Stopover on return flight

[JohnK]

I am planning a trip to Europe for August and want to be in SKG for ~2 weeks and then FRA to commence an escorted tour for ~2 weeks. I would like to travel OneWorld, preferably QF where possible. Also I would like to try to minimise cost as much as possible and try to maximise SC's.

SIN-SYD return in economy can be purchased from SIN as per my usual imaginative itineraries. If I am able to find a relatively cheap business class LGW-SKG return (I have found cheapish business class flights when I have searched in the past) this would appear to be the best option, otherwise economy.

The next stage would be to get a SIN-LHR return but with a stopover in FRA. Would a SIN-LHR return be possible with a stopover in FRA on the return leg? If so, how much would they charge for a stopover? I have seen the QF website offer options of SIN-LHR-FRA-SIN as well as many other combinations.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

I don't know if HKG suits as well as SIN for you, but there is a lot of competition currently on HKG-LON sector. Some great fares.

 

[oz_mark]

Did a search on Zuji, and the rules allowed for one free stopover and additional stopovers at 75SGD. Now, of course, this may not be the same fare basis that the QF booking engine is returning.

 

[JohnK]

I don't know if HKG suits as well as SIN for you, but there is a lot of competition currently on HKG-LON sector. Some great fares.

It depends on how much competition there is out of HKG.

At the moment as I am technically based in SIN I feel it is cheaper to buy return tickets from there. Any savings gained from buying HKG-LHR return may be eroded on a SIN-HKG return not to mention a day lost trying to get to HKG from SIN.

 

[JohnK]

Did a search on Zuji, and the rules allowed for one free stopover and additional stopovers at 75SGD. Now, of course, this may not be the same fare basis that the QF booking engine is returning.

That sounds familiar to something I read/heard recently. Even without the free stopover, 75SGD is not a bad price to pay for a stopover in FRA on the way back from LHR.

 

[Commuter]

SKG as in Thessaloniki? If so, you could (if you are preapred to slog it) find dirt cheap charter flights on certain days of the week. Of course you won't get any SCs but at least it will give you extra money to spend on other sectors.

 

[JohnK]

SKG as in Thessaloniki?

Yes. If this trip eventuates then part of the attraction would be business class LGW-SKG return for around $500 and 160 SC's. I think this is good value for money.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

It depends on how much competition there is out of HKG.

With the start of Oasis and lots of extra capacity added to this route in the past year, fares are low (even on OW).

Sounds like you are planning on at least 3 separate tickets. I know I am not one to talk (being guilty of doing just this myself sometimes) but it can be a bit risky. Allowing plenty of time in between the tickets (eg half/full day) may lead to cost savings being eroded by other expenses (eg if need to stop overnight when a through ticket didn't need to).

 

[Mal]

I'm not aware of any online booking system that can handle an itinerary like this easily. The multi trip one at HarveyWorld or Webjet may be able to sort out the stopover ok, but not sure. I believe they're locked down to departures from Australia only.

AA's website also might be able to help, but again it could become tricky. AA's call centre also may be able to assist.

You may have to see a Travel Agent for this one - or call Qantas in Singapore to arrange (and cop the "fine") . I believe Qantas in Singapore now just redirects back to the Australian call centre anyway, so perhaps just call there.

 

[JohnK]

I'm not aware of any online booking system that can handle an itinerary like this easily. The multi trip one at HarveyWorld or Webjet may be able to sort out the stopover ok, but not sure. I believe they're locked down to departures from Australia only.

I understand about not being able to book online. I was only interested in knowing whether it was possible to include a stopover in a return ticket.

You may have to see a Travel Agent for this one - or call Qantas in Singapore to arrange (and cop the "fine") . I believe Qantas in Singapore now just redirects back to the Australian call centre anyway, so perhaps just call there.

Booking return ticket through Qantas Singapore (or new Qantas Indian call centre shortly) would suffice if the stopover is possible. Service fee for assisted booking through QF Singapore is only 50SGD or 40AUD through Australian call centre.

I have hit a snag in airfares through BA from LGW-SKG or even LHR-ATH. When I last looked, middle of last year, it was around 200GBP($500AUD) for return business class. Now it is quoting 573GBP for return business class LGW-SKG and even worse for LHR-ATH.

I need to adjust my itinerary.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

I have hit a snag in airfares through BA from LGW-SKG or even LHR-ATH. When I last looked, middle of last year, it was around 200GBP($500AUD) for return business class. Now it is quoting 573GBP for return business class LGW-SKG and even worse for LHR-ATH.

I need to adjust my itinerary.

You need to find dates with BA I inventory to get the lower price business class.

 

[NM]

You need to find dates with BA I inventory to get the lower price business class.

Yep, that price will definitely be an I fare. I fares are not always available for BA Club Europe and often part of a "sale" used to fill seats at slow times.

 

[JohnK]

You need to find dates with BA I inventory to get the lower price business class.

Yes I know. When I was searching last year using many random dates I was shown I class airfares on every occassion.

Unfortunately this trip, if it ever gets off the ground, has time constraints and I will not be able to plan it around I class availability.

Time to look for alternate itineraries....

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Unfortunately this trip, if it ever gets off the ground, has time constraints and I will not be able to plan it around I class availability.

Time to look for alternate itineraries....

If you have significant time constraints, then that is more reason to simplify and put on as few tickets as possible.