Value Status Runs

[JohnK]

In Thailand the departure tax is charged every time you want to go through immigration. So even going landside just to check in and return immediately to airside gets charged - you can avoid this by using airside transfer desk. Unfortunately the BKK transfer desk refuse (in my experience) to check in for flights on future day - even if it is well within 24 hours. You could try getting checked in elsewhere - more likely to be doable within 24 hours and on same ticket, less likely if more than 24 hours and separate tickets.

To pay another 1,000 baht is not a great deal. Just wanted an idea of what "in-transit" meant and how it is interpreted by various countries.

If your arriving flight is late night and departing early next morning, consider staying airside either at transit hotel (warning this is relatively expensive) or within terminal. Lots of people do this and I have too a few times.

Nah. Flights leave afternoon and arrive late night. The so called airside transit hotel is Amari Airport (****) at a cool US$133/night. No thanks. I will be staying at Comfort Suites (***) for 2 nights when arriving in Bangkok and then Quality Suites Airport (***) for 2 nights during status runs and the 4 nights will cost me the same as Amari for 1 night.

 

[QF WP]

I wouldn't stay at the Amari again...Mrs LW and I did it after flying QF1 SYD/BKK - we arrived at 11.30pm and couldn't get a domestic flight down to coughet at that time of night.

It's expensive (as you noted) and over-rated. The only benefit is the covered walkway over to it. I'd rather find another hotel or fly ex-SIN again.

 

[JohnK]

Thanks for the tip Lindsay. I have never stayed there but the price threw me right off. :? Amari is only 4 star and I can get 4 nights in a 3 star (only 10 minutes from airport with free pickup) for the same price as 1 night at Amari.

 

[JohnK]

If anyone wants a copy of the excel spreadsheet just send me a PM and I will email it to you. It is not the end all and be all of Status runs but useful as a starting point.

I certainly will be interested later in the year if it looks like I may need it to requalify. If fine right now though.

You have e-mail.

I have sent you updated version of spreadsheet with more indirect routings, not just from QF website but using my own creativity. :shock:

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Thanks JohnK. I can see the improvements from an earlier version.

Looks like discounted business class on certain routes now gives the best $/SC ratio.

 

[JohnK]

Thanks JohnK. I can see the improvements from an earlier version.

Looks like discounted business class on certain routes now gives the best $/SC ratio.

SYD-CBR-SYD is the one that springs to mind at just under A$7/SC.

You can see from the spreadsheet that unless there are heavily discounted specials the best you can do is >A$7/SC.

I think the spreadsheet you have does not include ADL-PLO-ADL which is <A$7/SC.

Unfortunately that is the best we can do on a normal red e-deal unless Mal divulges his secret. I can also understand why he likes to keep it to himself as I am in the middle of reading the epic "Libya it is then" thread from FT.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Even WLG-CHC is more than $7/SC, or maybe a little less in aussie plastic money

 

[JohnK]

For anyone contemplating a Status run there are some good value runs on sale until midnight Tuesday 14 February 2006 (AEDT) for travel from Monday 1 May until Thursday 15 June 2006.

The ones I have looked at have plenty of weekend availability.

Want to visit ADL's new airport?

BNE-MEL-ADL     $147.21    25SC's
ADL-MEL-BNE     $144.72    25SC's
Total           $291.93    50SC's    @ $5.83/SC

SYD-ADL-DRW     $209.00    35SC's
DRW-ADL-SYD     $224.83    35SC's
Total           $433.83    70SC's    @ $6.19/SC
*** Note returning flight does not leave until 5:50am next day

SYD-ADL-DRW     $209.00    35SC's
DRW-BNE-SYD     $221.09    30SC's
Total           $430.09    65SC's    @ $6.61/SC
*** Note returning flight does not leave until 1:55am next day

CBR-MEL-ADL     $136.59    20SC's
ADL-MEL-CBR     $131.27    20SC's
Total           $267.86    40SC's    @ $6.69/SC

OR business class

CBR-MEL-ADL     $574.39    80SC's
ADL-MEL-CBR     $573.07    80SC's
Total          $1147.46   160SC's    @ $7.17/SC

 

[guy]

LAN BUSINESS CLASS SC 160 AKL/SYD/AKL

This is a good deal AKL/SYD/AKL FOR NZ$665.00 plus tax of NZ$102.11 or NZ$767.11 about AUD$710 that's 4.3 SC per $.

