Round The World Business Class

[henry9]

Soon I need to fly to NYC, LHR and a couple of European cities so I need to purchase a J class ticket. I read once it may be cheaper to purchase off shore than in Oz. I am Gold with QF so it makes sense to stick with them, they are also offering 1.5 points per mile now until 16 Aug.
Has anyone got any great ideas on how to save using this method? I heard it may be cheaper in AKL and so fly there el cheapo and start the journey from there direct to LAX and on.

 

[HardieBoys]

From what I gather, BKK is the place to pick up a cheap RTW fare. Haven't looked into the specifics of it, but am planning a similar trip in June 2005, so would be interested to see what your findings are. Just checked on their website, and whilst they don't have a Thai website, they list the telephone sales number: +66 (2) 636 1747.

 

[thadocta]

Another place to ask...

Hi henry9 and welcome to AFF.

Whilst you will get some good answers on this board, you might also want to have a look at FlyerTalk, concentrating on either the Qantas ofrum or the oneworld forum.

Since this will be a RTW, the OW forum might offer the best information.

Dave[/url]

 

[QF WP]

Henry9, yes the RTW J ticket prices are different in most countries (where their local currency is weaker comparable to others)...some of the cheaper ones these days are Thailand, Sri Lanka and Cairo (but you'd need to know/trust a local TA to send the tickets to you, unless you are going to collect them). Check out Steady-EDI's RTW website for excellent background information on how to start planning it and how to go about it.

Apologies everybody, been away for 3 week holiday (overseas, of course!) and I don't take my AFF log in details with me (otherwise Mrs LW gets rather unhappy with me....and a happy wife is a happy life) :wink:

 

[NM]

Also note that with the OneWorld Explorer fare, to get the cheaper fare for purchasing in a country like Thailand, you must commence and finish your journey in that country, as well as pay for the ticket in their local currency through a local TA or airline reservations desk.

BKK is reasonable for buying business class OneWorld Explorer fares (known as DONE4), but little advantage for economy class. But you also have to add on the cost of getting to and from BKK for the start and end of your journey.

A DONE4 has a list price of A$9169, which is considerably less than the full J fare to LAX or Europe. Corporate discounts apply depending on your Qantas corporate contract. So it is a very good value for money business class fare. I have used it many times (must be about 10 at least by now), but alway purchased in Australia.