Self-induced Long Weekend Getaway (Short-haul International)

[Steady]

What's F like on the A380 SYD-AKL with EK? Seems like a pretty short flight value for points.

I loved it - pretty well everything is the same as long haul except for caviar

 

[defurax]

What's F like on the A380 SYD-AKL with EK? Seems like a pretty short flight value for points.

Here's a trip report: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....trip-photos/ek-first-class-mel-akl-75523.html

 

[guybaxy]

syd-mel-nan on thursday 25 august gets in early morning, so if you are plat or gold with spg westin or sheraton may let you in early, then back on sunday 630pm arrive sydney 9.25pm sunday night, old 737-800 both ways though

that's three days of sunshine and warmth

I did a queenstown long weekend before, good if you like the cold and snow that's a very good trip (weather permitting)

Also Noumea is good, just make sure you don't get sun burnt - home sick doesn't give you sun burn!!!! That was a mistake I made, being on antibiotics for a tooth - gave me very bad sun burn.

 

[Barks]

Also Noumea is good, just make sure you don't get sun burnt - home sick doesn't give you sun burn!!!! That was a mistake I made, being on antibiotics for a tooth - gave me very bad sun burn.

Yes, especially when chucking a sickie!!! That'd be a tough to explain away :mrgreen:

 

[Bajar]

Vanuatu is good. Worth more than a weekend, but pretty accessible.

This is definitely do-able, especially if you are able to fly ex. Brisbane to Espiritu Santo.

 

[Buzzard]

Surely the boss would give +1 a day off??
AKL would be my choice for a quick weekend getaway. Stay in a nice room at the Hilton. EK F or J on the way home.

 

[Boca68]

Personally I wouldn't risk an o/s trip on a sickie.

I agree. Risky

I'm self employed and its mrs Alex who needs to chuck a sickie, she's in education and school holidays suck for award availability plus you end up having less hotel availability when we go to leisure places. I have all these points but can't find a way to spend them!

If you and your wife do go ahead, in this day and age, be very careful about what both of you post to social media. Surprisingly easy to come back and bite you. (well actually her as she is taking the risk)

As a manager, I know that I wouldn't be impressed if one of my staff did this. Just ask me I say, 9 times out of 10, we can work something out. Not sure about flexibilty within education, but there should be an option other than the sickie route.

 

[alexy23]

To get back to topic, the whole purpose was to come up with a list of short-haul destination ideas that are useful for a public holiday long weekend, +1 day of leave, or 1 day of sick leave.

So far my summary trips that could be done within a 3 day weekend from SYD.

- Auckland (take advantage of EK F class on A380 for AKL-SYD)
- Queenstown/Christchurch (good for snow season - award availability is tight during snow season, maybe next year more coverage of night flights, 6:15am->11:15am going, 4:15pm->5:30pm leaving) could have a one full day/two half day in skiing.
- Noumea (tricky flight times, good weather this time of year, cheaper season for travel "low season")
- Lord Howe Island (book 1 year in advance if you are lucky)
- Fiji (3 hour flight +++, large airport taxes for point spend, but the times are pretty good 6:30->12:30 and 6:30pm->9:30pm with Fiji Airways)
- Vanuatu (can't land in Port Vila right now but BNE can fly direct to other airport)
- Hong Kong/Japan (most flights are 9+ hours, so again take advantage of the F class and make this the real "holiday").
- Tasmania
- Adelaide (Barossa/Wine Tasting - could even be done in a 2 day weekend)

 

[drross]

Le Meridien Noumea is one of the best hotel in Noumea, good food, direct access to the beach and the hotel has been completely renovated in the past 2 years. Off season prices can be very good.

totally agree. in house restaurant is great and you're right on the beach

 

[get me outta here]

Thanks for this précis for local i trips. Maybe there will even be more added as people make suggestions.

To get back to topic, the whole purpose was to come up with a list of short-haul destination ideas that are useful for a public holiday long weekend, +1 day of leave, or 1 day of sick leave.

So far my summary trips that could be done within a 3 day weekend from SYD.

- Auckland (take advantage of EK F class on A380 for AKL-SYD)
- Queenstown/Christchurch (good for snow season - award availability is tight during snow season, maybe next year more coverage of night flights, 6:15am->11:15am going, 4:15pm->5:30pm leaving) could have a one full day/two half day in skiing.
- Noumea (tricky flight times, good weather this time of year, cheaper season for travel "low season")
- Lord Howe Island (book 1 year in advance if you are lucky)
- Fiji (3 hour flight +++, large airport taxes for point spend, but the times are pretty good 6:30->12:30 and 6:30pm->9:30pm with Fiji Airways)
- Vanuatu (can't land in Port Vila right now but BNE can fly direct to other airport)
- Hong Kong/Japan (most flights are 9+ hours, so again take advantage of the F class and make this the real "holiday").
- Tasmania
- Adelaide (Barossa/Wine Tasting - could even be done in a 2 day weekend)