Oneworld Classic Flight Reward Discussion - The Definitive Thread

[pongie]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

The initial reason for flying from west to east was because most of the shopping will be done in US and Japan so it made sense to avoid carrying the heavy luggage around till the last part of the journey. Europe will be mostly sightseeing. If I were to change it to travel the other way, I'll have to make a stopover at London to drop everything off (with the relatives) and travel light while sightseeing, then come back to pick up the heavy luggage somehow. Which means I may not be able to avoid the higher taxes.

Edit: Also there seem to be more availability in the US towards the end of July than early July.

Edit#2: Spent all evening and the new itinerary now look like this

1 Jul SYD-HKG-FCO
13 Jul VCE-LHR-CDG
22 Jul LHR-JFK
25 Jul JFK-LAX
30 Jul SAN-NRT
3 Aug NRT-MNL-SYD


A lot more time in Rome (to perhaps visit Florence and Venice), and a lot more time in Paris and London. JFK to LAX is now booked in business too, and the return flight is less hectic without Seoul. Only regret is missing out on the final segment on the 5 Aug (more time in Tokyo). There were 2 seats when I checked it, but by the time I called up and gone through the changes (10 mins later) it was down to 1 seat. The operator offered to split the itinerary so one of us can stay in business but then the second also disappeared. It was either cut the trip shorter (took out a day in LAX-LAS-SAN, and another in NRT) or settle for premium economy.

I did try to look for flights going in the other direction, but couldn't find much departing out of Sydney and figured it was best to keep the flights to Rome. Europe had plenty of options but anything into the US was severely limited (other options were 18 Jul LHR-IAD or BOS, but no flights out of there to LAX). Same with flights back to Syd. In hindsight, I've learned a lot actually and if I were to do this again (another decade of accumulating points via credit card spend) I would definitely ensure I plan much much earlier. Kind of wasted 2x 3500 points (change fee) by accepting what the operator found over the weekend (I kind of felt guilty if I did not accept the flights she found since she did spend close to two hours looking for them). Chalk it up to a learning experience.

Now comes the expensive part, finding accommodations...

 

[sergeyvzn]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

The initial reason for flying from west to east was because most of the shopping will be done in US and Japan so it made sense to avoid carrying the heavy luggage around till the last part of the journey. Europe will be mostly sightseeing. If I were to change it to travel the other way, I'll have to make a stopover at London to drop everything off (with the relatives) and travel light while sightseeing, then come back to pick up the heavy luggage somehow. Which means I may not be able to avoid the higher taxes.

Edit: Also there seem to be more availability in the US towards the end of July than early July.

Edit#2: Spent all evening and the new itinerary now look like this

1 Jul SYD-HKG-FCO
13 Jul VCE-LHR-CDG
22 Jul LHR-JFK
25 Jul JFK-LAX
30 Jul SAN-NRT
3 Aug NRT-MNL-SYD


A lot more time in Rome (to perhaps visit Florence and Venice), and a lot more time in Paris and London. JFK to LAX is now booked in business too, and the return flight is less hectic without Seoul. Only regret is missing out on the final segment on the 5 Aug (more time in Tokyo). There were 2 seats when I checked it, but by the time I called up and gone through the changes (10 mins later) it was down to 1 seat. The operator offered to split the itinerary so one of us can stay in business but then the second also disappeared. It was either cut the trip shorter (took out a day in LAX-LAS-SAN, and another in NRT) or settle for premium economy.

I did try to look for flights going in the other direction, but couldn't find much departing out of Sydney and figured it was best to keep the flights to Rome. Europe had plenty of options but anything into the US was severely limited (other options were 18 Jul LHR-IAD or BOS, but no flights out of there to LAX). Same with flights back to Syd. In hindsight, I've learned a lot actually and if I were to do this again (another decade of accumulating points via credit card spend) I would definitely ensure I plan much much earlier. Kind of wasted 2x 3500 points (change fee) by accepting what the operator found over the weekend (I kind of felt guilty if I did not accept the flights she found since she did spend close to two hours looking for them). Chalk it up to a learning experience.

Now comes the expensive part, finding accommodations...

Well done

It's a steep learning curve isn't it?

Was there nothing out of LHR to the US on Iberia via Madrid? They normally have plenty of J seats and the product is better than BA (I assume that's what you are flying out of LHR)

 

[pongie]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

I didn't check Iberia via Madrid. We are visiting relatives in London so that's why we are flying out of LHR. Was trying to look for flights into Las Vegas, but like I said before, there's limited seats to Washington, Boston and New York (also checked Dallas, Houston, Miami, basically any airport in the US). Best way was what I've found, New York then LA and I'll have to make my own way to Las Vegas and back to San Diego.

