[Platy]

I was just wondering if anyone has done a detailed comparison in the last week or so on comparative xONEx pricing (mainly interested in D class).

I am assuming neither Japan with the relatively strong Yen (>AUS$11,500 for a DONE4) and Philippines (>AUS$10,000 for a DONE4) with the strong Greenback offer any significant cost advantage any longer (with the Aussie hovering around 70 cents US and 65,000 Yen).

The Aussie is buying about 6.6 Rand meaning a DONE5 sits around AUS$7,800 for an ex-South African itinerary.

Starting a DONE4 from Indonesia (also quoted in US $) seems to be around AUS$10,000.

Looks like South Africa is the obvious choice (assuming one can get there on FF pts)?

Has anyone any better ideas/insights???

[NM]

Australia is probably an attractive starting point for people paying in US$, GBP or Euros

[Platy]

Originally Posted by NM

Australia is probably an attractive starting point for people paying in US$, GBP or Euros

Yessir! At least I am sitting on a credit with AA of US$700 bought when the Aussie was 98c, which is now worth over AUS$1,000! Just can't afford to get to the US in style and comfort any more to make use of the credit!!!

[Evan]

Right now when you look at the cost of prositioning the AU price may not seem so bad...

What about South Korea, the Won also lost a lot of value recently, similar to AUD.
6.8 mil KRW = 7,900 AUD (DONE4)

E

[dajop]

Originally Posted by Evan

Right now when you look at the cost of prositioning the AU price may not seem so bad...

What about South Korea, the Won also lost a lot of value recently, similar to AUD.
6.8 mil KRW = 7,900 AUD (DONE4)

E

If the OP (who is listed as a WP) wants to make use of FF points for positioning, South Africa is probably easier (and less points) to access than South Korea (which necessitates a CX or JL/QF award). Timewise not that much longer either.

[stryker]

Originally Posted by dajop

If the OP (who is listed as a WP) wants to make use of FF points for positioning, South Africa is probably easier (and less points) to access than South Korea (which necessitates a CX or JL/QF award). Timewise not that much longer either.

Surely it would be more cost effective (and much safer) to get a QF award to HKG and then a cheapie fare to ICN/SEL than to go all the way to JNB.

Just my 2 bob's worth.

[Alanslegal]

How does one get a xONEx ex-Korea ticket ticketed?

I read AAkorea want you to present to their office for payment - which I can't do but able to fax,email etc my CC details, so any other airline alternatives/suggestions?

and how about an ex-South Africa ticket then?

[serfty]

Qantas codeshare on Asiana SYD/ICN ...

[Danger]

I just had the following prepared for ticketing by AA in South Africa:

Johannesburg to Durban to Cape Town to London Heathrow (transit only) to Dubai to Amman to Istanbul to Helsinki to New York Kennedy to Chicago to San Francisco to Las Vegas to Dallas/Fort Worth to Vancouver to New York Kennedy to Sydney (via LAX, QF108) to Johannesburg.

My concern is they've come back with what seems to be an extraordinary amount of taxes. The base fare is 45000 rand and taxes have been quoted as 7526, well over 10%.

[KateMayo]

I've just booked my first DONE4. Decided to start ex-South Africa with an awards positioning flight. Essentially impossible to get a J award so settled for a W one.

Final cost: Base ZAR 45000; Taxes ZAR 4457 (includes a stopover in LON); Mindpearl ticketing ZAR 321; Total ZAR 49778 (Approx AUD 7398 as at 30.10.08)

Both the AA ATW desk and Mindpearl in CPT have made it a simple and relatively painless experience.