Flights to the US west coast with Fiji Airways

[Rono]

Don't laugh but I'm looking at flights from Brisbane to either Los Angeles or to San Fran return with Fiji airlines.
My questions are as follows;

1. Anyone tried this route with Fiji Airways?
2. Your experience good/bad or otherwise?
3. The flights stop at Fiji en route of course - is it possible to leave the terminal to check the place out for a few hours?
4. Some of the second legs to the US are with Alaska Airlines - once again any feedback on this leg?
5. Correct to assume that I can still get points/credits for these outward bound and return legs?
6. Correct to assume I cannot use my existing QFF points to book any of this trip?
7. My lounge access entitlements along the way ? I have Qantas Gold and Plat Amex access

regards

Rono

 

[Scr77]

Nothing to laugh at here, all good questions.

I haven’t done this, but have tucked it away as an option. What class are you looking at?

You can use QFF points for part or all of this depending on your preference. ie pay for BNE to NAN return and then use points for NAN to LAX in J if you’re short of points. Just leave plenty of connection time (or a night or 2)

I wasn’t aware of Alaska Airlines flying to Fiji, so I presume your talking about the leg between LAX/SFO. I‘ve had plenty of good service with them, but their first class is like our Domestic business. And economy is, well, Economy.

 

[justinbrett]

Don't laugh but I'm looking at flights from Brisbane to either Los Angeles or to San Fran return with Fiji airlines.
My questions are as follows;

1. Anyone tried this route with Fiji Airways?
2. Your experience good/bad or otherwise?
3. The flights stop at Fiji en route of course - is it possible to leave the terminal to check the place out for a few hours?
4. Some of the second legs to the US are with Alaska Airlines - once again any feedback on this leg?
5. Correct to assume that I can still get points/credits for these outward bound and return legs?
6. Correct to assume I cannot use my existing QFF points to book any of this trip?
7. My lounge access entitlements along the way ? I have Qantas Gold and Plat Amex access

regards

Rono

It's not funny, perfectly legitimate choice of airline for trans Pacific. Much cheaper than the other carriers, especially in J.

I haven't flown them so can't help with 1-3.

4 - Alaska Airlines is quite good. Full oneworld carrier so you'll get lounge access and points & SCs.

5 - You will get points and SCs but at a lower rate to QF.

6 - Flights should be bookable with QF points, unsure of availability

7 - oneworld rules don't apply on FJ codes - I believe you get access in Australian QF lounges and in the FJ Nadi lounge. I don't think you'll get access in the US if not flying in J, unless it's an Alaskan flight on an AS code.

 

[encryptededdy]

5 - You will get points and SCs but at a lower rate to QF.

Surprisingly you get quite close to full SCs depending on Fare Type, if we're comparing via. NAN to direct on QF.

QF SYD-LAX Economy = 60 SCs
FJ SYD-NAN Economy 10 SCs + NAN-LAX 35 SCs = 45 SCs

But in Flex Econ
QF SYD-LAX Flex Econ = 90 SCs
FJ SYD-NAN Flex Econ 20 SCs + NAN-LAX 70 SCs = 90 SCs

Or Business
QF SYD-LAX Business = 190 SCs (but only 180 if Discount Business)
FJ SYD-NAN Business 40 SCs + NAN-LAX 140 SCs = 180 SCs (No such thing as Discount Business, so you always get 180)

7 - oneworld rules don't apply on FJ codes - I believe you get access in Australian QF lounges and in the FJ Nadi lounge. I don't think you'll get access in the US if not flying in J, unless it's an Alaskan flight on an AS code.

I do believe you need to be on a QF code to use your Qantas status to access lounges (in either Sydney or Nadi), per the Lounge Access section here.

