Augusta, West Indies - what fare would you use for this (most awesome) trip?

[Happy Dude]

Hi all,

I have the opportunity to go to the US Masters (near-ish Atlanta) in April and was thinking of adding a few days in Trinidad for the cricket (2nd test). I have to go via Dallas on the way there and would also like to squeeze a side trip to Midlands, Tx after the golf.

I was thinking a circle Pacific fare (I'd be ameniable to a stopover somewhere in South America), something like:

Oz - DFW (stop) - Atlanta (stop) - DFW (stop) - Midland (stop)- DFW - Trinidad (stop) - Santiago (stop)- Oz

Would that be do-able on a circle pacific fare? Or would a fare to Trinidad via DFW on QF/AA and then add ons for ATL and Midlands, be cheaper/easier? Can I have two stopsovers in DFW? Do I need to stope in Asia?

I don't mind which carriers/alliance I use. Wouldn't mind avoiding the recent QF fuel fine hikes though.

NB I can't find a link to plan a OW Circle Pacific fare online (only RTW explorers).

Open to suggestions. Whaddya reckon?

Ta

Happy Dude

 

[moa999]

Only fare rules for Circle Pac available.

Problems with Circle Pac are:
4D. Travel via the Caribbean, Bermuda and Central America is not permitted on any fare.
as well as being limited to two stopovers per continent.

Unsure if Santiago is a necessity.
I would probably be considering a cheap fare to the US, and a YUP to get you down to the Carribean - they are generally well priced.

Enjoy Trinidad. I did 4th test in Antigua in 2003 and had a great time.

 

[Happy Dude]

Hey thanks Moa999. Looks like a circle fare is out then. Can you point me in the right direction of the YUP fares (book online?).

4th test eh? Seems the good old days of 5 test series are long gone (except the Poms )

 

[drron]

The circle pacific fare really doesn't suit your itinerary.Not only does it preclude the carribean but you have 2 stops at DFW and 4 stops in the USA.Also going home via SCL means you are in to the 29000 mile product which usually prices higher than an XONE4.
So you could try a lesser mileage Circle fare but you then have to return via North pacific.
You could also consider VA to LAX and then its partner DL for Atlanta.
I presume you are flying into MAF-Midland International.It is served by AE,Southwest and UA.
For the T&Cs of a Circle pacific look here-
Circle Pacific - oneworld

If you are travelling in Y then just select the cheapest option in the USA.YUPP fares to Trinidad are not as good value as they book into J not F therefore less SCs for QFF.

 

[moa999]

Search for Yupps on AA.com
Best is to go into the multi-city engine and search from their.

You want to search for Business/First with restrictions fares.
YUPs book into First for the domestic US sectors and Business for the Caribbean sectors

Picking Atlanta as a starting point (given it is not an AA Hub) in most dates in April I can see
ATL-MIA-POS-MIA-ATL YUPs for around $1300 earning 280 SCs, or Better
ATL-MIA-DFW-POS-DFW-MIA-ATL Business Saver (ie confirmed) for around $1500 earning 520 SCs (if you dont mind backtracking a bit!) - allows a 24hr stay at DFW or around $200 extra if you want to break the journey

---

2003 was a 4-Test series.
Australia was up 3-0, first innings was 240 a piece in Antigua, then the Windies chased down a world record (at the time 416 (I think) to win.

 

[11sjw]

Not really on your topic but given Atlanta stick with Delta. They have plenty of flights to Augusta.

Some good spots to sit at the Masters (not in any order):

1. Between the 13th Green and 14th tee
2. Behind 16th Green
3. Behind 6th Green

Move in set your collapsible chair up at one spot with a business card in it. It won't get touched. Get a snack and a drink and head off to the early holes and take up a temporary spot in a stand or follow a group for a couple of holes.

If possible get there on the Wed for the par 3 comp. A great day and you're allowed to take a camera in. Can't do that during the 4 days of competition.

 

[Happy Dude]

Thanks all for the pointers. Much appreciated.

There's been a few schedule changes and I've given South America the flick. I've had a play with YUPPs to come up with:

DFW-MAF*-ATL (via DFW)*-DFW*-POS (via MIA)*-HOU (via DFW)-DFW

* = stopover. The cost is $2520.73. The booking codes are N-Q-P-A-A-D-I-A-N-O. As a greenhorn with the YUPPs, all that means very little to me.

Questions:
1. How do I calculate the SCs on that?
2. Are there any issues paying? ie Is the best way to pay using an AUS-based Amex to call AA in the US?
3. I'll be booking a BNE-LAX or SYD-DFW-BNE as well (probably using the QF website - unless someone suggests a better way). Can I link the PNRs?

Cheers

Happy Dude

 

[serfty]

When travel is on AA flight number:

A,P = First Class that earns with QFF

D, I = Business class that earns with QFF

N = Discount economy that earns with QFF

O, Q = Discount economy that does not earn with QF.