Which FF Program For Best AUS to USA J Award Availability?

[fairbasa]

Hi all,

Planning a trip for next year to the US for myself and Mrs fairbasa from MEL. Unfortunately because we're traveling with a group we can't afford to be very flexible with dates.

We have enough points for both to go one way with QF, with my SG we *should* be able to find J awards for MEL-SYD-DFW/LAX. The issue is coming back. I'm flexible in terms of departure point and routing.
I'm going to use a Marriott Travel Package which means I can convert it into either 132k UA miles (already have 12k with UA so 144k total) or 120k AA/AC/AS/BA miles. I don't mind buying a few miles to top up.

So which program should I convert into for maximum chance of snagging a J award?

- United seems to be the pick, but their award release is sporadic. Coming back with their partners via Asia is a decent back-up.

- AA don't seem to allow coming back via Asia so if I miss out on one of their awards which are also sporadically released, I'm stuck. They also release at T-330 which makes me think I'll have minimal chance of grabbing an award with QF.

- AS have a few options including FJ, but again they don't seem to be reliable in releasing xJ seats at T-x days.

Am I missing something?

 

[Mattg]

Honestly, you need to be somewhat flexible with dates if you want to redeem points for J flights to the USA.

But to answer your question on which program is best, I would go with United. Award availability with United on their various trans-Pacific routes (LAX-SYD/MEL and SFO-SYD/AKL) is at least half-decent, and you can also use Air Canada from YVR to BNE and SYD. AC availability is reasonable. Failing all that there are still options via Asia, e.g. on Asiana, which cost no extra miles. So, I would say that you'll probably at least find something with UA miles. Redemptions are a reasonable price, too.