Also anecdotally if you use Fiji Airways' plusgrade to bid upgrade to Business Class, you may be surprised in terms of how your flight ends up posting in your QFF account

 

[SYD]

Don't laugh but I'm looking at flights from Brisbane to either Los Angeles or to San Fran return with Fiji airlines.
My questions are as follows;

1. Anyone tried this route with Fiji Airways?
2. Your experience good/bad or otherwise?
3. The flights stop at Fiji en route of course - is it possible to leave the terminal to check the place out for a few hours?
4. Some of the second legs to the US are with Alaska Airlines - once again any feedback on this leg?
5. Correct to assume that I can still get points/credits for these outward bound and return legs?
6. Correct to assume I cannot use my existing QFF points to book any of this trip?
7. My lounge access entitlements along the way ? I have Qantas Gold and Plat Amex access

regards

Rono

1. Precovid we did the “Bula route” SYD-LAX with a stopover in NAN on the way home. I managed to book QF codes all the way (nested SYD-NAN J return and NAN-LAX J return all on FJ metal with QF codes). The same a/c operated SYD-NAN-LAX, so it was reasonably safe to have seperate tickets - apart from some initial head scratching to check luggage through.

2. A330 J experience was very good and if you can score the new A350 - it’s even better. Quite a bit of discussion here:

Fiji Airways trip report: SYD-NAN-LAX and return in J: So amazing!

I was always curious but when FJ released some really good fares just after opening the country up post Covid, we took the plunge. And contrary to all our fears and some reviews we’ve ready on line, the experience was excellent from start to finish. Boarding in Sydney went seamless and without...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

I saw this article just this morning:

Review: Fiji Airways Business Class A350 (LAX-NAN)

A detailed review of Fiji Airways' Airbus A350 business class. Here's what to expect from the seats, food, service, amenities, and more.

onemileatatime.com

3. If you have the time, a NAN stopover is worthwhile. Easy access to hotels around Denarau. Otherwise, there’s probably not a lot to do around the airport. Although there are some cheaper places to stay nearby.

4. as above, AS is full OW airline, so similar status benefits as flying AA.

5. yep, see above.

6. QF redemptions possible on both QF metal to NAN and FJ metal (but FJ code only on the later)

FJ/QF codeshare - rewards booking question

Hi. I read on Point Hacks today a review of Fiji Airways Business Class booked on a Qantas classic reward. In the article the author (Brandon) mentions that he was able to use the First Class lounge as the FJ flight from SYD was coded as a QF flight, which sounds good to me, so I looked at...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

It’s possible to mix and match pay / points on whY return but I cannot get it to do same for J.

7. Unless you’re in J, lounge access can be a dogs breakfast flying FJ thanks to the poorly thought out OW "Connect" (FJ is currently the only "Connect" airline.

In whY ex-OZ, QFFs will not normally get QF lounge access on an FJ code. But your AMEX lounge access would provide an alternative.

At NAN QFF access apparently is fine heading over and back.

Lounge access Nadi

Hi all, Just asking for some information, someone may have recent experience here, I've done a forum search here but the latest post was 2019..... I am QC Bronze flying ADL to NAN on FIJI Airways and return in September. Flights are QF ticketed, so QF flight numbers on FJ metal, travelling in...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

Flights on AS, your QF SG card will get you into the AA Flagship Lounge, QF J and AS lounges in LAX (and other ports where there is a OW lounge).

 

[RooFlyer]

I can't add to any of the above, but I'd love to fly FJ across the Pacific; go for it absent any major issues.

 

[MrJetset]

I've recommended this to a few friends who all rave about FJ.

I've only flown them to NAN, but their hard product, service and catering are all very, very good. It's very different to QF and a much more delightful experience.

The gates require you to walk outside which is stunning if it's Sunset. The lounge at NAN is great, but has no views. Of course you can leave the terminal if you have enough time, but why not overnight?

Beware AS's 738s that have very old and tired cabins.

 

[justinbrett]

Beware AS's 738s that have very old and tired cabins.

It's the 739s that are the oldest (a couple delivered 1999).

Oldest 738 is 2005, average age is 10.2 years, so at least on par with QF if not newer (QF is 14.5). I've found AS cabins to be very comfortable whenever I've flown with them.

 

[MrJetset]

It's the 739s that are the oldest (a couple delivered 1999).

Oldest 738 is 2005, average age is 10.2 years, so at least on par with QF if not newer (QF is 14.5). I've found AS cabins to be very comfortable whenever I've flown with them.

I think it’s the tapestry interior on the bulkhead that just ages all of them even more.

 

[justinbrett]

I think it’s the tapestry interior on the bulkhead that just ages all of them even more.

