Using Qantas Feq Flyer points

[timmsc]

I have tried to book a round the world ticket with the first leg to LAX but no seats are available in Jan 2011 when I wish to start.

What other options do I have.

I imagine I could buy individual tickets from LAX, New York, Europe, Asia, and back to Australia. But I imagine that is more expensive.

Any advice

Thanks
Timmsc

 

[samh004]

You could look at flying via AKL to LAX, and if you’re worried about this eating up a segment, start in AKL. There’s also SFO, relatively near by, and you should look at a different departure point, eg. BNE/SYD/MEL…

 

[JetLagged]

timmsc - you have left off booking your trip till late: are you trying to book a RTW on points, or a paid fare? Also, what class are you trying to book in, and what city r u looking to start your trip from?

 

[timmsc]

I was wishing to use points. And yes the first leg is in the high season and late.
I can look at travel via Auckland.

The other option, which I am not clear about is whether to purchase a ticket to LAX and use points for the rest. But then that is not Round the World and may attract more inflated costs in points.

Initially I planned to start and end the RTW in Sydney. Using economy.
timmsc

 

[JetLagged]

The first obstacle that you have is timing: not necessarily that you want to fly in January (a problem in itself) but that you have left it so late - award seats have been available since February-March 2010, so chance of award seats being available is slim.

Do you have any status with Qantas? Are you willing to fly out from Brisbane or Melbourne, or even NZ? All of those could raise your chances of getting a seat.

 

[markis10]

QF have no award seats ex BNE until the 19th, pretty easily booked after that date, same for AKL-LAX.

 

[NM]

When using points for an ARTW type itinerary, there are no restrictions on routing except for the total mileage limit and max 5 stopovers. So you can consider getting to LAX via Asia using any combination of XA, BA, QF, JL that can get you to either HKG (for CX to USA), NRT (for AA or JL to USA), or PEK (for AA to USA).

Another option is to purchase a JQ fare to HNL and pick up from there with AA.

These options may not be easily booked on-line and may incur the 2500 point website-limitation-fine imposed for agent-assisted bookings.