Returning from NYC - given these options, what would you do?

[newformula]

I'm coming back from JFK on the 9th or 10th December to SYD. Given these options, which would you take?
(this is a tax-deductible trip, so I'm loath to use points unless definitely the best option)

1) QF108 in Y all the way home (either ASA or Classic points booking) - A333 and 747. I could at least purchase Exit row.
2) CX to Vancouver in J (burning off some BA points before the devaluation), arr about 1am, spend the night and next day in Vancouver and then back to SYD on Air Canada in Y (~$900) the following evening - 15.5 hours that leg though. Ouch.
3) JAL Y+ - JFK-NRT-SYD - for $1650. That fare is only available the day after I'd really like to leave, but I would take it if I can convince myself to stay another day. It's a long trek though.
4) Something I haven't though of yet... over to you guys. I have around 80k QFF points & 25K BA points, and a budget of say $1300 ish. 25k BA points is enough for a North America J one way.

Would love your opinion!

 

[docjames]

I'd do option 3 - it's actually not that different in terms of flying time (not as much more than you think).

Do you have enough BA points to redeem CX to HKG?

 

[newformula]

Option 3 probably shouldn't be on the list - it gets me home a day layer than I'd like.
I've just realized that the Air Canada flight is only 45m longer than QF from LAX, so that's actually looking quite appealing. Throw 6 hours in CX J into the mix and not burning 64k QF points and we might be onto a winner.

Another one (for completeness sake) would be to head to LAX on Virgin America for 150 (!) and only use 48k QF points from LAX to SYD.

 

[wilco]

Im confused. You state it's tax deductible and you are loathe to use points, but almost every option listed involves a points redemption??

 

[docjames]

Im confused. You state it's tax deductible and you are loathe to use points, but almost every option listed involves a points redemption??

+1, that's why I went #3.

 

[newformula]

Although I said it upfront, I didn't exactly emphasise that I have to keep upfront costs at or around $1300, no more. Most of the fares I can see are coming in over this.

JAL would be a no brainer given its $350 more for premium, but it's double the price on the day I want to depart, unfortunately.

 

[NM]

will your BA miles get you to LAX in reasonable comfort? Then you could use FJ via NAN or TN via PPT/AKL for under your budget.

 

[newformula]

will your BA miles get you to LAX in reasonable comfort? Then you could use FJ via NAN or TN via PPT/AKL for under your budget.

The BA miles won't unfortunately - little availability from East to West coast in Business at the time I need. Some Economy reward seats on AA are free, but I'd rather just pay $150 and go with Virgin America.

Unfortunately LAX-NAN-SYD is showing as unavailable on the 10/12 (when I want to travel) despite it being $980 just 3 days ago. LAX-NAN is also sold out. It's like that flight has just been cancelled or something, not showing up on any ticketing engines.

 

[Fantic125]

I would do shortest distance at cheapest cost (and have done so many times). It's up to you whether you want to spend a lot of money on a particular flight (or two).

JFK to LAX is only 4~6 hrs, and LAX to SYD is only 15 hrs. If you can get a baulkhead seat in Y, or an exit row seat then take that & spend your money elsewhere.

If I was paying for the flight I certainly wouldn't be flying J.

 

[serfty]

Me? I'd consider SG'ness and how it may be possible to dig up the up to 700 SC's for WP'ness.

On the 9th, get to SJU, in first class via MIA for US$480 and earn 180 SC's.

Overnight and then go to LAS on a YUP for ~US$540 (and earn up to another 360 SC's [300 is easier given time frame])

Than look to travel from LAS to LAX and then back to Oz!

 

[newformula]

Serfty, like your thinking. Not a bad point. I thought requalifying for SG this year was out of the question, but this trip might open the door. I have Saturday 10/12 to play with getting from JFK to LAX, connecting onto QF108 at LAX that evening. What's the best way to maximise SC's in between?

 

[serfty]

It all depends on how many SC's you are after (and how much $/time you are prepared to commit!).

FWIW NYC-LAX is of relatively poor $/SC value (US$1250 EWR-xDFW-LAX for 240 SC's being a "least worst" option)

 

[NM]

Me? I'd consider ...

ok. If it was me, I would be looking at AA cheap economy fare to get me as close to home as possible (HNL, NRT??) and use an EVIP to upgrade to J/F. Then take whatever was cheap to get me home from there.