I'm not familiar with the routing rules QF usually has for J fares MEL-LAX, so I was a bit surprised when I checked them for the sale J fares announced today. Since I don't know if this is common or not, I'm not going to be revealing all the details - I expect many readers will be able to find them out for themselves.
I would expect rules allowing routings such as MEL-LAX, MEL-SYD-LAX and MEL-BNE-LAX (and vv). However, I didn't expect to see MEL-xx_-SYD-LAX, which would give an extra 160 SCs for no extra cost. (You'll have to guess what xx_ is, but it shouldn't be too hard.)
I was able to find flights with that routing on matrix.itasoftware.com, and expedia.com.au seems to allow them to be booked; however, I couldn't find them on qantas.com using the multi-city search. In fact, it seems like you can route via xx_ on the way back as well, for 320 SCs extra.
While the total cost doesn't put this into status run territory, if you were already planning a MEL-LAX and return trip, this would seem to be a good way to add a bonus 160 or 320 SCs. I wonder whether QF would honour the booking or not...
I would expect rules allowing routings such as MEL-LAX, MEL-SYD-LAX and MEL-BNE-LAX (and vv). However, I didn't expect to see MEL-xx_-SYD-LAX, which would give an extra 160 SCs for no extra cost. (You'll have to guess what xx_ is, but it shouldn't be too hard.)
I was able to find flights with that routing on matrix.itasoftware.com, and expedia.com.au seems to allow them to be booked; however, I couldn't find them on qantas.com using the multi-city search. In fact, it seems like you can route via xx_ on the way back as well, for 320 SCs extra.
While the total cost doesn't put this into status run territory, if you were already planning a MEL-LAX and return trip, this would seem to be a good way to add a bonus 160 or 320 SCs. I wonder whether QF would honour the booking or not...