VikingA346 From Sweden, joined Oct 2006, 500 posts, RR: 0 Posted (6 years 7 months 4 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 1829 times:
Hey All,
Currently I am in Perth, Australia and am going to be travelling back to PHL in mid November. I was doing some research and considering the fact that Perth is just about as far away from Philadelphia as you can get, I was playing with some routes/fares to see what airlines offer what fares to/from Perth.
PER-SYD-LAX-PHL: 11,930 mi (Qantas/United)
PER-SIN-LHR-PHL: 12,730 mi (Singapore/British)
PER-HKG-YYZ-PHL: 11,889 mi (Air Canada)
PER-SIN-EWR-PHL: 12,035 mi (Singapore)
Now, why is it that the fare difference is so great on these routes? I did a search and the only fares you can get online without calling reservations are the British Airways flights via London and the Qantas flights via Sydney/LA
What about Singapore/Air Canada flights via HKG/SIN? Why can't you book these tickets online? Is it because of the fact that there are no codeshare partners operating these routes?
How do you explain the fare difference of these routes? I found that it's approx. the same price to fly via London as it is to fly via Sydney/LAX, despite the slight mileage difference.
Having said this - the mileage difference is quite similar on the SIN/HKG routes - why are these more difficult to book?
Any ideas would be appreciated - I am flying the Qantas route on my way home - I was just curious as to why the travel agencies don't book flights via HKG/BKK/SIN (I assume unless you ask specifically) when flying back to the Eastern United States from Western Australia.
Cheers!
...you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been and there you shall return
CRGsFuture From United States of America, joined Jan 2006, 536 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (6 years 7 months 4 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 1744 times:
If I were you I'd go PER-SIN-EWR and then take Amtrak down to PHL.
Flying you to your destination; your girlfriend to her dreams.
SFORunner From United States of America, joined Jul 2004, 323 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (6 years 7 months 4 weeks 21 hours ago) and read 1682 times:
Air NZ / UA / US Airways: PER - AKL - LAX/SFO - PHL
PER - AKL on Air NZ is less than daily service, so you need to pick a day the flight is operating.
Nickofatlanta From Australia, joined May 2000, 1467 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (6 years 7 months 4 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 1666 times:
Have a look through this link - there are oodles of options that you have including QF/TN via SYD/PPT, QF/AA via NRT, CX via HKG, MH via KUL and SA via JNB. Most will get you as far as NYC and you may have to buy a separate ticket to PHL. http://www.bestflights.com.au/cgi-bin/202/flights?mainlist
Gte439u From Canada, joined Nov 2003, 359 posts, RR: 2 Reply 7, posted (6 years 7 months 4 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 1657 times:
I flew PER-CLE last January, but I took a more circuitous route that did not cost too much and allowed me to spend a few days in cities along the way. I also got to take some interesting airlines. Obviously, you're going to PHL, but this route would work just as well for you.
GNV-ATL on EV
ATL-ICN-BKK on KE
BKK-SIN on JetStar Asia
SIN-PER-SIN on QF
JHB-KUL on MH (JHB is on the mainland across from SIN)
KUL-BKK on Air Asia
BKK-ICN-ATL on KE
ATL-CLE on DL
And the prices in USD inclusive of tax...
GNV-ATL-ICN-BKK-ICN-ATL-CLE = $908
BKK-SIN = $41
SIN-PER-SIN = $380
JHB-KUL = $44
KUL-BKK = $23
Fuffla From Australia, joined Feb 2004, 399 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (6 years 7 months 4 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 1640 times:
What about?
PER-BKK-JFK
You would be able to get that fare on the TG website. However, don't take the price as final, because the TG website fares are always very high. Go to a travel agent and they will be able to get it much cheaper!
QANTAS077 From China, joined Jan 2004, 5751 posts, RR: 48 Reply 10, posted (6 years 7 months 4 weeks 19 hours ago) and read 1607 times:
welcome to Perth..where getting from here to the USA is always an expensive treat! avoid going via Sydney because the combinations are usually with the highest price domestic fare + taxes.
better off going via Asia, North Asia or Asia-Europe. Perth-Tokyo-JFK is onsale for a pittence currently.
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USAFHummer From United States of America, joined May 2000, 10685 posts, RR: 54 Reply 12, posted (6 years 7 months 4 weeks 19 hours ago) and read 1584 times:
Im not sure what your ground transportation situation is like at PHL when you arrive, but I think PER-SIN-EWR plus Amtrak seems like the best option...only one connection and less chance for your bags to get mixed up and sent to Timbuktu or something...
