Quantas airfare sale

[stlbarb]

got this is an email, thought i'd share it in case there was anyone left in Australia or New Zealand who isnt already coming to JF. ;)

Can't Miss Airfares from $299* each way!

We're proud to announce the release of our "travel stimulus" offer! For a limited time, you can save up to 60%** off flights from Los Angeles or San Francisco and up to 55%** off flights from New York (JFK). So if you need to get away, and Australia or New Zealand have been calling you, it's time to answer... but don't wait too long, this sale ends at midnight Pacific Time (PT) on Friday, 20 March 2009.

Don't wait, book today!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Australia & New Zealand Travel Stimulus Offers
Travel is valid for departures between 15 March 2009 and 24 October 2009 unless otherwise noted. Fares listed are each way based on roundtrip purchase.

Los Angeles to Each way from*
Australia
Sydney $299
Brisbane $299
Melbourne $299
New Zealand
Auckland $299

San Francisco to Each way from*
Australia
Sydney $299
Brisbane $299
Melbourne $299
New Zealand
Auckland $299

New York (JFK)+ to Each way from*
Australia
Sydney $399
Brisbane $399
Melbourne $399
New Zealand
(valid for travel departing 10Jun-24Oct09)
Auckland $399

+ Valid on Qantas flights QF108/QF107 only. Flights between New York (JFK) and Auckland service will commence 10 June 2009.

**Percentage discount based on comparison to Qantas year-round published fare SLXRT from Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York (JFK) to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Departures are available from other US cities with special, negotiated rates on our partner carriers to our gateway cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York (JFK). If you're interested in receiving special fares from other US departure cities, please update your preferences.

[ozzie]

Considering return economy flights are generally around 2 -2.5 grand from Brisbane or Sydney, this offer is something else. I've seen deals for a grand recently, after bookings made of course!

[swag]

When prices drop, some US airlines will let you rebook your ticketed flights at the new sale fare price, and either refund or voucher the difference, minus change fees. Does Qantas allow this?

[Amy Winette]

Considering return economy flights are generally around 2 -2.5 grand from Brisbane or Sydney, this offer is something else. I've seen deals for a grand recently, after bookings made of course!

Holy cow! What's New Zealand like in the "winter?" I don't imagine there's any way to pull it off by the end of October, but we sure want to go there someday . . . Might even be able to book my timeshare if it's "off season."

[flyingkiwi]

Holy cow! What's New Zealand like in the "winter?" I don't imagine there's any way to pull it off by the end of October, but we sure want to go there someday . . . Might even be able to book my timeshare if it's "off season."

Hey Amy, I am of course biased, but NZ's lovely at any time! North Island winters relatively mild, particularly Auckland and north. Skiing at Mt Ruapehu in the centre of the island if that's your thing. South Island is much more alpine (and cold!) but very beautiful during the winter months. And of course spring starts on September 1. There, I've done my thing for NZ tourism! But seriously those fares are outstanding. Unfortunately I'm already booked and paid :-(
Just hoping a get a fab deal on a hotel soon....waiting.....

[stlbarb]

Holy cow! What's New Zealand like in the "winter?" I don't imagine there's any way to pull it off by the end of October, but we sure want to go there someday . . . Might even be able to book my timeshare if it's "off season."

i'm going to state the obvious here:
the southern hemisphere has seasons opposite of the northern hemisphere.
my friend from NZ often visits the US during our summer because construction work is slow back home because its winter. this is why i remember, not because they taught us this in grade school.

and in the southern hemisphere north is warmer than south - north is closer to the equator.

i know it seems silly, but some folks dont realize this unless you spell it out.

[swag]

i'm going to state the obvious here:
the southern hemisphere has seasons opposite of the northern hemisphere.
my friend from NZ often visits the US during our summer because construction work is slow back home because its winter. this is why i remember, not because they taught us this in grade school.

and in the southern hemisphere north is warmer than south - north is closer to the equator.

i know it seems silly, but some folks dont realize this unless you spell it out.

http://flourish.org/upsidedownmap/mcarthur.jpg

[Gards]

When prices drop, some US airlines will let you rebook your ticketed flights at the new sale fare price, and either refund or voucher the difference, minus change fees. Does Qantas allow this?

