Conflicting Goals

[MD]

Can someone help a newbie? I am QF PS, soon will be SG. I am planning a weekend trip to Paris (travelling J) for Easter during which I will become WP. Being time-poor I want to maximise my time in Paris, but also accrue as many SC points as possible. SYD-SIN-CDG CDG-SIN-SYD meets the first goal, but is relatively expensive in terms of dollars per point. Are there any better options?

MD

 

[NM]

Well it really depends on your priorities and which of those goals is the most important.

I assume you are currently considering QF5 SYD-SIN and the QF3977 SIN-CDG, arriving at 6:30am.

If you can get away the night before, you could take the evening departure of QF31 (10:15pm), and go via LHR and into CDG the afternoon before at around 4:30pm.

Another option is to get to SIN via BNE (QF51) or MEL (QF9) instead of the QF5 from SYD. Will mean an earlier departure for the connection, but the same arrival time into CDG. And of course the extra SC's for the domestic leg.

 

[QF WP]

The two goals are slightly incongruous.

You state you're time poor and want to maximise your time in Paris (which means either no stops or 1 stop with minimum connection; as well as a late night departures ex-SYD and ex-CDG). But at the same time you want to maximise SC's (which would indicate your willingness to do a SC run).

The other main option you have is SYD QF/BA SIN QF/BA LHR BA CDG. Given the extra connection and minimum connection times, I can't see that as meeting your first goal (time) but meets your second goal (SC's).

If time wasn't that critical, then a DONE4 would probably suit your second goal (as RTW are similar cost as point-to-point).

 

[NM]

The two goals are slightly incongruous.

You state you're time poor and want to maximise your time in Paris (which means either no stops or 1 stop with minimum connection; as well as a late night departures ex-SYD and ex-CDG). But at the same time you want to maximise SC's (which would indicate your willingness to do a SC run).

Can be done, depending what the "standard" plan is.

If MD is wanting to go just for the Easter long weekend, then the min flight time option would mean departing Good Friday on QF5 at 3:50pm. So half the day has been wasted. Arrival into CDG would be 6:30am on Sunday.

So, if MD can get to the airport on Thursday evening for the 10:15pm departure of QF31, travel will be via SIN and LHR to arrive into CDG around 4:30pm on Saturday, giving a whole extra evening and night in Paris. Probably better to spend the time in Paris rather than an afternoon departure from SYD the following day.

The QF/AF codeshare for the return (to SIN) is going to give the max use of a day in Paris, since it departs very late 11:15pm. Anything else via LHR is going to have to leave CDG by about 8pm to make the connection. Once in SIN at 5:40pm, there is a host of options to get back to SYD, including the direct QF6, the BA codeshare as QF320, or via MEL on QF10 or via BNE on QF52, all with varying am arrival times in SYD.

 

[MD]

Thanks, NM and Lindsay. I guess what I am after is a constrained SC run. To clarify, I can depart on Thursday afternoon, and return Tuesday, up to midday. I would like to spend from late morning Friday until midday Sunday in Paris. If these criteria are met then I will try to get as many SCs as possible. Any other suggestions would be received with gratitude.

MD

 

[NM]

The next thing is then the fare rules for the business class fare you are going to purchase. Do you know if there are any included side-trips etc? Any routing restrictions?

 

[MD]

The fare I was contemplating is unrestricted, but I will consider any options within the above constraints.

MD

 

[QF WP]

MD, what I think NM was after was the fare basis. Under the class code (class code for Business is J, D or I) will be a 6 digit alpha numeric code. That is what NM needs to be able to research the fare conitions for you.

This information can be obtained from your TA or Airline. Then NM can look at it (the fare rules, not your booking) through a number of different on-line tools and can give you pin-point assistance.

Getting the right information from you is paramount to be able to help you.

 

[MD]

Please bear with me (I am a newbie), and I might be missing the point. I have not yet made any bookings so will take the flights which are most advantageous SC-wise. Thanks.

MD

 

[NM]

ok, so how is this one.

QF 433 Dep SYD 12:30, Arr MEL 14:00 (you did say leaving Thursday afternoon)
QF009 Dep MEL 15:30, Arr SIN 21:05
QF319 Dep SIN 23:25, Arr LHR 05:30 (Friday morning, arr Terminal 4)
QF3415 Dep LHR 07:20, Arr CDG 09:40 (depart Terminal 4)

In business class, that will earn 360 SCs outbound.

Now, to really maximise your return SCs and meet your timing criteria (just), how about this one:

BA315 Dep CDG 13:40, Arr LHR 14:00
BA007 Dep LHR 15:45, Arr NRT 11:05
QF180 Dep NRT 20:20, Arr MEL 07:40
QF418 Dep MEL 09:00, Arr SYD 10:20

In business class that will earn 380 SCs inbound, for a total of 740 for the trip.

But I would personally stay a little later in Paris and take this return:

BA325 Dep CDG 19:20, Arr LHR 19:45 (arrive Terminal 4)
BA031 Dep LHR 21:15, Arr HKG 15:55 (depart Terminal 1)
QF088 Dep HKG 19:15, Arr MEL 06:15
QF414 Dep MEL 08:00, Arr SYD 09:20

This will earn 360 SCs for a total of 720.

Note: use the BA flight number for CDG-LHR, otherwise you won't get lounge access at CDG. That lounge is operated by Air France and is not considered a true BA lounge and the are strict about only permitting BA business class passengers access, not QF passengers, not OneWorld or Qantas Club members.

Routing through HKG gives the use of the CX lounges there, which are wonderful, especially if you have qualified QF Platinum by then and get use The Wing First Class lounge.

 

[MD]

NM, thanks. That route looks pretty good.

MD