[straitman]

Thanks Dave & serfty.

[Platy]

Originally Posted by Dave Noble

These are nowhere near the cheapest fares offered on the routes though which is what the OP seems to be interested in

Dave

Of course, Dave, although the thread is entitled "how to maximise status and points..."

[Dave Noble]

Originally Posted by Platy

Of course, Dave, although the thread is entitled "how to maximise status and points..."

Based on that criteria alone, then I would suggest buying an unrestricted 1st class ticket from Australia since that should do the trick nicely
Dave

[Platy]

Originally Posted by Dave Noble

Based on that criteria alone, then I would suggest buying an unrestricted 1st class ticket from Australia since that should do the trick nicely
Dave

Presumably on the A380 service which costs more than a well equipped small car...well, mate, whilst respecting the many tricks of the trade I have learned from this site, all I can say that I'm very glad you are not my travel agent

[Dave Noble]

Originally Posted by Platy

Presumably on the A380 service which costs more than a well equipped small car...well, mate, whilst respecting the many tricks of the trade I have learned from this site, all I can say that I'm very glad you are not my travel agent

I dunno. If someone came to me asking for the cheapest price for domestic flights in the USA, I wouldn't be pushing discounted 1st class tickets. If they were looking for cheap premium class travel then I might well do

When people come to me, I tailor my advice based on what people are looking for

Dave

[serfty]

Originally Posted by Platy

Presumably on the A380 service which costs more than a well equipped small car...well, mate, whilst respecting the many tricks of the trade I have learned from this site, all I can say that I'm very glad you are not my travel agent

Well, I think Dave's advice is quite reasonable.

The base price MEL-NYC for a Qantas A380 "R2RT" fare is $25360.

Qantas's "F2RT" fare is $23102 and an IATA "F2RT" fare is $18388.

The IATA fate has the least restrictions of the three with an MPM of 12486.

[Platy]

Originally Posted by Dave Noble

I dunno. If someone came to me asking for the cheapest price for domestic flights in the USA, I wouldn't be pushing discounted 1st class tickets. If they were looking for cheap premium class travel then I might well do

Dave

That's fine, Dave, nor would I.

But this person did not ask for the cheapest option. They said they would probably purchase the cheapest BUT they ALSO wanted to know how to maximise their point and SC earn.

If they are at least aware of the cost benefit of instant upgrade fares they can make the choice whether or not to include one or more such sectors in their itinerary given their personal budget and FF goals (neither of which we are party to).

If they use the price+schedule option (as advised) on the AA booking engine they can at least see at a glance the price differential between all fare types and thus have a basis on which decide whether to outlay the extra cost given the 3x more points 4x more SCs earned for instant upgrade (first) rather than discount economy.

(IF they were at all interested in such options, they would presumably be better off choosing a a routing to avoid the 3 class trans-continental flights).

[Age]

Thanks to all for your replies.

[Lord Mud]

Quote: I am a Qantas Club member (unfortunately only bronze status) and will be travelling to US in Oct 08 using FF points. :unquote.

I think we may have missed something here..
I wasn't Aware QP had a "bronze membership" and that only QFF did.
Is the OP a FF member of a QP member, or both?

[v8Statesman]

Originally Posted by Lord Mud

Quote: I am a Qantas Club member (unfortunately only bronze status) and will be travelling to US in Oct 08 using FF points. :unquote.

I think we may have missed something here..
I wasn't Aware QP had a "bronze membership" and that only QFF did.
Is the OP a FF member of a QP member, or both?

You can be QP Bronze or QP Silver. The OP is QP Bronze.