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Gigneil From United States of America, joined Nov 2002, 16215 posts, RR: 88 Reply 13, posted (6 years 7 months 4 weeks 19 hours ago) and read 1584 times:
Quoting VikingA346 (Thread starter): I did a search and the only fares you can get online without calling reservations are the British Airways flights via London and the Qantas flights via Sydney/LA
I had no problem getting United.com to quote the route with no Qantas involved, all yours for $8000 USD.
I also didn't have trouble getting Expedia to quote the routes either, but generally for the routings you suggested.
Ken777 From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 7529 posts, RR: 5 Reply 14, posted (6 years 7 months 4 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 1552 times:
Since you're basically on the other side of the world why not get out an atlas and look at the potential cities you could go through. I was in my late 50s before discovering RTW fares and all the cities I could see.
While I was able to get 3 free visits to Hong Kong when I was in the Navy I still go through there because I love it. I also go through BKK as my wife loves the tops I get her from Jim Thompson's store - a very nice silk shop there. (I also am continuously impressed with how kind and gracious the people in BKK are.)
Depending on your time frame you can visit a lot of fantastic places - even if you only have an overnight stay and a late flight the next day. Even without all the RTW benefits you can catch cheap flights from the UK or Europe to see places you may never see again.
You might check out the threads on flyertalk.com (under Global Alliances) to see if there are options besides the RTW fares that you could take advantage of. Mainly I would say to stay within one alliance do you can max out the FF miles and to take advantage of the opportunity as much as time and funds allow.
I've thought about that several times - appreciate the suggestion. However, i've been in Perth since July on study abroad and have 3-4 massive bags that I have to schlep along with me. I'm already spending a week in AKL before heading back to PHL. I wish I could've worked it out so I could go either EK PER-DXB-JFK or done PER-SIN-EWR on SQ. I didn't really think before booking my flights - just did it quickly through STA travel. Because of this, I'm stuck with Qantas going through SYD/AKL/LAX.. OH WELL..
I went to Travelocity.com and the only fare they offer is BA via LHR - wonder why that is considering that's one of the longer routes??
Cheers for the responses
...you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been and there you shall return
PanAm747 From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 4242 posts, RR: 9 Reply 16, posted (6 years 7 months 4 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 1512 times:
I think Perth's size and isolation reduce the chances of finding and "low cost" fare.
If you can get to the United States, Southwest flies non-stop to PHL from LAX.
Safe travel to you!!
Pan Am:The World's Most Experienced Airline - P(oor) S(ailor's) A(irline): San Diego's Hometown Airline-Catch Our Smile!
Utapao From Thailand, joined Jul 2005, 645 posts, RR: 9 Reply 17, posted (6 years 7 months 4 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 1489 times:
What fare did you find?
I didn't do a lot of research since was not aware of your dates, etc., but quick search found a QF/AA codeshare to LAX and DL LAX-PHL for $1206.
1 AA /QF 7348 H 14NOV T PER SYD 0550A 1255P
..........OPERATED BY QANTAS AIRWAYS
1 AA /QF 7363 H 14NOV T SYD LAX 0320P 0945A
..........OPERATED BY QANTAS AIRWAYS
2 DL 1516 T 15NOV W LAX PHL 0130P 1129P
TOTAL FARE - USD 1206.43
14NOV DEPARTURE DATE-----LAST DAY TO PURCHASE 26OCT
.......BASE FARE........EQUIV AMT......TAXES..........TOTAL
1-....AUD1463.00......USD1107.00......99.43XT.......USD1206.43
XT 6.83US 6.60ZP 14.50US 5.00YC
7.00XY 5.00XA 2.50AY 28.80AU
2.50WG 16.20WY 4.50XF
1463.00 1107.00 99.43 1206.43TTL
ADT-01 HLAPOW TA7BV99
PER AA X/SYD AA LAX Q90.00 M935.82HLAPOW DL PHL92.09TA7BV99
NUC1117.91END ROE1.30793 ZPLAXSLC XFLAX4.5
NONREFUNDABLE/CHANGE FEE MAY APPLY
Pilotdude09 From Australia, joined May 2005, 1776 posts, RR: 4 Reply 18, posted (6 years 7 months 4 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 1454 times:
Quoting QANTAS077 (Reply 10): welcome to Perth..where getting from here to the USA is always an expensive treat! avoid going via Sydney because the combinations are usually with the highest price domestic fare + taxes
Try living in Karratha, the bloody flight KTA-PER is more expensive than a PER-SYD flight, unless you get a red-e deal which is still $300. Its extemely costly to fly anywhere east from WA. When we went to the travel agent QF was the cheapest to LA from KTA and then it was the asian airlines.