I think we had a similar discussion on here earlier that AS 737s > AA 737s, but AA A320 > AS 737s.

If a tapestry makes you uncomfortable, I'm not sure this forum is going to help you...

 

[Austman]

Don't laugh but I'm looking at flights from Brisbane to either Los Angeles or to San Fran return with Fiji airlines.
My questions are as follows;

1. Anyone tried this route with Fiji Airways?
2. Your experience good/bad or otherwise?
3. The flights stop at Fiji en route of course - is it possible to leave the terminal to check the place out for a few hours?
4. Some of the second legs to the US are with Alaska Airlines - once again any feedback on this leg?
5. Correct to assume that I can still get points/credits for these outward bound and return legs?
6. Correct to assume I cannot use my existing QFF points to book any of this trip?
7. My lounge access entitlements along the way ? I have Qantas Gold and Plat Amex access

regards

Rono

1. Anyone tried this route with Fiji Airways?
I've done it once or twice in J when they were Air Pacific. It can be a bit of a milk run but a good alternative if stopping in NAN is either something you'd like to do or not mind doing. Today, Fiji Airways in J looks a decent product. But I flew them in Y recently MEL-NAN and they made Qantas Y look good. As with most Fijians, the crew were invariably lovely. The soft product however wasn't.

3. The flights stop at Fiji en route of course - is it possible to leave the terminal to check the place out for a few hours?
It is. But check the flight arrival times. Eg many flights arrive pre 6am. And, as I noted just the other week, 3 x A330 or A350 flights can arrive at about the same time. If that happens, the lines at passport control can get pretty long and there's not much open in Fiji at 6am. Breakfast somewhere? Also, currently, you still need COVID insurance proof. That might of course change soon.

6. Correct to assume I cannot use my existing QFF points to book any of this trip?
I booked my Y class flight on Fiji Airways using QFF points. It got an FJ flight number which meant lounge access wasn't allowed based on OW or QF status.

7. My lounge access entitlements along the way ? I have Qantas Gold and Plat Amex access
As above, in J you will get it. FJ being OW Connect means that in Y you'd need a QF (or other OW?) flight number. The Fiji Airways lounge in NAN is actually quite a decent lounge. I was there a few days ago (on a QF flight in J). I think there are some other ways to access it too (priority pass etc).

 

[MrJetset]

I think we had a similar discussion on here earlier that AS 737s > AA 737s, but AA A320 > AS 737s.

If a tapestry makes you uncomfortable, I'm not sure this forum is going to help you...

Touchè

 

[FlyingKangaroo]

1. Anyone tried this route with Fiji Airways? Done it twice in J this year and have another scheduled in 2023
2. Your experience good/bad or otherwise? Good enough to do it three times
3. The flights stop at Fiji en route of course - is it possible to leave the terminal to check the place out for a few hours? Yes - if the transfer is long enough, as noted
4. Some of the second legs to the US are with Alaska Airlines - once again any feedback on this leg? Also done this on all three tickets. Alaska is my preferred US airline for domestic routes, though the new Delta lounge at LAX is incredible if you have access.
5. Correct to assume that I can still get points/credits for these outward bound and return legs? Yes, but not as much as QF metal as noted
6. Correct to assume I cannot use my existing QFF points to book any of this trip? You can book all of it with QF points, as noted, if seats are available (part of why I've flown them so many times is because their availability is better than QF)
7. My lounge access entitlements along the way ? I have Qantas Gold and Plat Amex access As noted, QF and AMEX lounge at SYD, FJ lounge in Fiji, and AA or AS lounge at LAX with QF card or AMEX Centurion; all good.

 

[Austman]

Just to note that lounge access on Fiji Airways when in Y on a FJ flight number is a bit of a mess.

You won't even get into a Qantas lounge as a QFF status pax even if you used your QFF points to book the ticket!

In J it's different but in MEL for example FJ did not use the Qantas J lounge.

 

[Rono]

Austman, thankyou for your feedback, appreciated. What did you mean by this??

''Also, currently, you still need COVID insurance proof. That might of course change soon.''

regards

Rono

 

[Austman]

''Also, currently, you still need COVID insurance proof. That might of course change soon.''

