Group of 25 flying SYD-SFO - Discount Negotiations

[flmyngo]

Hi there,

I've never booked a flight for more than 2 people, let alone 25, so just wondering whether anyone here has done this before and would like to part with any advice? Also what kind of discount should I be aiming for when talking with airlines (if any)?

We'll be travelling beginning of April from SYD to SFO, mid-Apr from SFO to NYC, and late-Apr from NYC back to SYD, all in cattle.

The cheapest way I can see is to get an open jaw return from SYD, and then buy a one-way for the internal US flight. The open jaw is $1898 with QF or $1559 with UA, and the internal is $160 with basically anyone.

 

[The Rok]

I would think that for the pure logistics of the move and assistance with transfers & hotels a travel agent might be your best bet.

 

[awilcockson]

I was going to suggest the same thing, find a good TA. There might even be one or two hiding here on the forum

 

[TheInsider]

If you have set dates, set people and set routes, do it directly through the airlines website to get the best deal. Otherwise if you need the flexability then do it through a groups agent, but this will make the cost go upwards.

 

[TheInsider]

Also DO NOT fly UA!

 

[flmyngo]

Thanks for the advice, but I think I'd prefer to do it without an agent, learn something new. Good tip about transfers from the airport though - hadn't even thought of that.

 

[LiamR]

V Australia (Not Virgin Australia) are actually quite helpful with group bookings, I use to book groups of 20ish to the USA once a year using a TA, but switched last year to booking the airline directly, they seemed reasonable to deal with. The only discount I could get was wiping any credit card or booking fees.

For internal US flights, I never managed them myself, I'll ask around and report back my findings. But IIRC they were booked seperately to the V Australia flights.

 

[flmyngo]

Also DO NOT fly UA!

I haven't flown with UA before, but I've read numerous negative posts about them. They are the only ones who fly direct SYD-SFO and the cheapest, but I think for a reason. What's so bad about flying with them? Small seats, bad service... any entertainment?

 

[TheInsider]

I haven't flown with UA before, but I've numerous negative posts about them. They are the only ones who fly direct SYD-SFO and the cheapest, but I think for a reason. What's so bad about flying with them? Small seats, bad service... any entertainment?

No individual IFE, i guess an old 747 (but QF do this too), some of the oldest (not being agest) and ****tiest cabin crew in the airline, and main screen entertainment.

IMO it would be better to choose Qantas, as it will atleast could be on an A380, have personal IFE, and also if you book AA to SFO, get your BP's and bags tagged all the way through.

But of course i'm bias towards QF.

And if you have your credit card linked up to your FF account, you'll get extra points

 

[LiamR]

I haven't flown with UA before, but I've read numerous negative posts about them. They are the only ones who fly direct SYD-SFO and the cheapest, but I think for a reason. What's so bad about flying with them? Small seats, bad service... any entertainment?

Pretty average service, and fairly old aircraft. There is no personal IFE, just TV screens every few rows.

The BIG advantage flying with them on the other hand, is you get to avoid LAX entirely. But it isn't worth flying UA for that IMO.

 

[flmyngo]

Ok so personally I would prefer QF, but I'm not the one coughing up the credit card. Is there ANY possibility of getting a group discount with QF that could work out as the same price as UA...? Or am I dreamin'?

 

[TheInsider]

Ok so personally I would prefer QF, but I'm not the one coughing up the credit card. Is there ANY possibility of getting a group discount with QF that could work out as the same price as UA...? Or am I dreamin'?

Generally no, are there set names already or would the names be set at a later time.

 

[flmyngo]

Generally no, are there set names already or would the names be set at a later time.

I'd have all details in a few days: names, passport #s etc.

 

[TheInsider]

But give Qantas groups a call and they will be able to do all the passengers in the one booking, otherwise max of nine on the website.

 

[TheInsider]

Qantas Flights | Make a group booking with Qantas

 

[notzac]

Group bookings can often be more expensive due to availability issues in the cheapest fare class. LAX can be a nightmare, but IMHO it really isn't bad enough to warrant flying with UA.

I'd consider flying with VA/DL due to the different arrival terminal at LAX - I've heard it's more pleasant than TBIT (though TBIT sets the bar pretty low..)

 

[flmyngo]

Hmm I'm pretty sure we can be split up over 2 or 3 flights, so hopefully availability isn't an issue with the cost. But will have to get onto it soon. I have a contact at QF so I'll ask them for advice too. Will update you all about the deal when it's sorted.

 

[UP4014]

I haven't flown with UA before, but I've read numerous negative posts about them. They are the only ones who fly direct SYD-SFO and the cheapest, but I think for a reason. What's so bad about flying with them? Small seats, bad service... any entertainment?

UA are fine, used them plenty of times without any issue whatsoever, just a more basic fit out and meal service on the aircraft on this route, i.e. no seat back screens in economy. I think perception is more of an issue for UA.

They do fly direct to SFO which for organising 25 people would be a no brainer for me.

Matt

 

[neon_crossing]

I have no experience in booking groups but if it were me I would be aiming for Air NZ. SYD to SFO via AKL.

At the moment for early April you will be looking about $1800 return.

Also for $55 a head you can get guest passes to the Koru lounge at AKL to pass the time for the 2-3hr layover, which is alot better than trying to navigate through LAX and get another plane to SFO.

I have flown economy with VA and they were very good, I have only ever flown business with NZ and they were exceptional.

I have been looking at airfares in the USA and the matrix search or expedia is always a good engine to use to check for the SFO to NYC leg. I have found Virgin America have had consistently good cheap prices SFO to NYC $149ish

 

[ozbeachbabe]

V Australia (Not Virgin Australia) are actually quite helpful with group bookings, I use to book groups of 20ish to the USA once a year using a TA, but switched last year to booking the airline directly, they seemed reasonable to deal with. The only discount I could get was wiping any credit card or booking fees.

For internal US flights, I never managed them myself, I'll ask around and report back my findings. But IIRC they were booked seperately to the V Australia flights.

Previously airlines used to give one freebie per 20 pax for example but I don't know whether they still do this or not. When you do get quotes I would get one for the trans-pacific travel only eg SYD/SFO - LAX/SYD plus another one if possible for the whole thing SYD/SFO/NYC/SYD which will then give you an idea of what the domestic travel is worth.

Internally VX are great & fly non-stop SFO/JFK. It may be worth getting a phone card then call the US & speak to their groups dept, assuming they have one.

I would also ask airlines what the flexibility is for flight/date changes as there will always be someone in the group that becomes the quintessential PITA wanting to constantly change their flights.

Don't forget about travel insurance - it's a must for the USA and ESTA visas too!

Might be worth looking a flights to HNL & back then a separate ticket HNL/SFO/NYC/SFO. Can't see anybody arguing about a stopover in Hawaii & it certainly breaks the journey up!