QF/OW to Columbo - options?

[LuisT]

Hi All,

So I need to go to columbo for work, flying Y class (and possible will be a regular trip). Just looking for different options to make sure I get the most out of possible status credits as well as making use of the F lounges if possible.

I've tried the QF site, and while it lets me search for a fare, it says that all days I search for there is nothing available...

So what are my options then? QF to SIN/HKG/BKK and something from there?

Any suggestions would be appreciated...

Many thanks...

 

[Mal]

Cathay Pacific fly to CMB from SIN and BKK (and HKG, it's a 2 leg flight in each case).

So SYD-HKG-CMB, SYD-BKK-CMB or SYD-SIN-CMB would be the main ways. Not aware of any other OW carriers, although when Malaysia joins OW, this will add further options.

 

[LuisT]

Cathay Pacific fly to CMB from SIN and BKK (and HKG, it's a 2 leg flight in each case).

So SYD-HKG-CMB, SYD-BKK-CMB or SYD-SIN-CMB would be the main ways. Not aware of any other OW carriers, although when Malaysia joins OW, this will add further options.

Thanks Mal... So what's the best way to book this then? I was hoping to book it as one ticket - but for some reason the QF site won't let me book it and I'd prefer to fly QF as much as possible (in the hope of getting an upgrade etc...)

 

[Mal]

Travel agent probably, make sure they know you want to earn qf points on the cx flight, as not all cx free earn points.

I'm sure qf would have a fare to cmb. Also if going there frequently investigate buying fares from cmb, historically they have been a source of cheap fares.

 

[TheInsider]

QF website is showing me Australia - SIN - CMB (on EK/SQ though).
Not too sure of OW carriers.

 

[Leumas]

Thanks Mal... So what's the best way to book this then? I was hoping to book it as one ticket - but for some reason the QF site won't let me book it and I'd prefer to fly QF as much as possible (in the hope of getting an upgrade etc...)

When you said upgrades, did you mean op-ups? Frankly, you'll have a better chance for an op-up with CX than QF. CX look after OW Emeralds very well. However, CX use regional aircrafts for this route and unless things have changed recently, their J (when you get upgraded) is pretty poor.

In terms of options, from Australia, there aren't many. There are options with RJ, but that'll be going the long way.

 

[Mal]

Qantas offers fares with CX, I did find one using Multi-City search on the QF site.

 

[LuisT]

QF website is showing me Australia - SIN - CMB (on EK/SQ though).
Not too sure of OW carriers.

How did you get that?

I tried CBR-CMB and I got the following:

 

[LuisT]

When you said upgrades, did you mean op-ups? Frankly, you'll have a better chance for an op-up with CX than QF. CX look after OW Emeralds very well. However, CX use regional aircrafts for this route and unless things have changed recently, their J (when you get upgraded) is pretty poor.

In terms of options, from Australia, there aren't many. There are options with RJ, but that'll be going the long way.

Was hoping to use points for upgrade for the first leg (never had an op-up and don't think I'll ever get one!!)...

 

[coolumbla]

only ow carrier to go west to Colombo is Cathay

Most expensive way is to book it on Qantas website as they will charge like a wounded bull
Suggest you look at the cathay site and look for fares from Bangkok and from Singapore as they alternate days from there
There are some flights where the business flight is essentially half price

problem will be connection times to CX coming from SYD

Ive done the ow thing a few times but on the way there i now just go on emirates sin -cmb as teh J airfare is half what you get on qantas website and emirates J is wayyyyyyy better than cx regional j(look for the sin/cmb/maldives/dubai aircraft as its always emptier)

Coming back try and go through sin instead of BKK as the connections are way better

you can always get the tickets linked

Only problem when work travel booked the flight is that cathay wont accept work's credit card and i had to pay it myself and then get it reimbursed (always a slow process in the public service!)


C