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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: Trifle on February 11, 2020, 03:00:33 AM

Title: Travel Hacking question -- Plane tickets from US to New Zealand
Post by: Trifle on February 11, 2020, 03:00:33 AM

Has anyone used points/miles to travel hack some good prices on plane tickets from the US to New Zealand?  What airlines/alliances do you recommend as the best path?  What credit cards are the best to specifically leverage New Zealand travel?

I've hacked a fair amount of travel over the last ten years.  Right now I've got 400k BA Avios, 150k Chase UR Points, 120k AAdvantage Points, and about 80k Delta Skymiles on hand.  I'm just finishing a credit card churn, and gearing up for my next one.  Credit card recommendations appreciated!  I'm over 5/24 and have done all the Chase cards, so those are off limits right now.

Thanks!

Title: Re: Travel Hacking question -- Plane tickets from US to New Zealand
Post by: kpd905 on February 11, 2020, 05:29:37 AM

You might be able to use your Avios for the trip according to this article:  https://www.headforpoints.com/2019/07/05/how-to-get-fly-to-australia-with-avios/

Not sure how many total miles your trip would add up to.

Title: Re: Travel Hacking question -- Plane tickets from US to New Zealand
Post by: Trifle on February 11, 2020, 06:10:23 AM

Hey thanks for that link!  Good article.  It looks doable, but very challenging with the Avios.  I'll digest this redemption plan and see if I think I could pull it off.  (I've done it once before to use Avios to book on other airlines;  this feels like it would be more advanced than what I've done. ) Our trip is about a year away, so plenty of time for me to get more miles if I need them.  I've never really focused on Star Alliance points.  Since Air New Zealand is in the Star Alliance it may be time to rectify that . . .

Title: Re: Travel Hacking question -- Plane tickets from US to New Zealand
Post by: Gremlin on February 11, 2020, 04:23:39 PM

You've got a bunch of points that can be used with OneWorld.  I'd also look at Fiji Airways if you'd consider island hopping on the way there and back.  They fly to both West Coast USA and to Auckland daily.  There's worse places in the world to have a stopover than Fiji.

Title: Re: Travel Hacking question -- Plane tickets from US to New Zealand
Post by: Trifle on February 12, 2020, 03:45:16 AM

Thanks @Gremlin!  I like how you think.  ;)