I looked a bit closer and see that you don't need the COVID insurance proof if you are only transiting Fiji for less than 72 hours.

You still need a COVID vaccination certificate however.

The details are here: https://www.mcttt.gov.fj/fiji-entry-conditions/

 

[justinbrett]

You still need a COVID vaccination certificate however.

Well you need that for the US anyway.

 

[jpp42]

1. Anyone tried this route with Fiji Airways?
2. Your experience good/bad or otherwise?
3. The flights stop at Fiji en route of course - is it possible to leave the terminal to check the place out for a few hours?

My partner and I flew SYD-NAN-LAX and return earlier this year, booked on FJ codes so we didn't have lounge access despite QF status (WP), due to the wacky setup of Oneworld Connect. However, outbound we were in business class NAN-LAX so had access to the lounge at NAN as a result of class of service. Return was all economy so we paid for lounge entry which we found worth it, compared to the zoo that is the relatively small international transit area. With typical schedules there certainly is no time to exit the airport, unless you planned a stopover in Fiji (which they heavily advertise).

I would certainly fly FJ again if on a budget as the savings were definitely worth it, particularly for the business class leg as on our outbound trip we really wanted to arrive well-rested in the US. The planes were all newish A350's and the business class hard product was excellent. The service was a bit indifferent; it took surprisingly long for the business class food to be served, but this is no different to Qantas! Economy class food was much faster, I guess as the service is a lot simpler.

The most annoying part of the journey was the long lineup at NAN for transit security and passport checking, which of course had to be done in each direction. Because we flew SYD-NAN in economy, and had a seat near the back of the plane, we waited for around 45 minutes in an outdoor (covered) area with stifling tropical heat and humidity. On our return LAX-NAN, we were closer to the front of the plane and the wait was only 20 minutes or so. Part of the delay was due to checking Covid documents which are a bit relaxed now, however, so YMMV. I realise those are not huge wait times but when you consider that this is all in addition to the standard queues at SYD and LAX, it was definitely something that would deter us from doing this in the future.

Good luck with your trip.

 

[FlyingKangaroo]

Just to note that lounge access on Fiji Airways when in Y on a FJ flight number is a bit of a mess.

You won't even get into a Qantas lounge as a QFF status pax even if you used your QFF points to book the ticket!

In J it's different but in MEL for example FJ did not use the Qantas J lounge.

Thanks for noting that. I was completely mistaken about how OneWorld connect works.

I always thought OneWorld "connect" meant that reciprocal benefits apply between the connect member and members of their full-member "sponsors", so in Fiji's case that's QF, CX and BA. I also thought QF, CX and BA status-holders would get access to FJ's own lounges even when flying exclusively on FJ. On that I was again wrong.

Rather, any OneWorld Sapphire or above gets access to FJ-operated lounges if but only if also flying on a ticket that includes a sector operated by a sponsor.

It also only works one-way. So despite QF, CX and BA being sponsors of FJ's connect membership, QF/CX/BA status-holders don't get access to their own lounges when flying FJ, and certainly not FJ status-holders. So in other words, FJ's membership as a OneWorld connect partner opens up access to precisely one lounge - Nadi - and even then, only if flying another sector on a QF/BA/CX.

As the reward availability gods would have it, I've only flown FJ in J, but good to know in future as I definitely would have made this mistake.

TL/DR: the OneWorld connect programme is a lot lamer than I thought it was. I'm glad Alaska joined as a full member.

 

[SYD]

TL/DR: the OneWorld connect programme is a lot lamer than I thought it was. I'm glad Alaska joined as a full member.

Agree.

There’s a whole thread on the lameness of OWC. We thought the best until the details got published…

Oneworld Connect - Fiji Airways

Nice move. I’ve often thought that FJ would be handy as a OW affiliate. oneworld connect Should simplify lounge access in SYD and LAX etc! Who could be next?

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

But if you can get that QF code ex-Oz, QF status pax in whY get lounge access in Oz. Even QF F for WPs.

Curiously, in the recent article I posted above Ben claims he got into the LAX QF F lounge flying in J with - I assume - an FJ code (having redeemed AA points for the sector). It would be curious if others have had the same success?