Qantas dumps San Francisco

[Vet]

but LA is 'safe'.


"Qantas drops San Fran route to fly direct to Dallas Steve Creedy Aviation Writer From: The Australian January 14, 2011 11:02AM QANTAS is dropping its flights to San Francisco and will fly directly to American Airlines' hub at Dallas-Fort Worth.
The move comes as Qantas seeks regulatory approval to strengthen the alliance with its oneworld partner.

The flying kangaroo will initially fly directly to DFW from Sydney four times a week and return via Brisbane but hopes to eventually increase the frequency to daily.

Qantas will also increase its Los Angeles-New York service from six times per week to daily from June.

Direct Sydney to San Francisco flights will be discontinued from May 14 but the city will remain part of the network through codeshare.

DFW is American’s biggest hub and handled 56 million passengers in 2009, with 59 per cent of those passengers continuing onward to other destinations.


The US carrier and its American Eagle affiliate operate 750 flights to 186 destinations and connect to American’s other major hubs at Chicago, Miami, New York and Los Angeles.

Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said access to the major hub would benefit both business and leisure travellers.

Qantas will add 13 new US, and three Mexican, destinations through codeshares with American Airlines.

This will bring total codeshares involving the partners in North America to 51.

“Alongside our entry into DFW, Qantas and American Airlines intend to deepen their existing relationship and will be seeking regulatory approval from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and other relevant authorities for this expanded commercial relationship,” Mr Joyce said.

“We have worked closely with American Airlines over many years, and with the commencement of services to Dallas-Fort Worth we look forward to taking our partnership to a new level and providing new and enhanced benefits for consumers in Australia and the United States.”

The Qantas move comes as Virgin Blue is awaiting approval from US authorities for an alliance with Delta Air Lines.

[Paul Oberin]

I am hoping my next rip to the USA will see me fly into Telluride, before heading to the Denver tradeshow, Telluride is so out of the way but worth the trouble for advanced skiers.

[chunky]

I thought SF would have been a popular and profititable destination to keep. Oh well the code share allows them greater access so it's all part of a bigger plan.

[Taxman]

Looks like my last trip to SFO on Quaintarse is coming up.

[Vet]

Won't this stuff up Qantas passengers who want to go to Utah, Canada or Tahoe?

Besides I like Southwest to Reno then the free or cheap shuttle, especially when roads from SF to Tahoe can be like this:

Secondly, on December 30, 2010, the entire North Lake Tahoe road system was overwhelmed by traffic, including our local area. Snowstorms put the County’s already stressed road crew in a position whereby they weren’t able to widen Squaw Valley Road, a critical function which allows us to build three lanes to support ingress and egress from the resort along this roadway. Additionally, at the end of the day, a malfunctioning traffic light on Highway 89, towards Truckee, exacerbated an already maxed out roadway system. On the next day, December 31, our own road crews took the initiative to widen the roads to create three lanes. While this is outside of our responsibilities, we did this in an effort to alleviate the stress and problems of the previous day. I was informed by many contacts that the entire region’s roadways were problematic during this time. I can assure you that our team will continue to work with local and regional transportation authorities on this issue to ensure that it does not happen again.

[ausi ski bum]

You can pick up mega cheap flights from LAX to SFo anyway, looks like Dallas may get to see an A380 soon, its not like any of the US airlines can afford them. Will be another great selling point for them.

[chunky]

It could be read that Qantas itself will no longer fly into SF but its codeshare partner. Perhaps as part of its negotiations it gave up this route to a potential partner so it could get into other cities.

[Paul Oberin]

You can pick up mega cheap flights from LAX to SFo anyway, looks like Dallas may get to see an A380 soon, its not like any of the US airlines can afford them. Will be another great selling point for them.
I was speaking with a pilot recently about A380's and they consider them far from safe, most refuse to fly one or even fly in one as a passenger, not sure it will be such a selling point.

[Paul Oberin]

I looked at booking a return flight to LA for this time next year, current price is around $3,000 return, I am thinking I will use my FF points or wait for a special to come along during the year.

