Mileage Run

[NM]

I will research Circle Pacific fares as it would certainly cost additional money to get to CMB or BKK to begin the DONE4. Your example above provides ~$7/SC. Again not bad but I will try to see if I can milk it for more SCs.

Circle Pacific fares are also cheaper from places like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia etc. But for me its not worth the extra effort or time or cost of getting there in the first place.

So on a few occasions, when my company travel is paying economy fare, I will purchase a DCIR22, eat as cheaply as I can and save my per diem allowance, and put that towards the price difference of the fare. That way I get to travel in more comfort and earn/retain FF status at the same time. I can't afford to do that every time, but only need to do it once a year to be enough to retain status.

And my personal contribution towards the fare works out considerably less than $7/SC. But when travelling for work, I don't get to sit on the beach or do any sight seeing. I would be willing to pay more if I was going to enjoy the destination.

 

[Craigo]

Prices for CMB & BKK changed as recently as June and probably earlier. When did you Book?

(in May ex BKK was THB229580, CMB was LKR498200)

I booked in April. The base fare charged by the travel agent was THB209,900, with THB21,570 in taxes. The total charged to my credit card was THB231,470, which converted to just under $7800 (including the conversion fee).

Sounds like I got a good deal (thanks to a certain FTer with multiple stars )

 

[JohnK]

Circle Pacific fares are also cheaper from places like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia etc. But for me its not worth the extra effort or time or cost of getting there in the first place.

Please correct me if I am wrong but aren't the rules for Oneworld circle the pacific fares no places west of thailand. Not sure where Colombo or Sri Lanka fits in all of this but I would have guessed west of thailand so I think that rules them out of the equation. Need to check where KUL and SIN fit into the equation as well.

I think that travelling to some SE Asian destination to get cheaper fares (unless you are there already) is really not worth the time and effort for DCIR22 anyway.

From what I read on the Qantas website the pricing, booking and availability of CIRCxx would need to happen through Qantas or travel agent as there is no way to achieve through online bookings!!!!!

Hope to begin a CIRCxx sometime by the middle of next year and incorporate it into my thailand trip.

Thanks for your advice and everyone else that has contributed. Lifetime silver or gold here we come.

 

[NM]

Circle Pacific fares are also cheaper from places like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia etc. But for me its not worth the extra effort or time or cost of getting there in the first place.

Please correct me if I am wrong but aren't the rules for Oneworld circle the pacific fares no places west of thailand. Not sure where Colombo or Sri Lanka fits in all of this but I would have guessed west of thailand so I think that rules them out of the equation. Need to check where KUL and SIN fit into the equation as well.

You are correct. Checking the rules, its available for travel originating in:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Hong Kong
• USA
• South America (does not specify countries, but has to served by OneWorld)
• Canada
• Thailand
• Korea
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Philippines
• Taiwan
• Mexico
• Japan
• Indonesia

I think that travelling to some SE Asian destination to get cheaper fares (unless you are there already) is really not worth the time and effort for DCIR22 anyway.

I agree and have not done it myself. I did purchase a DONE3 from Malaysia, but that was because I had to stop twice in Malaysia either side of a USA/Europe trip. So could not use a DONE4 from Australia which is what I had originally booked. Had to purchase a BNE-KUL return and a DONE3 starting and finishing in KUL. Could have bought a AONE6 cheaper!

From what I read on the Qantas website the pricing, booking and availability of CIRCxx would need to happen through Qantas or travel agent as there is no way to achieve through online bookings!!!!!

Yes, these fares cannot be booked on-line. Need to use a OneWorld airline or a travel agent. Be aware that some TA's don't know and understand all the rules, so they may need some coaching :wink: . And the rules and fares change regularly so it can be hard to keep up.

Hope to begin a CIRCxx sometime by the middle of next year and incorporate it into my thailand trip.

Depending on how far east you want to go in the USA, your may be somewhat restricted on the routing back through BKK. The only north Pacific crossings that are one-world are AA to NRT or CX to HKG. My preference is CX, but HKG eats into the mileage. But getting to BKK will require travel via HKG since the only options from NRT are QF to Australia or CX to HKG. This is the problem with OneWorld having few carriers in Asia. Star has better coverage there (and most other places except Australia).

Also note that AA flights to NRT can be heavily inventory controlled for D fare availability, especially ORD-NRT on Fri, Sat, Sun and Mon. So booking in advance is helpful. I once sat in ORD for 3 days waiting for a D seat on that route. Used it as an opportunity to sit in the hotel room and study for an upcoming exam, but would rather have been home 3 days earlier. That was the downside of a D fare and last minute booking.

 

[JohnK]

From what I read on the Qantas website the pricing, booking and availability of CIRCxx would need to happen through Qantas or travel agent as there is no way to achieve through online bookings!!!!!

Yes, these fares cannot be booked on-line. Need to use a OneWorld airline or a travel agent. Be aware that some TA's don't know and understand all the rules, so they may need some coaching :wink: . And the rules and fares change regularly so it can be hard to keep up.

I understand. I have found a web site which I think may help http://www.travelcorp.com.au/business.html

Hope to begin a CIRCxx sometime by the middle of next year and incorporate it into my thailand trip.

