Premium Economy MEL or SYD to LAX

[hunee22]

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone has seen many or any premium economy reward seats (not classic plus) on either MEL - LAX
SYD- LAX
Or even BNE-LAX?

If they exist, my husband is a gold FF so when should we set the alarm to search for them? Trip is Aug 2025 4 pax

Also does anyone have any idea on how many points they cost for a premium economy reward seat on the route (not classic plus)?

 

[WilsonM]

For August 2025, the calendar wouldn't open until 12 days after your departure date, in 2024. Bear in mind that Qantas may not actually release Classic Reward seats then though.

For 4 people, you may struggle to get all Premium Economy. Not to say it's impossible, but manage your expectations. You probably won't find any PE on BNE-LAX, as it's mostly operated by an A330 without a Premium Economy cabin.

For Classic Rewards in Premium Economy, you can expect to pay 81,300 Qantas points per person, each way. So for 4 people return, this would be 650,400 points.

 

[RichardMEL]

Yes, they exist. 81,300 points. 4? Pretty difficult. You may need to aim for half in Y...

 

[levelnine]

As others have said, you'll need a minor miracle to get 4 award seats on the one flight in anything other than economy on Qantas.

Consider splitting between economy and premium economy or splitting between two flights.

 

[fletty]

Or even BNE-LAX?

BNE - LAX is usually an A330-200 which does not have PE.

 

[p--and--t]

Another alternative is see if seats are available on consecutive days and 2 go first day, 2 go second day (if preferred PE seats are available)

 

[cjd600]

There's still plenty of 4 x PE/Y+ availability through the month of November this year, for SYD-LAX, from the recent award dump.
I don't think you should focus on the 353 day release cycle, thats been dead in the water for a while now.
But be ready for an award dump, like what recently happened, and also happened in Feb last year.
These drops arent guaranteed of course, but seems to be more the current way than the previous clockwork releases 353 days for Gold and up, 321 for silver, 287 for the rest or whatever...
Dont get too discouraged by those who say its impossible to get 4, just need to be patient and the right place at the right time. August would be a decent month to get availability at some point...

 

[levelnine]

Dont get too discouraged by those who say its impossible to get 4, just need to be patient and the right place at the right time. August would be a decent month to get availability at some point...

While the future is impossible to predict and nothing is impossible, it is also possible that the most recent batch award release is the last we'll see for a long time for long-haul premium cabins. With the advent of Classic Rewards+, we're in a new era of the loyalty program where past performance is no indicator of future performance. Just like the T-365 award releases disappeared after the end of COVID. Qantas may have decided that people must now pay Classic Rewards+ prices for premium cabins on long-haul routes.

 

[cjd600]

While the future is impossible to predict and nothing is impossible, it is also possible that the most recent batch award release is the last we'll see for a long time for long-haul premium cabins. With the advent of Classic Rewards+, we're in a new era of the loyalty program where past performance is no indicator of future performance. Just like the T-365 award releases disappeared after the end of COVID. Qantas may have decided that people must now pay Classic Rewards+ prices for premium cabins on long-haul routes.

Its possible that it was not the last bulk release as well. I said no guarantee.
The more doomsdayers saying its impossible to get multi classic awards in premium cabins the better for me lol

 

[p--and--t]

The more doomsdayers saying its impossible to get

A dime a dozen on AFF

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Or maybe 2 in business and two in economy for a flight that long id spring for business if u have the points.

 

[levelnine]

Its possible that it was not the last bulk release as well. I said no guarantee.
The more doomsdayers saying its impossible to get multi classic awards in premium cabins the better for me lol

If only it worked like that.

 

[hunee22]

Thanks everyone. Should I look at an expert flyer subscription? Do they include any seats released early for GOLD and above?