QF Sydney - Vancouver - do they still fly that route?

[RSD]

How many SCs do you need?

If you're going from MEL, you could get QF93 then WS1701 or AA6023.

No QF points or SCs from AC or UA. Points from WS, points and SC from AA. More of both if the WS or AA flight has a QF codeshare.

LAX is a lot better then it used to be.

I don't have a specific SC target as I'm currently on 0 for the year so just want to get a reasonable amount to get some runs on the board. Haven't been through LAX inbound for about five years - last few trips have been through DFW.

 

[RSD]

Not sure when you last went through / heard about LAX, but it's improved out of sight in the past 5 years. Immigration process no worse than most other airports now, and better than many. Shops and facilities are good in TBIT, and most of the other terminals have also been re-firbed.

I wouldn't have any qualms about going through LAX these days.

Ah OK - it might be worth giving it another go then - has been a few years as have been inbound through DFW the last few years.

 

[RSD]

The boss went to Vancouver earlier this year, from Sydney via Tokyo using JAL which means points and SC'c to QF. Only a bit longer than direct on AC, but she said she would happily do the JAL flight again to avoid going via the LOTFAP.

That could be another option - thanks!

 

[RSD]

BTW - what is the procedure going through LAX each way - seeing as I will just be doing an international transit do I still have to clear customs and immigration or is there a transit lounge?

 

[Himeno]

BTW - what is the procedure going through LAX each way - seeing as I will just be doing an international transit do I still have to clear customs and immigration or is there a transit lounge?

In 99% of cases, all international transits through the US require going through CBP as if you were staying in the US.

 

[jpp42]

There is no concept of a transit lounge in the US because they don't have outbound immigration or terminals that are secured from exit - once you're in the departure area, you can always walk right back out to the street. (The move "The Terminal" didn't depict this properly, there was nothing physically stopping the Tom Hanks character from leaving JFK airport.) This means that many airports don't really distinguish between international and domestic gates for departures (only arrivals must be at an international-capable gate which leads to a processing area). To transit in the US, you must have a ESTA or other visa - transit visas are sometimes available if you aren't able to get an ESTA, but allow plenty of time. It's almost certainly worth avoiding the US if you can't get an ESTA for whatever reason - use the direct AC flight or an option through Asia, like the JAL flight mentioned.

 

[RSD]

There is no concept of a transit lounge in the US because they don't have outbound immigration or terminals that are secured from exit - once you're in the departure area, you can always walk right back out to the street. (The move "The Terminal" didn't depict this properly, there was nothing physically stopping the Tom Hanks character from leaving JFK airport.) This means that many airports don't really distinguish between international and domestic gates for departures (only arrivals must be at an international-capable gate which leads to a processing area). To transit in the US, you must have a ESTA or other visa - transit visas are sometimes available if you aren't able to get an ESTA, but allow plenty of time. It's almost certainly worth avoiding the US if you can't get an ESTA for whatever reason - use the direct AC flight or an option through Asia, like the JAL flight mentioned.

LOL - that probably explains why I got arrested 20-odd years ago when I tried to transit through Miami on a trip from Grand Cayman to London

 

[JohnK]

This means that many airports don't really distinguish between international and domestic gates for departures (only arrivals must be at an international-capable gate which leads to a processing area).

MIA is one such place.

A number of years ago I found myself in the International side sterile area after exiting AA domestic lounge. I did stupidly open the Fire exit. I could not go anywhere and can her my name paged for boarding but unable to board. Finally managed to attract the attention of staff and was questioned by customs for an hour or so. Luckily was put on next flight and didn't miss onward connections ro Europe that evening.

 

[RSD]

MIA is one such place.

A number of years ago I found myself in the International side sterile area after exiting AA domestic lounge. I did stupidly open the Fire exit. I could not go anywhere and can her my name paged for boarding but unable to board. Finally managed to attract the attention of staff and was questioned by customs for an hour or so. Luckily was put on next flight and didn't miss onward connections ro Europe that evening.

SO MIA lived up to its name - you was Missing In Action!

 

[justinbrett]

LOL - that probably explains why I got arrested 20-odd years ago when I tried to transit through Miami on a trip from Grand Cayman to London

Not necessarily - the US used to have international transit lounges. I spent a few hours in LAX back in 1996 as a teenager. No lounge access back then and not old enough to drink!

I think they only got rid of them after 9/11.

 

[Himeno]

Not necessarily - the US used to have international transit lounges. I spent a few hours in LAX back in 1996 as a teenager. No lounge access back then and not old enough to drink!

I think they only got rid of them after 9/11.

They have a number of "transit lounges" in the international arrivals area before CBP at DFW D - which opened in 2005. No idea if they are used.
The pax transiting LAX on the NZ AKL-LAX-LHR flight don't have to clear CBP.
They have a limited CBP program for I>I transfer at IAH, where baggage that is tagged through doesn't need to be collected, clear CBP and be rechecked (while the pax does).

Meanwhile, there are some international terminals in the US where you have to clear CBP, having collected baggage, then drop bags, clear TSA and recollect bags in order to leave the airport as the international terminal requires passing through secure areas of other terminals to exit the airport.
Not a problem if connecting to a domestic flight, just stupid if you are staying in that city.