[Vet]

I looked at booking a return flight to LA for this time next year, current price is around $3,000 return, I am thinking I will use my FF points or wait for a special to come along during the year.

If you're interested in a week or two at Tahoe, let me know. If things go to plan (ie the govt pays), I'll be there in late feb 2012 for 2 weeks with 20 undergrads in resort management to meet managers.

[Vet]

Just to tempt you, here's a pic from Squaw today:

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181751_10150101847214044_22469859043_6193896_62336 68_s.jpg

[Vet]

and this:

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3 DnJ-FqYxblaY&h=045f1

[Paul Oberin]

Sounds like a plan, timing would be good.

[Vet]

Sounds like a plan.

How long are you thinking about? 1 week or 2 or 3? Any particular resorts you want to try?

Tentatively William Angliss Resort Management want me at Tahoe for 2 weeks from about 20th Feb. I'll try and get an update from them on how definite they are. I'll just be taking the undergrads to resorts to see managers in an informal setting (in chatty bars, and on chairlifts m'thinks as we tour) and study resort ops and what their resorts offer as compared to ours. I expect the undergrads will be housed in very affordable accom nearby.

Saturday 18.2/2012 to Monday 20/2/2012 is Presidents weekend, and can be President's Week for many people. Is that ok with you? (The black and dark blue runs don't get queues in my experience even at Northstar on Martin Luther Weekend).


I'm thinking:

Week 1: Book the 2 bedroom at the ski in/out place that Taxman stayed in and Skichic and Boardingbunny's clans skied in and out off. Its above Stagecoach and Boulder Lifts at Heavenly. Has a private bar and a dining room (but no restaurant meals), wifi in the room I want (but not in other rooms which have the spa baths overlooking the lifts). Has wifi in the bar and a ex restaurant. Has full kitchen, free parking, staff clearing the parking bays and road. Has shuttle stop 100m at the end of the driveway, or ski in and out if there's cover. Nice really friendly genteel upmarket place frequented by locals I ski with. Heavenly is served by a shuttle to Kirkwood, and this year Kirkwood passes via snowbomb were $45USD. I'll have a number of ~$60 buddy passes for Heavenly - probably 4 of those passes.

Week 2; I can try to get Squaw Valley 1 bedroom for about $700/$900 p/week but it depends on if I can grab the cheapies when they're released and if the dates work out. Or I can book Tahoe Vista. I have a one bedroom on the lake with a fold out sofa. (Taxi and I easily survived in a similar unit). Its 5 miles to Nstar, 10 miles to Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley. Squaw has a 5 day lift deal called Legends and I think it cost Taxi $60 a day.

Guessing 50% of the 2 weeks accom would be ~$800USD if $1AUD is $1USD.

Or there's roache accom at Heavenly without self catering at about $60 + tax or a nice motel-style one bedroom apartment with a microwave oven was this year $US86 a night incl tax. Whilst the motel place isn't ski in/out, its well served by shuttles and its close - 200 r 300 yards - to the casino and shopping area.

[Paul Oberin]

I am planning on doing the USA tradeshow and then the USA ski industry demo days in Colorado, probably with my son and maybe a friend or two from here, that trip will finish around the 15th - 20th of Feb, I could stay on as the shop is usually pretty quiet by then for selling water sports equipment.

[Vet]

I'll call you at the shop today some time.

And keep an eye on the new cali tourism ad (www.visitcalifornia.com) filmed at Squaw and Emerald Bay (and other places)

[skichic]

I'm sure you'll need someone to keep track of finances ona trip like that vet :ninja:

[Vet]

I'm sure you'll need someone to keep track of finances ona trip like that vet :ninja: Send me all your money and I'll send you a receipt. :)

My boss wants staff and students going after Presidents Week, so it looks like I miss Paul O. and go to Squaw for a week from 27/2/12 and then Heavenly for a 2nd week. :)

[Paul Oberin]

If my tradeshow trip doesn't eventuate you may see me yet, I won't know for months though which trip I will be doing.

[RUGBYPHIL]

I looked at booking a return flight to LA for this time next year, current price is around $3,000 return, I am thinking I will use my FF points or wait for a special to come along during the year.