 

[sergeyvzn]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

I didn't check Iberia via Madrid. We are visiting relatives in London so that's why we are flying out of LHR. Was trying to look for flights into Las Vegas, but like I said before, there's limited seats to Washington, Boston and New York (also checked Dallas, Houston, Miami, basically any airport in the US). Best way was what I've found, New York then LA and I'll have to make my own way to Las Vegas and back to San Diego.

I understand you are flying out of Heathrow to the US but it doesn't have to be direct, you have lots of options like e.g. LHR-MAD-JFK or LHR-CDG-CLT-LAS or LHR-HEL-JFK-LAS or god knows what else - QF or BA websites won't show them all but AA will and you can also check them segment by segment yourself. Be creative

 

[ablecookie]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

Now comes the expensive part, finding accommodations...

Have you look at Airbnb for accommodation?

Found very useful and a huge range of choice from over-the-top to budget. the bonus is that you also get some local advice/knowledge thrown it.

 

[robd]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

I made a couple of flight changes yesterday to Jnrs & my itineraries. Pretty basic change, flying HKG-ADL instead of HKG-BNE (saves overnighting in BNE before heading home to MEL). My new/amended E-ticket came through will the changes, but Jnrs, whilst showing correctly in MMB and CMT, emails through without the changes.

Is this something to be concerned about?

 

[ablecookie]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

I made a couple of flight changes yesterday to Jnrs & my itineraries. Pretty basic change, flying HKG-ADL instead of HKG-BNE (saves overnighting in BNE before heading home to MEL). My new/amended E-ticket came through will the changes, but Jnrs, whilst showing correctly in MMB and CMT, emails through without the changes.

Is this something to be concerned about?

Sometimes there might be a lag, check again a little later.

Also, did your points for changes got deducted 3,500 or 7,000. Another way to check - points got taken off very smartly.

 

[robd]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

Sometimes there might be a lag, check again a little later.

Also, did your points for changes got deducted 3,500 or 7,000. Another way to check - points got taken off very smartly.

Yes the points got deducted (7,000). I'll check again later.

 

[robd]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

Wow-wee.... I have 2 BA J flights (ORY-LHR & LHR-IST) and BA want $81.70 from me to select seats. Pardon my ignorance, I did not know that BA charge Business class passengers to select a seat. I'm gobsmacked.:shock:

 

[vetrade]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

Wow-wee.... I have 2 BA J flights (ORY-LHR & LHR-IST) and BA want $81.70 from me to select seats. Pardon my ignorance, I did not know that BA charge Business class passengers to select a seat. I'm gobsmacked.:shock:

Been that way for a long time. The consolation prize is that it seems few people are inclined to pay extra to select a seat when they've already paid for J - so IME if you check-in soon after T-24 your seat options are still usually good.

 

[robd]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

Been that way for a long time. The consolation prize is that it seems few people are inclined to pay extra to select a seat when they've already paid for J - so IME if you check-in soon after T-24 your seat options are still usually good.

Thanks for the advice.

Anything else I should know? Is BA going to charge me to access the lounges, or queue up in PB line? Should I BYO my own beverages to put on that tray that will be fitted to the middle seat next to me, which magically turns my seat into a luxurious recliner?

 

[sergeyvzn]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

Thanks for the advice.

Anything else I should know? Is BA going to charge me to access the lounges, or queue up in PB line? Should I BYO my own beverages to put on that tray that will be fitted to the middle seat next to me, which magically turns my seat into a luxurious recliner?

1 - when in LHR Terminal 5, go to the South Lounge, it seems less crowded than the North one.
2 - eat in the lounge as BA intra-European flights food is just plain rubbish. Drinks are no better on board. What they are proudly called "champagne" is a cheapish sparkling French that probably costs like Euro 2 a 1.5 bottle

 

[serfty]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

BA don't charge Emerald for seats, but that does not help. I suggest just keeping your eye on things ...

 

[vetrade]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

Thanks for the advice.

Anything else I should know? Is BA going to charge me to access the lounges, or queue up in PB line? Should I BYO my own beverages to put on that tray that will be fitted to the middle seat next to me, which magically turns my seat into a luxurious recliner?

Lounge access will be no-extra-cost - BA shares the IB lounge at ORY (average) and the LHR BA lounge options are very good. Take full advantage of what's on offer in the lounges and you won't care what the in-flight offerings are.

 

[ausflyer87]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

Hi All,

Firstly I just wanted to thank everyone that has contributed to this thread, wouldn't have been able to plan my trip without it.
I'm looking to book 2 x J RTW tickets for the wife and I and just wanted to post it for any errors/suggestions (all dates are approximate as we're pretty flexible).

