Joint Around the World's - One Points, one Paid - Best Options?

[elrodeo]

Hi All
Not exactly sure if this is the right thread for my question - please let me know if there's a more appropriate place...

My partner and I are going to travel South and Central America for 6-7 months from early August this year and we also would like to visit Japan (Hokkaido) for two weeks at the end of this trip. Between us we have around 160,000 points. (I guess we may have another 20,000 by the time we leave).

We've considered a number of options and would appreciate any comments on which might be best (cheapest):

1. Go with two RTW tickets; one on points(140k points; about $900 in taxes) and the other paid (about $5400). This would get us:
- to LA from Perth
- A couple of internal flights in CA/ SA (the rest of travel in CA/SA would be overland)
- a flight from Buenas Aires to Tokyo (short stop-over in Madrid or London)
- Tokyo to Sydney (end trip)
Cons with this approach is that it we want to have as much flexibility in CA and SA as possible and pre-booking so far ahead would limit this somewhat; the Japan leg tix are yet to be released; it may not be the cheapest (in terms of points and $) way to go... ?

2. A much more simple option and one that perhaps is "cheaper" in terms of points and $ and allows much more flexibility: use points to buy 2 x one way Perth to LA tix (56k pts each). Use points to buy 1 x Santiago- Sydney (48k pts) and $ to buy another ticket (one way)(lookign at QANTAS website indicates cost for thsi leg at almost $3000!?! ... i've assumed that tix around $1500 might become available??). We would keep our eyes peeled over the next 12 montsh for good deals (paid) to Japan.

We are leaning toward option 2 but would be very grateful to hear of peoples opinions on the options and/or suggestiosn of other approaches...

Thanks a lot in advance

elrodeo

 

[elrodeo]

Thanks (to the moderator?) for moving to a more appropriate thread.

Hmm no response... my questions are too vague perhaps? Any advice on how to get some advice from anyone?

If it helps here is some more info:
I am gold status (partner is bronze).
We would be looking to fly economy for all legs (trough necessity rather than desire!)

Anyway hope that helps some, and very much keen to hear anyones opinions!

 

[serfty]

Option 2 may be better, as having separate bookings makes at a real paid when travelling onewolrd airlines with a non-status companion.

e.g. Seat selection on QFi - free for SG, charge for NB, SG has more seats to choose from. If on the one booking the NB 'basks' in the glow of your SG'ness.

 

[moa999]

Option 2 appears better given your Itin.
You seem to want to go (in oneword terms) South West Pac - Nth America - Sth America - Asia - South West Pac.
This is neither round the world, nor fit in with the terms of a oneworld circle pacific ticket.

If you were willing to switch the order (eg. South WEst Pac-Asia-Nth America-Sth America-South West PAc) then that would be OK for a Circle Pacific but the fare excludes travel via Central America or Caribbean which I gather you want to do.

I have booked successfully for my parents a DCIC26 match to a RTW award flight but there are some rule differences to be careful of.
Different stopover rules, for the J-Class ticket, paid goes up to A for AA domestic, award goes down to economy.