particular redemption (or the Thai Airways frequent flyer program for that matter) but I guess it will depend on whether they allow award flights to connect via a third zone. I suspect not, but you never know - it may work!

There are a number of programs (some which no longer exist) that have had loopholes relating to travel to this part of the world. If you can take advantage, then go for it.

yeah it's just weird since there are no direct Oz-Palau flights, so it seems weird to group them.

 

[calgarychris]

Just for sake of completeness for anyone searching, this award cannot be booked. I spoke with Naomi at Thai's Melbourne office. She had to contact Bangkok, however they said that because this goes through Asia, it cannot be booked as an Inter-Australia (I.e. The same zone) flight.

While not surprising, is a little annoying as she confirmed that you can definitely book Australia - Hawaii via Auckland for 75K points, so I don't see the difference, given you're transiting a third zone.

Anyway, them's the rules.