Creative routings - AU- US RTN Christmas

[Deleted member 29185]

We're considering a family holiday to the US at Christmas (about 4 weeks, mid Dec - mid Jan), but upon checking a few web sites I see higher than expected base fares (cheapest rtn low $2ks, local airlines rtn low $3ks). As we are 2A, 2C, it suddenly makes it an expensive proposition.

Would there be a common expectation that sale fares may become available or alternatively, does anyone know of any creative routings that may be advantageous to us?

 

[dfcatch]

We're considering a family holiday to the US at Christmas (about 4 weeks, mid Dec - mid Jan), but upon checking a few web sites I see higher than expected base fares (cheapest rtn low $2ks, local airlines rtn low $3ks). As we are 2A, 2C, it suddenly makes it an expensive proposition.

Would there be a common expectation that sale fares may become available or alternatively, does anyone know of any creative routings that may be advantageous to us?

Leave first week of December and save a packet.

There won't be sales.

Oct-Nov (till a week into December) is the cheaper fares, and also Feb-Mar.

 

[BensAdventures]

What were you hoping you in terms of price. Certainly nothing much below $2K should be expected. I travel to the USA every December and commonly leave late November or very early December and I get the occasional win. Certainly leaving earlier will help.

 

[Blackadder]

Maybe look at going via Japan, or via Fiji.

 

[Mal]

Some countries close to Australia have fares to the US which *may* allow stopovers.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Thanks for replies.

A few more questions.......

1. I note I can buy VA/Delta cheaper on flightsflights.com.au than I can for the exact same seat through VA site. Is this normal? I do have 120k Velocity points but don't want to pay the premium to book through VA.
2. Are there any advantages by using a real travel agent than by using Expedia/flightsflights etc?

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Leave first week of December and save a packet.

There won't be sales.

Oct-Nov (till a week into December) is the cheaper fares, and also Feb-Mar.

^This. Closer to X-mas, fares start to jump. I use Bestflights to get a gauge on price range, then go hunting.