Cheapest Way to get 80 SC's ex SYD or MEL?

[mbdftr]

Hi Guys,

I am new to this forum and was wondering if anybody has any ideas on the cheapest way to earn 80 QF SC's ex SYD or MEL??

I have had an extensive look through the forum and the broader web and the best deal I have been able to find was SYD-CBR-SYD flying Business Class (40 SC's each way) @ approx $685AUD return

I noticed a reference in a previous thread on flying SYD-AKL-SYD business class with LAN for 160 SC's @ approx $600AUD return so looked at booking SYD-AKL business class one with LAN for 80 SC's (and would get home using points on an award flight) but one way was approx $550AUD.

Was hoping you would be able to share your experience/knowledge?

I am on 620SC's and my membership year ends 31 Dec.

I am SYD based but spend a lot of time in MEL so could do a SC run from either or even beginning in SYD ending in MEL.

Thanks very much in advance for your help!

Cheers

mbdftr

 

[serfty]

Welcome to AFF mbdftr

You will find the return LAN fare for 160 SC to be $698.12.

You could look at Jetstar StarClass flights between MEL and SYD (maybe as part of your normal travel) - they earn 40 SC and cost $335 each way.

 

[docjames]

If you only need the 80 from one-way on LAN, buy the paid segment from AKL-SYD (paid in NZD) as it will work out roughly $100 cheaper after conversion to A$ than paying the segment SYD-AKL.

Note also if using LAN you can do it in a day (will require overnight in AKL) so SYD-CBR-SYD may work out cheaper (unless you're prepared to sleep at AKL airport). Others have done this previously as it's open 24hrs. It
s just uncomfrtable and boring, but you could go DJ across arriving about 1am, connecting to LAN which will board around 430/5 am if i recall correctly.

If you're based in both SYD and MEL, why not incorporate the Status run into planned trips and go via CBR? If time is running out, just do a SYD-CBR-MEL in J at a time that meets the deadline and suits your other travel. Probably easier than worrying about taking LAN to AKL.

 

[samh004]

I would recommend the LAN option, either DJ/JQ or award flight over and then book the LAN flight back. It’ll work out cheaper that way as mentioned above.

However for the full amount, flying return might be just as good, and then you’ll get to your next SC bonus quicker.

 

[mbdftr]

Thanks so much guys! SUPER helpful!

I just booked a 5:50am flight from AKL-SYD Business Class for only $289!!!
Flying over the night before on an award flight so this is easily the cheapest option I have found :mrgreen:

I think ill just spend the night at the Airport. Presumably i can get into the lounge if i am flying business class!! :mrgreen:

Thanks again for your help

Cheers

mbdftr

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Thanks so much guys! SUPER helpful!


I think ill just spend the night at the Airport. Presumably i can get into the lounge if i am flying business class!! :mrgreen:

From what I have read the lounge closes overnight with closing time depending when the last flight is. ie you cannot sleep in the lounge.

Early morning flights means that you will get an early wake-up call from arriving pax.

 

[serfty]

... I think ill just spend the night at the Airport. Presumably i can get into the lounge if i am flying business class!! :mrgreen:
...

You will have lounge access due to flying Business.

Note the lounge closes around 8:30pm QF134 flight to MEL begins boarding and re-opens at 4:30am - you should have time for a shower and a light breakfast.

One of the better areas to sleep at AKL can be found upstairs in Level 2 near the viewing area (past "Spinnakers" pub).

 

[Joshua]

Serfty got in first, but... Lounge access is no trouble, they have a banner up for LAN at the entrance up the escalator. Of course if you're OWE/OWS then never any worries.

As for overnighting it, the advice on this thread is perfect. You can use the SmartGate terminal outside the QP. Enjoy.

 

[NM]

If only needing 80 SCs, consider taking the LAN SYD-AKL-SYD Business Class trip such as the outbound in at the end of your membership year (even the very last date) and the return is in your next membership year (even the first date) so you have a kick-start for the next year.

 

[N860CR]

Question... has anyone ever run into problems with NZ customs during these very short turn arounds?

I've had a few occasions where I've only been to AKL for the one night (dinner with friends once then a few meetings other times) and always get the third degree about why I'm only there for a day. That said I get the same treatment if I'm there for a week so maybe they just don't like me!

 

[drewbles]

Question... has anyone ever run into problems with NZ customs during these very short turn arounds?

I've had a few occasions where I've only been to AKL for the one night (dinner with friends once then a few meetings other times) and always get the third degree about why I'm only there for a day. That said I get the same treatment if I'm there for a week so maybe they just don't like me!

Have done MEL-AKL several times with a sub-24/48 hour turn around. No questions asked at all. I was concerned myself, but never been an issue. Not sure if having FF status helped, I was only PS back then.

 

[Cyclogenesis]

Thanks so much guys! SUPER helpful!

I just booked a 5:50am flight from AKL-SYD Business Class for only $289!!!
Flying over the night before on an award flight so this is easily the cheapest option I have found :mrgreen:

I think ill just spend the night at the Airport. Presumably i can get into the lounge if i am flying business class!! :mrgreen:

Thanks again for your help

Cheers

mbdftr

Wow! for that I might have to take a look for an AA earner...Hmm... might need to get a family member to sit the little one and we could do a weekend getaway to AKL in J for sub 1300... (and good SC)

 

[Bundy Bear]

Now look what you all have gone and done.

Reservation code: ******



Itinerary Segment 1 Departure Arrival Flight Cabin Baggage Monday 14 december 2009 05:50 Auckland (AKL) 07:30 Sydney (SYD) LA801
Premium Business-I 3 pieces , 23 kilograms each.

Price $289.01

Yes I just booked the flight as I was planning to be in NZ that weekend anyway.

 

[fly by wire]

Thanks so much guys! SUPER helpful!

I just booked a 5:50am flight from AKL-SYD Business Class for only $289!!!
Flying over the night before on an award flight so this is easily the cheapest option I have found :mrgreen:

I think ill just spend the night at the Airport. Presumably i can get into the lounge if i am flying business class!! :mrgreen:

Thanks again for your help

Cheers

mbdftr

What booking class was this? How many SC did you get for it?

 

[straitman]

What booking class was this? How many SC did you get for it?

You get 80 SC. I booked direct through the LAN dot com site and the booking shows as I class.

I hope that helps.

 

[Aggi]

I'm also considering doing this status run in late January as I need around 200 status credits to requalify by 31 January. Looks like I can get a return business class flight for around $700. Does anyone know if this is a special fare or if its available at any time? Don't want to book it unless I'm sure I need the extra status credits. Alternatively under the terms and conditions it looks like the fare is refundable, so perhaps I book it now and cancel if not required...?

 

[straitman]

I'm also considering doing this status run in late January as I need around 200 status credits to requalify by 31 January. Looks like I can get a return business class flight for around $700. Does anyone know if this is a special fare or if its available at any time? Don't want to book it unless I'm sure I need the extra status credits. Alternatively under the terms and conditions it looks like the fare is refundable, so perhaps I book it now and cancel if not required...?

This fare + or - a bit is available (books into I) is available all the time. Having said that their loads have been quite high lately so availability could be an issue.