1. 14/11/15 - SYD/MEL/DOH/DXB - Stop 1 (Flying via DOH as can't seem to find J on SYD/DXB or MEL/DXB on Sat flights) - (QF and QR).
2. 18/11/15 - DXB/DOH/TXL - Stop 2 (QR).
3. 22/12/15 - MAD/MIA - Stop 3 (IB or AA, Christmas and NYE with the inlaws :shock.
4. 13/01/16 - MIA/LAX - Stop 4 (AA).
5. 16/01/16 - LAX/HKG - Stop 5 (CX).
6. 19/01/16 - HKG/SYD (QF or CX).

The first flight that will actually become available is MEL/DOH, if I book that online I'm assuming I can call up and add the SYD/MEL once that becomes available at a later date?

Also whats the best number to contact to book these flights?

Thanks for the help!!

 

[vetrade]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

Hi All,

Firstly I just wanted to thank everyone that has contributed to this thread, wouldn't have been able to plan my trip without it.
I'm looking to book 2 x J RTW tickets for the wife and I and just wanted to post it for any errors/suggestions (all dates are approximate as we're pretty flexible).

1. 14/11/15 - SYD/MEL/DOH/DXB - Stop 1 (Flying via DOH as can't seem to find J on SYD/DXB or MEL/DXB on Sat flights) - (QF and QR).
2. 18/11/15 - DXB/DOH/TXL - Stop 2 (QR).
3. 22/12/15 - MAD/MIA - Stop 3 (IB or AA, Christmas and NYE with the inlaws :shock.
4. 13/01/16 - MIA/LAX - Stop 4 (AA).
5. 16/01/16 - LAX/HKG - Stop 5 (CX).
6. 19/01/16 - HKG/SYD (QF or CX).

The first flight that will actually become available is MEL/DOH, if I book that online I'm assuming I can call up and add the SYD/MEL once that becomes available at a later date?

Also whats the best number to contact to book these flights?

Thanks for the help!!

Number to ring is 13 11 31
Each itinerary change by phone costs you 3500 pts pp (one call to add / change, say, 5 flights will cost you 3500 pts) so don't be in a rush to add the SYD-MEL leg. IIRC the MEL - DOH flight leaves late at night so there should be plenty of options for SYD -MEL which you can add when you have another change to make.
Your itinerary looks quite sound - but a couple of comments: For MAD - MIA definitely go with IB - have flown that flight in reverse and their J product is miles better than AA - plus you will find it much easier to get J seats with IB (availability is usually good even well after the flights are released so you don't need to feel pressured to book ASAP after release).
The one problematical flight might be MIA - LAX - there used to be one 3 class flight a day on that route but I think that's been discontinued and it's all 2 class now (Y & F), which means you will be booked into Y on an award ticket. Plus award seats on a lot of AA flights have been scarce since the start of this year. Hopefully availability in January (winter) will be OK on the MIA - LAX route but it might pay to have a contingency plan just in case.

 

[CaptJCool]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

had a look on the QF booking engine for Multicity ADL-SFO-LHR ...BRU-ADL some interesting combinations of points came up for late March next year - pity i dont have enough for business class all the way, but nice to know its doable this late in the piece in future.

 

[ozflier]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

Number to ring is 13 11 31
Each itinerary change by phone costs you 3500 pts pp (one call to add / change, say, 5 flights will cost you 3500 pts) so don't be in a rush to add the SYD-MEL leg. IIRC the MEL - DOH flight leaves late at night so there should be plenty of options for SYD -MEL which you can add when you have another change to make.
Your itinerary looks quite sound - but a couple of comments: For MAD - MIA definitely go with IB - have flown that flight in reverse and their J product is miles better than AA - plus you will find it much easier to get J seats with IB (availability is usually good even well after the flights are released so you don't need to feel pressured to book ASAP after release).
The one problematical flight might be MIA - LAX - there used to be one 3 class flight a day on that route but I think that's been discontinued and it's all 2 class now (Y & F), which means you will be booked into Y on an award ticket. Plus award seats on a lot of AA flights have been scarce since the start of this year. Hopefully availability in January (winter) will be OK on the MIA - LAX route but it might pay to have a contingency plan just in case.

I've been looking into AA flights from central and south america and most offer only one business class seat - not the best if you are a couple

 

[vetrade]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

I've been looking into AA flights from central and south america and most offer only one business class seat - not the best if you are a couple

Wow, now you are making life difficult for yourself if you're trying to get AA awards from Sth America to the US as well!! During my investigations I did find that it was feasible to get J awrads on IB from MAD - GIG and then AA (pretty sure it was AA) from GIG to JFK but nothing seemed to match up going to anywhere in southern USA such as LAX or MIA. But your itinerary doesn't show you going near NY so that info won't be of help to you. We had so much trouble getting AA domestic awards for our next RTW that I ended up paying for a couple of flights with non OW airlines just so we could be sure of getting where and when we needed.