 

[gaia]

Yesterday I flew LA800 in D from SYD to AKL. This is the second time I've done this with the last time being 2 months ago. Both times the cabin crew were exceptionally grumpy and the refreshments stingy.

Compared to QF D class LA 800 is a very poor comparison.

But for the price of around $700 & 80SCs I can put up with it.

 

[gaia]

But for the price of around $700 & 80SCs I can put up with it.

Sorry, the $700 refers to the return price and the 80SCs refers to oneway.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Yesterday I flew LA800 in D from SYD to AKL. This is the second time I've done this with the last time being 2 months ago. Both times the cabin crew were exceptionally grumpy and the refreshments stingy.

Compared to QF D class LA 800 is a very poor comparison.

But for the price of around $700 & 80SCs I can put up with it.

LA's D fare is even better ex AKL

Only thing is lose 2500 or so miles (status bonus) but thats a great trade IMHO.

 

[gaia]

Flew LA801 from AKL to SYD today and the flight was fine. And yes I purchased the return in AKL

 

[Andyzx]

60 SC for $5.50 / sc

Thought I would add this for all those business travellers out there.

Had to go to BKK, work trip business class, and on the way back checked out first class. For an extra $330 (my cost) I get 1171 points (cabin bonus) and 60sc’s (180 vs. 120)

Works out at $5.50 a SC

Not too bad, I thought and I get to fly first class for the 1st time.
:arrow:

 

[serfty]

BKK-SIN-BKK business flex (D class) airfare on Finnair. Airfare is ~A$403(12,085 baht) earning 120 SC's at A$3.36/SC. Finnair flies BKK-SIN-BKK on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Times vary depending on season. In April depart BKK 14:40 arrive SIN 18:15 and returning depart SIN 21:50 arrive BKK 23:10. This flight then continues on to HEL non stop.

Please note used exchange rate of 29.98Baht/A$1.

(From another thread)
I noticed on FT someone mentioned that they can book I class fares with AY. I assume these are business class fares! I thought there was only full business J class and business flex D class.

AY is selling BKK-HKG-BKK for 9150 THB+tax in I-class

I booked D class for 12,735 baht so the I class fares will come in a lot cheaper.

I can't see how to book I class fares through Finnair website. Anyone have any suggestions?

I came across this post on FT.

The Finnair flights to HKG will be direct from HEL from latish May and the BKK-HKG-BKK MR's will no longer be available with AY going BKK-KUL-BKK instead.

 

[JohnK]

The Finnair flights to HKG will be direct from HEL from latish May and the BKK-HKG-BKK MR's will no longer be available with AY going BKK-KUL-BKK instead.

I noticed something on the Finnair site regarding direct HKG flights. It is a shame as it appears that the BKK-KUL route only has full J airfares.

 

[Chucksta]

Flew LA801 from AKL to SYD today and the flight was fine. And yes I purchased the return in AKL

Where do you purchase the LAN business airfares from SYD to AKL return for 700? Can this be done online?

I checked the qantas website and the codeshare flight is over $1000 AUD oneway.

Also, LAN.com says "the origin-destination chosen cannot be purchased online. Please contact a LAN sales office"

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

I just use the LA website (ex-NZ for the cheaper fare). Otherwise use a travel agent (online or otherwise).

QF codeshare is more expensive and priced in line with QF-operated flights.

 

[Altair]

I just use the LA website (ex-NZ for the cheaper fare). Otherwise use a travel agent (online or otherwise).

QF codeshare is more expensive and priced in line with QF-operated flights.

Yes. I got a LAN flight AKL-SYD return for $875 NZD which is still cheaper than the QF codeshare one way $1,100 NZD.
Zuji.co.nz allowed the booking but I went through a travel agent as I needed WLG-AKL return on the same ticket....

 

[JohnK]

Where do you purchase the LAN business airfares from SYD to AKL return for 700? Can this be done online?

The cheap airfares are only AKL-SYD return not the other way.

Also, LAN.com says "the origin-destination chosen cannot be purchased online. Please contact a LAN sales office"

Where did you get the error message?

As far as I am aware you are able to purchase tickets online and if you do not receive an e-ticket then arrange to collect tickets from any LAN office.

The SYD-AKL return is pricing at US$950+ which is a lot more expensive than the AKL-SYD return.