Trying to get a QFF Prem Economy seat to the US Dec - Jan for a decent price

[xa-coupe]

We've done it hard over the last few years and I want to treat her... and myself to a white Christmas in the US. Or at the least a cold Christmas. I have spent some time looking at fares (both QFF points and paid).

Clearly being the Christmas period the prices are more. I have enough points to go Prem Econ return to LAX any low period ( as does my wife ) but not enough for a one way at any of the peak times.
If I have to, I will buy an economy fare and try to get an upgrade with the points. Am I likely to get a fare for that period on a sale ? After a return cattle class trip to BKK I want to avoid Economy for such a long flight if possible.

So, whilst I am not after an itinerary, I am asking the combined knowledge of this forum for any hints as to how to get a fare at a reasonable price or a way to be able to use points. I haven't been able to fly for a few years so I haven't had my finger on the pulse of flying and I can't find anything relevant on a search.

thanks in advance.

Jeff

 

[macrop]

Very slim pickings at that time of year.

Premium economy is looking at $5k return - wow. I'm assuming Sydney to LAX. The high prices will reflect the overall cost of a point plus pay outcome. Over half a million points for each passenger if you want to spend just points.

144k return (each) as classic award (not many available) + $853 (each) in cash. Closest times that I could find to Christmas are the mid Dec returning mid January. None available any time closer to Chrissy from what I can see.

As for buying an economy fare and to try for an upgrade. Very little chance of the upgrade coming through with limited FF status. Popular time of year for frequent flyers. Certainly no guarantees on any planned upgrades.

Sorry, in my opinion, it is not the best route and timing to make the most of your points. Sorry for the bad news. Maybe another member has some positives.

 

[wandering_fred]

CX PEY works from PER/ADL - less so from SYD/BNE/MEL. Assuming that you don't need ~~. And I am taking the view that it is the space of the seat that counts not the quality of the meal/wine.

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[xa-coupe]

Thanks macrop. I figured I would be pushing it uphill. I could do the trip in economy but it's not a pleasant experience as most know.

Fred, I do not care about wine ( don't drink it ) and I find even economy meals are usually passable these days. I don't mind a trip to ADL to leave as most flights to LAX run via Sydney unless it's the A380 as far as I can figure out. I might work on trying to find the flights on the QFF site.

Appreciate the help guys.

Jeff

 

[Mwenenzi]

Where are leaving from ?
Consider Fiji Airways in business or Air Tahiti TN from SYD

Off topic:
Is the XA coupe standard/restored or modified (as a former XA sedan owner) ?

 

[11sjw]

Recently blew a pile of points 3 x J PER-JFK-PER (Classic's on CX). 2 depart mid Dec and one a week later and return 2nd week Jan.

Can you go via HKG?

 

[xa-coupe]

If I can figure out a way to go in Prem Econ I will go pretty well anywhere within reason. I quite like HKG so I could even do a stopover. I'd prefer not to go to Perth and back as it seems I would be doing 16 hours of flying extra. 4 to PER, 4 flying back over MEL on my way over and the reverse going home. Though ... if I had to !
How does one get to see the Cathay ( and other partner ) flights? I have tried their site and tried to tickle the QFF site but buggered if I can work it out.

 

[11sjw]

Log onto QFF page and search for flights. Ensure "Classic Award" and "Flexible with date" boxes are checked. See below:


Select "Find Flights" once this information is entered.

You'll see a calendar appear with seat availability indicated. Refresh to include PE & J and hit "Go." Result should be similar to below:



Choose days with the class you're after and proceed (I chose 22Dec & 20Jan in this example). You'll see something like (for 22 Dec):



Pay for your flights and you're done.

If your QFF points run out they may allow you to top up by buying some points or you could look at signing up to one of the North American Airlines' FF Program and buy points and redeem them for flights. Currently Alaskan Airlines will sell you 40k of points with a 40% (16k) bonus for just under US$1200. 55k is enough for one way in J Nth America (anywhere) to Oz (anywhere).

Hope this helps. PM also sent.

Cheers

 

[wandering_fred]

The reference to PER/ADL was that the backtracking miles are minimized when compared to the eastern states. The fares may very well still be reasonable. Just a lot more time/miles if leaving from SYD/MEL.

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[Kangol]

Look at prices ex-NZ, then factor in positioning costs and probably an overnight stay. You might still come out in front.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

We've done it hard over the last few years and I want to treat her... and myself to a white Christmas in the US. Or at the least a cold Christmas. I have spent some time looking at fares (both QFF points and paid).

Clearly being the Christmas period the prices are more. I have enough points to go Prem Econ return to LAX any low period ( as does my wife ) but not enough for a one way at any of the peak times.
If I have to, I will buy an economy fare and try to get an upgrade with the points. Am I likely to get a fare for that period on a sale ? After a return cattle class trip to BKK I want to avoid Economy for such a long flight if possible.

So, whilst I am not after an itinerary, I am asking the combined knowledge of this forum for any hints as to how to get a fare at a reasonable price or a way to be able to use points. I haven't been able to fly for a few years so I haven't had my finger on the pulse of flying and I can't find anything relevant on a search.

thanks in advance.

Jeff

as mentioned earlier... purchase air pacific business class outright for $3000 return ex east coast. cheap add on to get to departure gateway.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

How many freq flyer points do you & your partner have to spend?