Depending on how far east you want to go in the USA, your may be somewhat restricted on the routing back through BKK. The only north Pacific crossings that are one-world are AA to NRT or CX to HKG. My preference is CX, but HKG eats into the mileage. But getting to BKK will require travel via HKG since the only options from NRT are QF to Australia or CX to HKG. This is the problem with OneWorld having few carriers in Asia. Star has better coverage there (and most other places except Australia).

Also note that AA flights to NRT can be heavily inventory controlled for D fare availability, especially ORD-NRT on Fri, Sat, Sun and Mon. So booking in advance is helpful. I once sat in ORD for 3 days waiting for a D seat on that route. Used it as an opportunity to sit in the hotel room and study for an upcoming exam, but would rather have been home 3 days earlier. That was the downside of a D fare and last minute booking.

Have not decided where I will go but I think, obviously, BKK and HKG would be on the agenda. In the US a choice of Hawaii, LA, Seattle, Vancouver, Las Vegas.

Half the fun will be in working out the itinerary.

 

[BlacKnox]

Have not decided where I will go but I think, obviously, BKK and HKG would be on the agenda. In the US a choice of Hawaii, LA, Seattle, Vancouver, Las Vegas.

Half the fun will be in working out the itinerary.

I know you're probably set on oneworld (for QF lifetime goals), but for the star alliance fans out there, I'll throw this into the fire.

If one had a bit of time (or at least 10days), you could fly Aust East Coast e.g. MEL-SIN-CMB (SQ - return) for around $900+ (taxes) (W Class), or (B Class) for $1450+.

Then you could pick up a United D Class fare ex. CMB travelling business class CMB-BKK-NRT-HNL (Thai & UA) or CMB-SIN-HKG-NRT-HNL (SQ & UA), then first class HNL-SFO-LAX-SEA-SAN (on a 2-class plane). This is a 1 year ticket allowing unlimited stop-overs, costing Aus$2600 including all taxes (at July 2005 - and you'll have to check if it's still available).

Because the domestic US sectors are in first class, the first COS (class of service) bonus applies giving some hefty mileage accrual.

Roughly speaking, from these two flights costing around Aus$4,000, one could easily gain AC middle status (star gold - allowing for lounge entry, priority boarding/ check-in, extra baggage allowance etc) and UA mid status, and either attain or come very close to mid status on NH, SQ, LH etc, depending on the Aus SQ ticket purchased.

Just a sidenote that there are other options out there delivering great returns other than OneWorld RTW, Circle Pacific fares etc.

If anyone is interested in more information/ details relating to the above, go to the FT *A forum and search Colombo 8) .

 

[JohnK]

I know you're probably set on oneworld (for QF lifetime goals), but for the star alliance fans out there, I'll throw this into the fire.

I think your comments are vary valid.

My future flying pattern is not set in concrete. I have seen some of the first/business class prices for round the world and to BKK and they are very tempting. Not just star alliance but other alliances as well as carriers like Emirates, Royal Brunei. I think recently Royal Brunei had a business class airfare Darwin-BKK for around $1700. Add on around $500 to get from SYD-Darwin-SYD and the cost is only $2200. Just as a comparison BA currently has a special business class fare SYD-BKK-SYD for around $3400 + taxes. I am not certain but remember seeing this advertised somewhere.

I would prefer 1world/Qantas for lifetime goals but cost and travelling first class/business class (for greater comfort) may outweigh the lifetime goal. Especially the way it is easier to achieve higher status in ff programs on airlines like Thai, Singapore, Emirates etc

 

[NM]

Have not decided where I will go but I think, obviously, BKK and HKG would be on the agenda. In the US a choice of Hawaii, LA, Seattle, Vancouver, Las Vegas.

Half the fun will be in working out the itinerary.

Note that the DCIR22 fare only includes 2 free stopovers in each continent. So if you want more, they cost US$75 extra each. Not a huge cost, but needs to be considered.

I did one last year that included 3 USA stopovers (DFW, PHL, ORD). The TA did not catch the 2 stopover-per-continent rule and did not charge the extra US$75. Last month I received a bill for A$109 from the TA to cover the additional stopover. It took them 9 months to find the mistake, but Qantas found it and contacted the TA and they asked me for the additional payment.

Also note that you must do HNL as SYD-HNL as QF3 and then continue to USA mainland. There are no valid HNL-Asia flights that are OneWorld marketed and Operated. Only a few AA codeshares, but they are not OneWorld operated so not permitted on Circle Pacific. Hovever, some of these non-OneWorld operated codeshares are permitted on OneWorld Global Explorer fares.

And note that AA domestic flights are flown in A class (First) when business class cabin is not available (2-class services). And A class earns First Class SC's and cabin bonus. So the new SC table is very attractive for AA domestic First Class flights.

 

[JohnK]

So do I, icemann, so do I :wink:

It is probably the best flight in Australia for just being over the magical 1,000 miles (I think it's 1008) and being relatively cheap (particularly lately!).

