HNL back to MEL

[HNL808]

I need help coming up with creative ways of finding four redemption seats from HNL direct to melbourne or if that’s not possible, via Sydney.

I’m struggling to find availability for mid April 2025 on JQ and reluctant to pay $3500 to purchase the four seats.

I have considered going via Fiji and Auckland or buying Alaska Miles to access seats on Qantas. Are there any other creative ideas you can share that may involve buying Miles to access seats on Qantas or another airline?

I have almost 1,000,000 Velocity points and 400,000 Qantas points.

I need to look at ways of getting from West Coast USA to Hawaii. I’d be happy to hear your ideas in this regard too.

Thanks!

 

[Dr Ralph]

Following. I love a good fantasy story.

 

[Dmac59]

I need help coming up with creative ways of finding four redemption seats from HNL direct to melbourne or if that’s not possible, via Sydney.

I’m struggling to find availability for mid April 2025 on JQ and reluctant to pay $3500 to purchase the four seats.

I have considered going via Fiji and Auckland or buying Alaska Miles to access seats on Qantas. Are there any other creative ideas you can share that may involve buying Miles to access seats on Qantas or another airline?

I have almost 1,000,000 Velocity points and 400,000 Qantas points.

I need to look at ways of getting from West Coast USA to Hawaii. I’d be happy to hear your ideas in this regard too.

Thanks!

This is going to get confusing @HNL808
You’ve posed the same scenario in 2 separate threads.

 

[justinbrett]

Aus-HNL is most likely not going to happen, this is during school holidays. To get 4 seats is a big ask.

West Coast USA to HNL is much simpler - try HA on VA or AA/AS on QF.

 

[WilsonM]

It wouldn't make sense to buy Alaska miles for Qantas flights, as you would have better access to Qantas flights via your Qantas points.

You're looking at a popular destination at a popular time with relatively short notice.

On Thursday 17th there seems to be 4 reward seats available in Economy on Hawaiian Airlines on HNL-SYD, according to AA (which can throw up phantom availability). You can call Virgin Australia to book these. Only other date in April is the 12th.

 

[Mwenenzi]

I need help coming up with creative ways of finding four redemption seats from HNL direct to melbourne or if that’s not possible, via Sydney.
I’m struggling to find availability for mid April 2025 on JQ and reluctant to pay $3500 to purchase the four seats.
I have considered going via Fiji and Auckland or buying Alaska Miles to access seats on Qantas. Are there any other creative ideas you can share that may involve buying Miles to access seats on Qantas or another airline?
I have almost 1,000,000 Velocity points and 400,000 Qantas points.
I need to look at ways of getting from West Coast USA to Hawaii. I’d be happy to hear your ideas in this regard too.

Vic school holidays 5 April to 17 April
Friday 18 April - Good Friday
Monday 21 April - Easter Monday
Friday 25 April Anzac day
About this time all airlines (QF JQ HA FJ) will be hoping to sell all seats for good money

HA Hawaiian Airlines has been purchased by AS and being incorporated into AS as a brand (not an airline)
HA Hawaiian Airlines recently announced as a QF partner for awards
HA Hawaiian Airlines currently a VA partner, but is likely to cease.

If QF has no awards, 110% sure AS will not be offering awards on QF. But AS may have awards on HA (or may not)
Class of travel?

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Couple questions:

• What cabin are you looking to travel in? Business? Premium Economy? Economy
• Do you hold Qantas Platinum or Platinum One status?
• Do all 4 passengers need to be travelling together or is there any flexibility in splitting up the travel group (i.e. departing on different flights, potentially on different days)?

If you aren't fussy about flying in business class, the good news, as others have pointed out that finding availability from HNL back to MEL shouldn't be an issue. For instance, one poster already indicated that there are 4 seats available on Hawaiian, and you can book those flights using your Virgin Australia Velocity points by simply giving them a call.

If on the other hand you need to be flying Premium Cabin like Business or First class, it's going to be a challenge. What I would suggest doing is use your points to book economy seats right now so you have something available. Then as you get closer to the departure start searching for flights between SFO and MEL. The reason I say this is United generally releases a ton of business class award availability on their Australia routes (from SFO/LAX) a couple of days prior to departure as seats change. In this way you'll have a return back to Australia confirmed in economy, with the possibility of potentially moving to business class on United should availability crop up. Oh and by the way when I say there is a ton of availability I mean it, here's what SFO > MEL looks like over the next few days on United in business:

 

[HNL808]

Thank you. I had considered a positioning flight back to the West Coast, it makes sense given the availability that you've pointed out.