This month sees one of our members tempted down the path some have taken before. In the spirit of “Why fly direct when you can connect”, they are looking at flying Business to America via Fiji with Fiji Airways. What’s on offer? If you are a couple, a saving of $5,000 to start with!
Airlines price fares based on their point of origin. That means often for the same city pair, it can be considerably cheaper from one end than from the other. This is the case with Fiji. A fare from Australia priced to America on the Fiji Airways website will not save much. However breaking down the trip into three bookings – Australia to Nadi, One Way. Nadi to Los Angeles, Return. Nadi to Australia, One Way – changes the picture dramatically.
The risk with this approach is with flights not connecting. Should one be late, you could miss the next flight. Booking a day or two as a buffer at a resort can ease those concerns. With Sheraton, Hilton and Intercontinental resorts nearby, there is plenty of opportunity to use those reward nights.
When booked the right way, going via Fiji can see the savings add up. But our member is a little concerned as to what the product is like
So apart from the cost difference what do AFF’ers think of the Fiji air A330’s over the QF747, your opinion on service etc etc. SWMB (Partner) also doesn’t really like QF full lie flat seats and I have explained the A330 seats have a small incline and she doesn’t mind that
A year ago Fiji Airways was operating the America route with ex Ansett 747s. While refurbished, the thought of a recliner in Business would not appeal to many. Mid 2013 saw the introduction of brand new A330s into the fleet. With those planes delivered and the 747s retired, Business class features almost lie flat seats and new inflight entertainment options. For some, that’s good enough
While the FJ product is not as good with regards to the seat itself and the food and wine, for the price differential I would pick FJ every time, even taking into account having to transit through NAN. In fact I have just rebooked FJ for my annual trip to the US in July simply due to the staggering price difference
Do you prefer to fly direct rather than connect? Have you taken the Nadi route, what was the experience like, join the conversation HERE.
