Cheap fares to the USA

[bambbbam2]

Well the hordes have arrived.. the QF page seems dead.

 

[futaris]

Appears to be O class, so only really worth crediting to QFF.

 

[kamchatsky]

Appears to be O class, so only really worth crediting to QFF.

Even with only bronze status, it is still 19K points .... enough for return flights for SYD-MEL ..... So that is the additional benefit of the sale!

 

[futaris]

And not a bad SC earner:

BNE-SYD 467 mi = 10 SCs
SYD-LAX 7488 mi = 45 SCs
LAX-JFK 2475 mi = 25 SCs

180SCs for 944 AUD = $5.24/SC

Shame it can't be upgraded.

 

[serfty]

O class will earn 50% EQMs and 25% EQP on AAdvantage ...

 

[serfty]

Qantas.com is now alive and running.

... well it was

 

[Alanslegal]

qantas.com is live again

 

[Bundy Bear]

Click on the one of the banner adverts for the international sales and I get the file not found.

In one part I read sale fares available for flights up to 31 October; 2 October is showing $634 but flights on the 16 Oct are showing $874 so it doesn't appear they have updated all the prices for the dates up to the end of 31 Oct.

 

[Flashback]

Click on the one of the banner adverts for the international sales and I get the file not found.

In one part I read sale fares available for flights up to 31 October; 2 October is showing $634 but flights on the 16 Oct are showing $874 so it doesn't appear they have updated all the prices for the dates up to the end of 31 Oct.

There may just be no availability at the cheaper price...

 

[futaris]

Here's another way of looking at it, for those who have large windfalls from the Amex promo(s):

103,662 Amex MR points will get you BNE-LAX-JFK inc taxes (using the 1c/MR point scheme), and you'll earn ~20,000 QFF points.

Alternatively, if you wanted to convert into QFF and redeem that way, it'll cost you:

128,000 QFF points + ~$400 taxes

Of course the QFF redemption will earn no points or SCs, and the Amex MR redemption will earn points and SCs.

So, if you take away the 20,000 QFF that you'll earn, and decide to pay the $400 taxes in cash, essentially you can get the same flights for about 40k MR points, or about a third of the cost going through QFF. This is assuming that you're a NB (Bronze).

If you're a WP (Platinum), you'll earn 40k QFF, so taking away the 40k QFF that you'd earn, and assuming that you want to pay the taxes with cash (or credit card), it'll essentially cost you 20k MR points (+ ~$400 taxes). Effectively, here is an example where QFF points are worth six times less than a MR point.

$200 cheaper, and you'd be getting a real free ($0 fare) flight on a full-service airline (exc taxes). Isn't that how some of the LCCs (e.g. Ryan Air, Tiger, etc) are advertising their flights these days?

NB, redeeming the above, only requires a minimum of 1000 MR points. QFF Anyseat requires a minimum of whatever the classic award is, i.e. 128k.

 

[lisabella]

Qantas is insane!!! BNE - JFK return via LAX for $989 including taxes!!!! These fares are unheard of since last century!!!!

 

[yogi]

My $1200 and a bit that I booked so excitedly in the early days of VA bookings, now seems expensive. All relative I suppose, but still...

 

[lisabella]

Discovered a new low!!! Just priced Air New Zealand at $872 return (including taxes!) BNE - SFO departing Jun 20th and returning July 27. Some other selected dates available at this low fare - probably to LAX also.

Air NZ is 1st transpacific operator to go under the $900 mark!!!!!! Gotta luv it!

 

[Warks]

Who's betting a few flights get cancelled when the time comes?
I hope not.

 

[futaris]

Red Hot Deals to the USA - Cheap Flights, Airfares & Holidays - Air New Zealand Official Site - Australia

OOL-LAX/SFO $900
MEL-LAX/SFO $906
SYD-LAX/SFO $922
BNE-LAX/SFO $923

Price includes applicable taxes and fuel surcharge. On sale until 20 Mar 09. For departures from 01 May - 14 Jun 09 (all travel to be completed by 01 Dec 09). Minimum stay of 4 nights. One free stopover permitted in each direction at Auckland. After ticketing/prior to departure AUD$550 cancellation fee applies. Changes any time a AUD$250 fee per adult applies. Global Saver Max fare rules apply. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights. Booking conditions apply. Pricing correct as at 06 Mar 09

 

[Blackadder]

Who's betting a few flights get cancelled when the time comes?
I hope not.

Unless there is a legitimate reason I would suspect not, with so much competition on the Trans Pacific route now any cancelled flights would put the company behind the competition IMHO.

 

[bambbbam2]

I picked up syd-sfo return for 897 on QF..

now the fun begins, accom, tours etc.

Do people still use those luggage locks when travelling to the US?

 

[stryker]

Air NZ is 1st transpacific operator to go under the $900 mark!!!!!! Gotta luv it!

That's not what Qantas tells me.

 

[bambbbam2]

Sorry for slightly OT question, I have never been to the US before.

Do I need to complete the 'extra questions' at both the 'Manage my Bookings' part of the QF site as well as the electronic online US govt one?

 

[Maca44]

Do people still use those luggage locks when travelling to the US?

Use cable ties, much cheaper and the TSA break the locks in any event. Just keep a small packet of spare ties in the bottom of your bag and a nail clipper in our carry on to cut them.