Questions and Answers

So still trying to find a flight for my friend to Oz over the holidays. We have the trip [I]back[/I] sorted out, but still trying to figure out how to get her THERE.

Originally the idea was to transfer her SPG points to Virgin America and use those points on Virgin Australia, but it looks like there’s no more award space at the saver level left in business for that.

Another option was she DOES have a few Alaska points she could possible pool with her SPG points and use with Quantas. She’s used Alaska points before and managed to get flights last minute.

So at this point, which is the better option? Booking last minute works in her favor because of her work, and she REALLY has her heart set on business class in Virgins new plane.

Bottom line though she just needs to get to Australia between Dec 15 and the 24 one way. Economy if nothing else.

Thanks in advance!

Award space changes constantly but it’s a tough destination to get on points from the US to begin with. Keep checking for space. Also look at American metal as well as their LAX-AKL flights and add a connecting AKL-SYD segment.

Korean Air award availability is great but your dates are considered peak season. LAX-ICN-SYD in First Class prices out at 180k one way plus ~$300 in taxes. It is on their A380 for both legs though.

Based on Ben’s reports it seems like Virgin releases seats at the last minute. However that is a pretty busy travel time so it would be hard to count on it. I would set alerts and hope that something comes through in a 10 day window. You could consider locking in an economy award and then upgrading to business if space opens.

If you find business class award space on Qantas in December at this point, you should also buy a lottery ticket.

Using her Alaska miles isn’t a bad idea, but look to Cathay Pacific or Fiji Airways, or (if you get lucky) American.

“Bottom line though she just needs to get to Australia between Dec 15 and the 24 one way. [B][I]Economy if nothing else.”[/I][/B]

If she’s happy to fly Economy, there are some Saver AA flights available on December 14, flying QF metal (I’m seeing it on the AA site). This will get her to Australia on December 16.

The first date I’m seeing Saver J open up is mid-January.

Thanks Susan!

I noticed that too and it’s definitely an option.

Tiffany, I don’t think she has enough starpoints to go via Cathay or Fiji. I think it’s going to come down to economy in AA if she reserves now-ish, or wait until last minute and try to book business/economy through Virgin/Alaska.

Decisions decisions!

One last thing, I just looked on Krisflyers site and most of the dates I’m interested in the return say “waitlist”. I’m assuming this means that all seats are booked and I’m just “waiting” for one to come available? I’ve never booked singapore before. Sorry for the n00b question.

It means that there are currently no saver award seats are available but there are seats for a paid or standard award ticket. You’d be waiting for one to become available

It doesn’t necessarily mean that seats are booked, just that SQ revenue management has decided not to release those seats for award booking. If you have enough miles to book the tickets you can call SQ and ask to be added to the waitlist. SQ will contact you if the seats are released.

Gotcha…

Looking at the site, it on;y show’s saver space available as waitlisted (for business). Standard isn’t available at all…