 

[ozflier]

re: "oneworld" award (140K/280K/420K) Planning - The Definitive Thread

Thank you Vetrade and Colleagues - I am particularly grateful for the PMs listing posters own personal experiences trying to use their QFF points for international awards.


Herewith my latest Oneworld Award Quest Update


Well, I have reached the "Catch 22" of South American OWA bookings.


In fact there are a couple


1-maximum stopover/transfer rule is a killer for South America. Entry and exit to South America from Australia have to be via Santiago Chile ( of course you can always fly via Asia if you can get the flights on American to get to a USA gateway city. -So lets do the calculations:The maximum stopover allowed in SCL is ONE. Maximum transfers in any city is TWO. If you want to go to Easter Island, you have to go and return via SCL – there goes two of the above three! Of course you might be greedy enough to want to go to go somewhere else in South America, you have used your third stopover / transfer in SCL.


2- the “you can’t have two sectors with the same flight number” rule. What do I mean? I had booked a direct flight SCL to Punta Arenas as part of the OWaward – it was available for one day only – this was lost because , as my bookings have to be managed in Auckland* see below)!!!, by the time the ticket was issued- usually takes 3-4 days , someone else had seen the award seats, taken them and we had none. In any case , and please ignore my bitterness, I did manage to find flight SCL- PMC- PUQ on the correct day albeit with a 4 hour break at Peurto Montt (PMC). I can't change the day because if they connection in SCL is over 24 hours ,it becomes a stopover and that is against the RULES( see #1 above) Anyway, a few days later , there a much better connection on that day , with only a 45 minute wait at PMC. Now here the RULE comes into play! The LAN flight SCL-PMC-PUQ on which there are award seats on both sectors share the same flight number. It is against the RULE – no two sectors with the same flight number.Bad luck.


3-because there are few award flights on the same day for travel Australia to from Santiago, it is likely one of the long legs will be missing from the booking – I have collected flights GIG to SCL on the way back plus AKL-BNE . But no SCL-AKL leg ( in any class)– this counts as another stopover out of the five until the SCL-AKL flight comes thru if it does. So now all the 5 stopovers are gone! I simply cannot book any more internal flights until the SCL-AKL flights come up. Internal flghts on LAN and TAM appear only fleetingly and once appeared are gone- so virtually no chance of any adding extra internal flights.


I would dread to think of the uproar if QFF members had to confront the same hassles that I have had with this OW booking- I have to say I was warned by members in this thread . I just could not conceive that QFF rules and availability would make life so difficult.


I have encountered several really helpful and competent agents who have gone beyond the cause of duty to try and help me out-but QFF rules , which seem to be designed for continents with plenty of flight options, apply also to South America with very restrictive ones. I have written twice to QFF with positive suggestions re this situation but of course no response!


Each time I ring QFF I have to re-explain some of the complexities of QFF South American award bookings. eg AKL-SCL-AKL are searched for under the LAN number unlike SYD-SCL-SYD which is under the QF codeshare. Similarly, apart from flights between major centres , the agent needs to search for the required oneway sector as part of a return trip eg they won’t find AEP-IGR unless searced as AEP-IGR-AEP.


Unfairly ,I have, in the past suggested, that Qantas Elites were treated more generously than those of us who earn their points via purchases, credit cards etc. From the private messages I have received , it seems that I am wrong – ie all attempting to use their QFF points for non economy seats for more than one pax with even the slightest flexibility are screwed! Only attempts at booking a OWA to Africa gets close to the hassles of one to South America.


Qantas just keeps going along its merry uncaring way – no number of new expensive ads is going to undo the ripoff that is the QFF program and the poor perception that it creates!

Ozflier


*As the very rude unhelpful opiniated female QFF agent assured me – this was my fault – I had the nerve to start my initial booking in Auckland ( currently living in BNE).( Several of you know this woman , indeed I have been messaged her name) . Why was it my fault? Well out of Brisbane you have to fly BNE-AKL-SCL( unless you can get SYD-SCL) . When I initially found the AKL-SCL flight ,there were no seats out of Brisbane within 24 hours – if I took a BNE-AKL seat more than 24 hours away- I would have used up one of my 5 allowed stopovers! So my initial booking was from AKL- so all ticketing, bookings calculations etc now go thru the AKL QFF office! Taxes,surcharges etc charged in NZD and then I am charged the conversion fee to AUD by AMEX. This process can take up to 4 days and according to agents , during this time , desired award seats that were available and booked are not guaranteed until ticketed – ie you can lose them and I have!