Obviously this is not the case anymore since May 25. The above refers to the ADL-BNE flight.
Does anyone have a list of distances between cities and status credits? I have been in the process of compiling my own list , but is very time consuming.

Some of the flights I have noticed that creep into the new brackets are ADL-CBR 603 miles/15 SC's, SYD-HBA 644/15, SYD-ADL 711/15, SYD-CNS 1221/20, SYD-ASP 1244/20, ADL-PER 1316/20, SYD/AYQ 1331/20.

I don't think there are any direct flights in Australia that are over 2400 miles. I think the BNE-PER flight comes closest at 2240 miles.

 

[robertz]

Re: Getting Silver

Sydney to Uluru via Melbourne, return. 30 SC each way. Average of $7.20/SC.

... $7.20/SC domestic is pretty good return!!!

...The latest QF sale for NZ domestic has fares around NZ$5-6 / SC. ...

An international business class round the world I'm taking from October will net at least 2340 SC's. Each SC is costing ~$3.45.

Ahhhh, this is going to kill me when I come home.
At the moment im paying $1.78 & $2.38 for SC. (Thanks to AA YUP's)


Rob

 

[straitman]

Re: Getting Silver

Sydney to Uluru via Melbourne, return. 30 SC each way. Average of $7.20/SC.

... $7.20/SC domestic is pretty good return!!!

...The latest QF sale for NZ domestic has fares around NZ$5-6 / SC. ...

An international business class round the world I'm taking from October will net at least 2340 SC's. Each SC is costing ~$3.45.

Ahhhh, this is going to kill me when I come home.
At the moment im paying $1.78 & $2.38 for SC. (Thanks to AA YUP's)


Rob

robertz,

Could you post you trip route, airlines etc so that others may benefit from your planning :?:

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Does anyone have a list of distances between cities and status credits? I have been in the process of compiling my own list , but is very time consuming.

Some of the flights I have noticed that creep into the new brackets are ADL-CBR 603 miles/15 SC's, SYD-HBA 644/15, SYD-ADL 711/15, SYD-CNS 1221/20, SYD-ASP 1244/20, ADL-PER 1316/20, SYD/AYQ 1331/20.

I don't think there are any direct flights in Australia that are over 2400 miles. I think the BNE-PER flight comes closest at 2240 miles.

These should help.

QF domestic routes by zone (sorted by destination)

QF international routes by zone

 

[robertz]

Re: Getting Silver

robertz,

Could you post you trip route, airlines etc so that others may benefit from your planning :?:

Yep, Takes a bit of planning to find the right connections and planning. I use Expertflyer to find A inventory. (Or P starting next month)

Tomorrow, im going back to OZ for a couple of weeks.
Im doing ATL-DFW-DEN-LAX then to OZ.
Works out at 270 SC O/W, so 540sc return for $770 US. Considering I was going to pay $340 for ATL-DFW-LAX in N (60sc ret) . Not a bad investment.

In the past, I priced up a run (But didnt do it) , ATL-ORD-LAS-LAX-SFO for the same money. This one came in at 360sc or 720sc return.

Can only be done with AA (American Airlines) with YUP fares. YUP is a Y fare $$ but upgraded to First as A or P class. And gets full SC for F from QF .

Hope this helps.

Rob

 

[JohnK]

These should help.

QF domestic routes by zone (sorted by destination)

QF international routes by zone

Thanks Kiwi Flyer.

My list contains some extra details. It has the actual miles between cities, the current discount economy cost for flights, status credits earned and average AUD$ per status credit for comparison purposes.

It won't be anything spectacular but can be used as a rough guide when trying to plan a status run.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Just remembered the status chaser calculator - but looks like it hasnt been updated for a while.

JohnK - would you mind sharing the results of your analysis?

 

[JohnK]

Just remembered the status chaser calculator - but looks like it hasnt been updated for a while.

JohnK - would you mind sharing the results of your analysis?

No I wouldn't mind sharing it when it is finished. It is an excel spreadsheet but as said previously it is very very basic guide for point to point travelling within major cities/towns in Australia.

It does not even compare to Steve's status chaser calculator but suits me for the purpose I want to achieve and that is the current best value point to point status runs in AUS. It is not updated dynamically so any new pricing by Qantas and my guide is obsolete (or would need updating).

I will let you know when it is finished. I can e-mail you a copy and you can let me know if it is worth posting for others to peruse.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

certainly interested - I'll PM you my email

are you including "standard" indirect routings? by standard I mean the ones that come up on www.qantas.com.au - sometimes these can improve the mileage & SC earning rate over the direct route

 

[JohnK]

certainly interested - I'll PM you my email

are you including "standard" indirect routings? by standard I mean the ones that come up on www.qantas.com.au - sometimes these can improve the mileage & SC earning rate over the direct route

Yes I am including some of the "non standard" indirect routings. I suppose that once I complete this and if it turns out to be useful to me/others there is no reason why I couldn't include more "non standard" indirect routings. The combinations are endless and already some of these routings do not look like good value for money.

I have received your e-mail address. Thank you.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

JohnK - you have another email

 

[JohnK]

JohnK - you have another email

Thanks Kiwi Flyer I have replied to your e-mail.