I would be suprised if Qantas allowed you to do this,especialy if you had booked a discount fare as they normaly have strict conditions aplied.
These fares are amazing and I urge any of you guys who have the money to take advantage of them as you will get about $1.35 against the OZ Dollar and we can always do with music loving tourists,and you will have no problem finding willing Tour Guides as we have Melbourne,Sydney and North Queensland covered.
Cheers
Gards

[Gards]

http://flourish.org/upsidedownmap/mcarthur.jpg

I think that means that I dont COME FROM THE LAND DOWNUNDER any more.

[ozzie]

When prices drop, some US airlines will let you rebook your ticketed flights at the new sale fare price, and either refund or voucher the difference, minus change fees. Does Qantas allow this?

Nup... only way Qantas will give any sort of refund is on a full fare ticket. Generally if you have a credit and the new ticket you want to book is cheaper... bad luck.

Ken has a credit to and from LA from Festgiving last year. $2,600. Best he can do is use it for Fest next year and pay $150 in fees.... despite the fact fares have halved in price.

[ozzie]

I think that means that I dont COME FROM THE LAND DOWNUNDER any more.

Always knew we belonged on top!

[Gards]

Nup... only way Qantas will give any sort of refund is on a full fare ticket. Generally if you have a credit and the new ticket you want to book is cheaper... bad luck.

Ken has a credit to and from LA from Festgiving last year. $2,600. Best he can do is use it for Fest next year and pay $150 in fees.... despite the fact fares have halved in price.

I am tired and brain dead today, and struggling to finalise some gig things, but am thinking that these prices are for return travel from the US to Aus and not the other way which is a bummer because if I could find cheap flights to the States, that Wanees Music Festival in Florida early June looks like a very good way to celebrate beeing unemployed.
Cheers
Gards

[flyingkiwi]

I am tired and brain dead today, and struggling to finalise some gig things, but am thinking that these prices are for return travel from the US to Aus and not the other way which is a bummer because if I could find cheap flights to the States, that Wanees Music Festival in Florida early June looks like a very good way to celebrate beeing unemployed.
Cheers
Gards

Hey Gards I think you're right. I had a look on a couple of websites including where I booked my JF flights, and Qantas fares are all at the full economy rates.
So yep, I would say the fares are for travel emanating from the US only.
Re your reference to gigs, do I gather you are a musician as well?

[Gards]

Hey Gards I think you're right. I had a look on a couple of websites including where I booked my JF flights, and Qantas fares are all at the full economy rates.
So yep, I would say the fares are for travel emanating from the US only.
Re your reference to gigs, do I gather you are a musician as well?

Howdy
I thought that would be the case with flights unfortunately.
RE gigs I would love to be a musician but we work behind the scenes.and am recovering from many hours spent getting the Bushfire benifit gig in Melbourne happening as that was a big concern put together in a hurry. For a long time I have been involved with the selling of band and event merch and for the last 10 years have been lucky to travel and do big sporting events like the olympics and Cricket/Rugby World Cups etc but that is all dropping off due to corporate buyouts and other reasons.I was also lucky enough to work at the Tennis Centre in Melbourne for about 15 years,semi permenantly,so did stacks of Aus Opens and have seen some of the Worlds Best Bands IE Stones, AC/DC, Neil Young etc,etc,plus lots of the worst whom I would normaly watch one song only.Some notable ones spring to mind,Bros,Billy Ray Cyrus,Maddona who could not even mime properly and many Death Metal types whose names I try to forget.
But now due to having been away so much the last ten years and also having abused some of the corporate wankers it is all drying up and I may have to contemplate trying getting a real job next year for the first time in 29years,and who knows if ill be able to handle it.Oh well we see what happens.
Cheers
Gards

[flyingkiwi]

Cheers Gards.
Sounds like it's been an interesting lifestyle for sure. Hopefully something in the industry will turn up for you.
I have a band in NZ, The DeSotos. You can check us out at:

www.myspace.com/thedesotos

if you're interested.
Anyhow, see you in a few weeks time.

[swag]

I see BNE-LAX roundtrip 4/21-5/05 on qantas.com.au for $1060 AUD.