 

[jpp42]

Meanwhile, there are some international terminals in the US where you have to clear CBP, having collected baggage, then drop bags, clear TSA and recollect bags in order to leave the airport as the international terminal requires passing through secure areas of other terminals to exit the airport.
Not a problem if connecting to a domestic flight, just stupid if you are staying in that city.

Yep, Atlanta was famous for this. However in the last couple of years they finally opened a ground side area for international arrivals. Now, arriving pax can exit to the street after passing the CPB formalities. This area can also be used for departures whether domestic or international, but I think they encourage mostly international departing passengers to go here.

 

[Milliemac]

Not sure when you last went through / heard about LAX, but it's improved out of sight in the past 5 years. Immigration process no worse than most other airports now, and better than many. Shops and facilities are good in TBIT, and most of the other terminals have also been re-firbed.

I wouldn't have any qualms about going through LAX these days.

I flew MEL-LAX-YYC earlier this year, and was sitting in the QF lounge in TBIT 50 minutes after touchdown. I was shocked at how much better it was than in the past.

 

[RSD]

I flew MEL-LAX-YYC earlier this year, and was sitting in the QF lounge in TBIT 50 minutes after touchdown. I was shocked at how much better it was than in the past.

OK that does sound promising! Hopefully this trip will help me to regain Gold status!

 

[McTavish]

I flew MEL-LAX-YYC earlier this year, and was sitting in the QF lounge in TBIT 50 minutes after touchdown. I was shocked at how much better it was than in the past.

I flew to Boston last October in QF F. Missed my connection due to the clunky baggage process, transit bag area a chaotic mess. That said, I walked out onto the street and back into TBIT and spent the next 8 hours in the QF First lounge. Was somewhat bored after a nice breakfast and too early for a drink so explored every inch of TBIT departure area. Shops are okay, restaurant area looks pretty good and an outside deck for the smokers who live on. Returned to the lounge for a nice calamari lunch. Trip to Phoenix March this year, carry-on only, lightening fast through immigration, used the great new(ish) T4 connector. QF First lounge bursting at the seems on way home. Overall I wouldn't avoid LAX but feel more confident without checked luggage.

 

[Pug1]

The boss went to Vancouver earlier this year, from Sydney via Tokyo using JAL which means points and SC'c to QF. Only a bit longer than direct on AC, but she said she would happily do the JAL flight again to avoid going via the LOTFAP.

We're joining a cruise in Vancouver next year and have booked JAL one way Sydney, Tokyo to Vancouver. Much better, in our opinion, than the direct Air Canada flight. We've done the AC flight a few times in PE and it's OK but not brilliant. You have to get the right seats to be reasonably comfortable. The JAL seating is also much better for us as a couple as we can get a window/aisle seat in J as opposed to the common 1-2-1 configuration in J on other airlines. Managed to snag two J award seats on QF points for this trip and were lucky to get the same for our return flights from Tokyo to Sydney after the cruise. Have flown JAL before in J and recommend them highly. Seems like a lot of airlines are not catering for couples in the J class seating configuration, so we try to find ones that have a window and aisle seat configuration.

 

[serfty]

They have a number of "transit lounges" in the international arrivals area before CBP at DFW D - which opened in 2005. No idea if they are used.

The old DFW 'D' transit lounge area now forms the Temporary AA "International Lounge" ...

 

[HS-TQE]

IMHO, LAX isn't as bad as it used to be, but my personal pick is that SFO is a better city to transit through. Of course everyone's experiences may vary on their staff/TSA experiences at SFO/LAX.

 

[Mattg]

Looks like Qantas is no longer going to serve Vancouver in July.

Qantas Vancouver 2019/20 service changes

 

[McTavish]

In January I did MEL-YVR with a Californian drive thrown in. The Trump-Wall-Public servant issues settled 2 days before we came home. Here's how the various airports compared:

Arrive LAX one and half hour queue at Customs. No wait for bags. Further 90 minutes before keys in ignition of rental car (Dollar)

Drive to SFO. Excellent rental car drop-off experience. 15 minutes through security (nb private security contractors). UA to YVR, left an hour late and couldn't seat me near my 13 year old son. No lounge access as SA.

Arrive YVR mid-afternoon zero wait at customs! About 20 minutes for bags. Key in ignition of rental car 10 minutes later (Avis).

Rental car drop-off Whistler very easy, lovely staff, later in the day I realised I had lost a CC and they drove me back to Creekside to look for it, before returning me to hotel.

Bus Whistler to YVR, rental car pickup a piece of cake again (Alamo). Drive YVR to Bellingham (USA) 90 minute queue in car then 30 minutes interview with customs at border. Painful....

Drive Boeing factory to SEATAC, I-5 a carpark because of crash, but we got there in time. Rental drop-off excellent. Security at SEATAC 5 minutes. Alaskan Lounge pretty good, son filled up! Alaskan Flight to LAX perfect. Arrive Terminal 6 underground connector to T4 then new connector from T4 to TBIT. Ski boots and bags getting heavy by now and moving walkways not operating.

Arrive QF First lounge and settle into the salt and pepper squid followed by minute steak. Two hour wait for shower (13 year old a bit on the nose by now)! Old QF A380, noisy in PE and pretty average service, dirty toilets etc. Arrive MEL passport control and customs pretty good but how is it that it always seem to take a hour of waiting for bags.

So, the bad - Customs LAX, rental car pick-up LAX, Canada/US border cross (by road), and bag wait at MEL