First Class Award Flights LAX-SYD or SYD-LAX on A380

[Chris_Leo]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone could share some of their experience with me with respect to booking award flights (i've only ever booked award upgrades in the past).

I am keen to book a first class flight either LAX-SYD or SYD-LAX on the A380, but the award booking database shows very few flights available, with most only on the SYD-LAX route beginning in late 2009. I was in fact hoping to book a flight either later this year or early 2009.

My question is whether the database is updated frequently with new award seat opportunities, or whether it remains fairly static.

Thankyou in advance

 

[serfty]

Fairly Static is my observation; availability reduces then is gone - at that point it tends to be really static. Occasionally 1 or 2 seats may re-appear closer to the flight day but this is rare.

When the 388 schedules were first published; there was no First Award availability for 388's, it's only in the last few weeks that First Award availability has begun to appear for 388 flights.

 

[Alanslegal]

I have seen the occasional First Class award available for booking around late April 09 and May 09 in the last 24-36hrs. The flights were on a Wednesday for QF11 on the SYD-LAX route.

I ended up redeeming a J award for 29/4 for my partner as there was NO way she would end up in F whilst I am stuck in paid J (no brownie points here!)

 

[Chris_Leo]

Interesting observations...thanks a lot!

I also saw those opportunities for SYD-LAX in Apr/May 09 and was hesitant about booking them, since I thought earlier opportunities might arise if I just stick it out and wait. However, judging by your comments, that does not sound like a possibility.

I will check online again and see if those opportunities still exist, I guess waiting till Apr/May aint as bad as waiting till June/July! and by that time I'll have some more points to burn on an award flight for the other leg of that trip.

Tell me why does it cost as much for a US/OZ one way flight, as it does a return flight. This never ceases to amaze me! It makes purchasing one way fares prohibitive.

 

[Alanslegal]

FYI, I can see First award available on SYD-LAX QF11 for 27/5 and 10/6.

 

[ronone69]

This is how it works on a 747 (and probably the same on the A380)

In any F cabin, there are usually 2 FFP seats. If you are a Platinum FF they
may give you a 3rd or 4th seat depending on anticipated load

In any J cabin, there are usually 4 FFP seats. If you are a Platinum FF they
may give you an additional seat or 2 depending on anticipated load

If seats come up closer to the flight date it is because of:

a) Someone who has booked the seats has cancelled / changed booking
b) Loading is very low and they have released extra seats.

The old FF program (prior to book any seat for huge amount of points) only really works for Platinum FF as they (we) can request seats on any flight and will usually get additional seats. The new program allows everyone to pay for ridiculous amounts for any seat but as a Platinum FF we can still request and the request system has been automated making it quicker and easier.

BTW : There are rarely seats SYD->LAX on weekends but you may be lucky during the week

 

[Chris_Leo]

Thanks for this information. What do you mean when you say that Platinum members can request seats on the request system? Is this separate to the awards database that is on qantas.com?

 

[ronone69]

If a Platinum member calls QF, the booking clerk can make a request for seats on a particular flight. This used to be done manually - sent to some human being who determined loads and responded within 24 hours - now this is handled by a computer and the response is almost instant.

There is a cost for calling - $50 or 2500 points per ticket.

 

[Chris_Leo]

GASP!

I had no idea I that option...at $50 or 2500 points that is a bargain! And perhaps I could get them to find me a first class ticket sooner rather than later!

ok - will call later tonight.

Thanks again

 

[simongr]

This is how it works on a 747 (and probably the same on the A380)

< snip >

BTW : There are rarely seats SYD->LAX on weekends but you may be lucky during the week

Interesting stuff - I have never seen this before on this site - is this your experience talking or do you have some inside info?

S

 

[ronone69]

my experience - I having been using FF points for my family holidays for 10 years and sitting in F or J