[Gards]

I see BNE-LAX roundtrip 4/21-5/05 on qantas.com.au for $1060 AUD.

It is great to see these price drops happening,now that there is some competition on the Aus/States routes,just shows how much Qanatas and AA have been ripping us off under the previous dodgy Govt allowed arangements.
I must check out Delta and the new Virgin whatever they are called to see what deals they have on offer probably will be similiar to qantas though.

[ozgal]

It is great to see these price drops happening,now that there is some competition on the Aus/States routes,just shows how much Qanatas and AA have been ripping us off under the previous dodgy Govt allowed arangements.
I must check out Delta and the new Virgin whatever they are called to see what deals they have on offer probably will be similiar to qantas though.

new virgin www.vaustralia.com.au. i think cause the V Australia are a new service, you may just get better service on the flights (for the time being that is until they get comfy) for the moment, so may be a better deal. we got ours for $1200 return at Christmas, but they same flight is a little cheaper now. I know they are going to start doing flights direct out of melbourne soon.

[ozgal]

scuse my spelling - tired. spent the weekend in Brisvegas listening to my nan talk non stop for two days....

[Gards]

new virgin www.vaustralia.com.au. i think cause the V Australia are a new service, you may just get better service on the flights (for the time being that is until they get comfy) for the moment, so may be a better deal. we got ours for $1200 return at Christmas, but they same flight is a little cheaper now. I know they are going to start doing flights direct out of melbourne soon.

I just spotted $968 for Mel/Lax return via Auckland in June on Qantas,and will check V soon.But am realising that I have 2 great musical holidays coming up in the next 6 weeks and maybe I should,think about finding some work after that,but then if I make some money in the next few weeks,then the Wannee Music Festival could be too hard to resist.After all its only money.
Cheers
Gards

[Amy Winette]

So, doesn't look like I can book the timeshare in the right time frame in New Zealand, the only options are in the Victoria region of Australia. How would that area be in Sept/Oct?

[KatiefromDC]

Where in Victoria? It's a state, by the way. Melbourne is its capital.

Sept-Oct is spring. Should be nice but might not be beach weather.

[Gards]

So, doesn't look like I can book the timeshare in the right time frame in New Zealand, the only options are in the Victoria region of Australia. How would that area be in Sept/Oct?
Amy
As Katy has said the weather should be ok especialy in October which is the time I would suggest as it is not in school holiday time and before late year frivolities,so deals should be available.
If you let me know what areas you are looking at I should be able to give you a heads up on what they are like and how you can get around etc.
Cheers
Gards

[ozzie]

September/October is the best time of the year up here. I'm just saying.

[Gards]

September/October is the best time of the year up here. I'm just saying.

My word it is,but I normaly seem to get stuck at the other Barrier Reef.

[ozzie]

My word it is,but I normaly seem to get stuck at the other Barrier Reef.

:D Not such a bad thing!

[Gards]

:D Not such a bad thing!

Very true.
Time now for me to hit the sack,I have been a brickies labourer today.I enjoyed the excersize but getting out of bed at 6am is not good for me

[peteup]

So, doesn't look like I can book the timeshare in the right time frame in New Zealand, the only options are in the Victoria region of Australia. How would that area be in Sept/Oct?


Victoria is great in October - springtime! There's heaps to see and do. If you nail down a time, happy to forward any info you might want. And there's usually quite a few good bands playing in Melbourne.

[ozzie]

The price war is heating up.... a bloody long time coming, but some real deals are about.

http://www.travel.ninemsn.com.au/blogs/armchair-traveller?blogentryid=363811&showcomments=true

[Gards]

The price war is heating up.... a bloody long time coming, but some real deals are about.

http://www.travel.ninemsn.com.au/blogs/armchair-traveller?blogentryid=363811&showcomments=true

That is good to see and exactly what I was hoping would happen.We have been stitched up for too long.
If I see any good deals come up in early June,I think that I may be forced to continue with my strategy of going broke in style,and head to Wanee.

[FreeSpirit1]

Now I read this - been up in Bali for 9 days. Have used my points plus $383 to get to New Orleans via LA and Texas so can't complain but now that I got back from that break to a redundancy letter I would of liked an extension on my 2 weeks.