Syd to Lax then to Jfk.

[Foreigner]

There are numerous QF flights to/from the USA.

Which flights are better in terms of aircrafts, timings (flying west to east and vv.) and access to terminals (and I refer in particular to those at LAX)?

My travel is likely on 10 Nov and I would stay in NY for 4 nights.

I read that N, O and Q classes on QF are not upgradable as many of experienced members would know. Which flights would have better chance of upgrades if I paid a higher fare and selected, say, V class.

On another issue, I was remember advice I got earlier suggesting I fly Syd-Hnl-Bos then buy a separate ticket to New York vv. to maximise QF SCs. Are there other alternatives to make 800+ SCs?

Thanks in advance.

f

 

[NM]

There are numerous QF flights to/from the USA.

Which flights are better in terms of aircrafts, timings (flying west to east and vv.) and access to terminals (and I refer in particular to those at LAX)?

All QF flights SYD-LAX use 3-class 747-400 aircraft. So all are the same from an aircraft perspective.

If connecting through to JFK, then the QF107 through flight is best as you have an assured connection as it used the same aircraft. Otherwise chose based on the departure and arrival schedule. If travelling in economy, then I would definitely take the QF107 flight as a later arrival into LAX will end up with an AA connection to JFK and that flight is going to be better on a QF 747-400 rather than an AA 767 (personal IFE, meals etc)

I read that N, O and Q classes on QF are not upgradeable as many of experienced members would know. Which flights would have better chance of upgrades if I paid a higher fare and selected, say, V class.

Avoid departing Sydney on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday as these are the peak business departure days. Mid-week departures are less likely to sell all the business class seats.

Same goes for the return journey.

On another issue, I was remember advice I got earlier suggesting I fly Syd-Hnl-Bos then buy a separate ticket to New York vv. to maximise QF SCs. Are there other alternatives to make 800+ SCs?

The only way to make 800+ SCs on a trip to New York is to pay for business or first class travel. And then the best way is to use a OneWorld Explorer or Circle Pacific fare. No way to get close to 800 SCs with a discount economy fare.

Best SC earning will be to do something like QF149 SYD-LAX connecting to QF107 LAX-JFK and a similar return using QF108 and overnight in LAX connecting to QF8 the following day. Or you may be able to book an AA flight JFK-LAX and find a friendly AA Plat or EXP that will upgrade it for you and you may find that QF pays J class SCs for the upgraded flight. But I would not rely on that happening as you are only entitled to discount Y SCs and its just an anomaly of the system that sometimes sees J SCs paid for upgraded flights.

 

[Foreigner]

I appreciate your comments. Will see possibility of booking through flight other than on Friday thru Monday. I would prefer to avoid stopover, certainly on the return because of luggage picked up at NY.

From poster FlyFirst, "If you are just looking to go to New York, then you could fly SYD-HNL on QF in Y, then pick a YUP to BOS (own way to New York) for around AUD2800 all up netting 780 status credits for the HNL-BOS leg alone (then add discount Y class SCs to HNL is it 40 each way?) giving 860."

I checked with a TA and was told HNL-BOS ret. is aud1847 plus taxes. If indeed 780 points accrue for that flight, I could go along that path.

I take it the 40 SCs each way refers to discount Y tickets SYD-HNL-SYD.

BOS-JFK-BOS may not be too expensive.

f

 

[Foreigner]

From AA's website:
"+titleText+"

"Fare Basis Code Changes for Selected "First for Coach" Fares

YUP fares booked in A class to/from Hawaii were converted to KUP fares and will continue to be booked in A class. Connecting service on single-compartment aircraft, such as American Eagle and AmericanConnection, will be booked in Y class.

In summary, this is a fare basis code revision only. The same booking class codes used previously for the YUPP / YUP fare types will continue to apply."

What does all this suggest?

Also, from OW timetable i see following alternatives to JFK ex-Syd:

syd-hnl via nan
hnl-bos via lax
bos-lga

This is a very long way but if it gets in excess of 800 SCs, i may be prepared to do it. And reach QF platinum sooner.

 

[Jenelle]

If you decide to do away with the status credit idea I would recommend just taking the bus from BOS - NY or NY - BOS. The hassle getting to the airport, checking in, waiting, flying, getting luggage, then tranfers etc. It is a four hour bus trip and you can get the tix for about $30.

 

[straitman]

If you decide to do away with the status credit idea I would recommend just taking the bus from BOS - NY or NY - BOS. The hassle getting to the airport, checking in, waiting, flying, getting luggage, then tranfers etc. It is a four hour bus trip and you can get the tix for about $30.

......... and it's a reasonably pleasant trip.