VikingA346 From Sweden, joined Oct 2006, 500 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (6 years 7 months 4 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 1429 times:
Quoting Pilotdude09 (Reply 18): Try living in Karratha, the bloody flight KTA-PER is more expensive than a PER-SYD flight, unless you get a red-e deal which is still $300. Its extemely costly to fly anywhere east from WA. When we went to the travel agent QF was the cheapest to LA from KTA and then it was the asian airlines.
Pilotdude, I can imagine. I was exploring possibilities of taking a 5 day trip up to Broome, but the flight itself costs about $300 roundtrip, if not more. I can get to Sydney for less than that, as you say.
Referring back to the topic - appreciate all the responses. Unfortunately I already purchased my ticket from STA Travel back when I was making the original itinerary (Roundtrip), so I am flying back the same way I came except for the stop in AKL.
Wish there were cheapers options than going through SYD/LAX - I would've loved to try EK or SQ to NYC and then taking Amtrak as some of you suggested.
Cheers
...you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been and there you shall return
ZKNBX From New Zealand, joined Jul 2006, 464 posts, RR: 0 Reply 23, posted (6 years 7 months 4 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 1397 times:
Quoting VikingA346 (Reply 21): Just curious - why would you prefer SQ Y class over EK Y class? I've always wanted to fly EK... Are you gonna ruin my dream?
Ok
Well EK seat Y class as 3+4+3. This is a cop-out., and out of step with competitors.
The whole beauty of the 777 in Y class, is that with the standard 9 abreast seating, (normally 3+3+3) you get a noticably wider seat, with more personal space. All in all, it's very noticable compared to other aircraft including the 744. And the aisle is also wider. So the feeling is more spacious. This is the number one seller. Nothing worse than feeling crammed in like sardines in a Brunswick can. Very few airlines do the 777 3+4+3. Thai does on their domestic and intra-asian flights. I think JAL and ANA do for domestic high-density routes. And OS does in the very back of their ex Lauda 777s. But EK use their 3+4+3 layout for their ultra long haul routes from DXB to AKL, via SYD and BNE. Even the new 77W (777-300ER) with EK is configured 3+4+3 in economy. As a frequent flyer once burnned, I'm not going to do it again.
However, you will note that SIN-EWR is operated by the SQ A345 which has super-spacious economy seating, with very generous personal space compared to normal economy.
You'd be better off on an SQ 777 than an EK 777. If SQ's non-stop SIN-EWR is not in your price range, I could suggest a range of alternatives before submitting yourself to an EK 777 in Y class. Not that EK are ALL bad, just that Y class ain't it, and let's face it, flying half-way around the world, you want to be as comfortable as possible.
Viscount724 From Switzerland, joined Oct 2006, 21684 posts, RR: 23 Reply 25, posted (6 years 7 months 3 weeks 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 1279 times:
On longhaul international routes, fares quoted on airline websites are often not the lowest available in the market. You'll often find the lowest fares, especially on carriers with less attractive routings or less competitive inflight products, from travel agents or consolidators with access to unpublished "gray market" net fares etc. However those fares often come with more restrictions.
Other posts have covered the other options to consider. Would also suggest checking to see how the through fares PER-PHL-PER you've found compare with two separate tickets, e.g.. PER-LAX-PER or PER-SFO-PER plus a separate ticket for the domestic sectors on any of the major domestic carriers. But with separate tickets you normally wouldn't be able to check baggage all the way through and you should allow plenty of connecting time as if the inbound flight was delayed and you missed the first flight on the second ticket, you might have to buy another ticket, or at best pay a substantial change fee, if the original ticket was non-refundable or didn't permit changes. When you're using a single ticket and there's a delay, you'll be rerouted on subsequent sectors without charge.
Also suggest look at other connecting points than LAX/SFO. In addition to the major Asian gateways (BKK has long had the reputation as having some of the lowest fares), also check HNL, e.g. PER-HNL-PER plus a separate US domestic fare HNL-PHL on any of the major carriers (UA/AA/DL/CO/NW). Since HNL is almost totally a leisure/tourist market from both Australia and the mainland USA, you may find greater availability of the lowest special fares via HNL than via LAX/SFO.
And with PER being in the unusual situation of being approximately the same distance from the US east coast via both the Pacific and Atlantic, check to see how the sum of separate tickets via major gateways in Europe compares with fares via the Pacific. It's the start of the winter season between Europe and USA when fares are at their lowest.
One other suggestion. Since SA operates PER-JNB and JNB-JFK and also recently started JNB-IAD, check to see what fares SA can offer. It's a little further but fares seldom have much correlation with mileage.
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