You must be looking online.

For some reason websites like webjet which are never the cheapest, just most convenient, don't seem to laod flights as far ahead as airlines.

Qantas website might show $3000 but agents are now selling flight depart late Jan to LA for only $999 to $1499 depending on actual dates, flying Qantas.

Contact a decent agent who specialises in North America, rather than relying on airfare websites, which are rarely cheapest.

[sam]

I refuse to fly Qantas/Jetstar because they stick mugs like me on some old 'codeshare' plane or an A380.

[RUGBYPHIL]

The A380's are probably safer than some of Qantas 747-400's which are over 20 years old + one that overan runway in Bangkok & ended up in peices on golf course, was repaired in China !!!

Apparently, it's very obvious where the repaired parts are, as can see new bits beside old bits. Sound slike budget repair job.

[Paul Oberin]

You must be looking online.

For some reason websites like webjet which are never the cheapest, just most convenient, don't seem to laod flights as far ahead as airlines.

Qantas website might show $3000 but agents are now selling flight depart late Jan to LA for only $999 to $1499 depending on actual dates, flying Qantas.

Contact a decent agent who specialises in North America, rather than relying on airfare websites, which are rarely cheapest.

The flights I want are not released yet I think even with an agent, trying to get January 28th to February 18th, either Sydney to Denver or Melbourne to Denver and return.

[RUGBYPHIL]

The flights I want are not released yet I think even with an agent, trying to get January 28th to February 18th, either Sydney to Denver or Melbourne to Denver and return.

Must only be a few days away.

Also we found it much cheaper tog et separate tickets from LA to Colorado.

Some of us got Qantas ff tickets to Denver & some to Eagle.

New rules for Qantas ff tickets. You have to travel with 24 hours of your international flights to get international baggage allowance.

Airline called Southwest also has lots of flights to Denver & cheapest & 2 FREE bags.

[Paul Oberin]

Phil do you have an agent I should look at or just go with my local Flightcentre here in Wodonga.

For me it has to be to Denver on the 28th to go to the USA tradeshow at Denver followed by industry on snow demo days at Winterpark for 2 days, the rest is flexible.

[RUGBYPHIL]

Was just looking & there are flights in February next year Sydney to LA return for under $1000 return inc taxes.

Don't think Flight Centres are the way to go. They have too much on their plate trying to do everything.

Email me if you want more info.

Phil

philipmatson@ymail.com

[Paul Oberin]

Those guys couldn't help me either as I am not flexible on travelling on the 28th of January, I cannot go earlier and cannot go later.

[Paul Oberin]

I looked at booking a return flight to LA for this time next year, current price is around $3,000 return, I am thinking I will use my FF points or wait for a special to come along during the year.
In only 8 days since this last post the price for this same trip has dropped by $500, down to $2500 on the Qantas website now.

[Paul Oberin]

Was just looking & there are flights in February next year Sydney to LA return for under $1000 return inc taxes.

Don't think Flight Centres are the way to go. They have too much on their plate trying to do everything.

Email me if you want more info.

Phil

philipmatson@ymail.comFlight centre say they will beat any other quote or you fly for free, Phil I will need a quote in writing please to get my free flight. ;)
Years ago I got a quote from Travelplan that was cheaper than flight centre, they said they couldn't match it and told me to pay Travelplan which I did.

[Vet]

Paul, here's a qoute: "To be or not to be". Ask Flightcentre to beat that!!!

[RUGBYPHIL]

think Flight Centres so called guarantee is worthless. Been there done that. They don't even match fares some times.

Phil

[Crystal]

Paul,

Rugbyphil should be able to get you an awesome DEAL.

[Bear]

I hope Rugby Phill pays advertising fees.

[sam]

I remember skiusa4less flogging Copper. He said big bad Qantas decided his passengers in Qld couldn't depart from Brisbane. Qantas, he claimed, made them fly, at their own cost, to Sydney, and then jumped them on AirPacific. I recall forumites predicted that'd happen. So what happened to skiusa4less, brisvegas, NADEALs and other clones????

[karen97]

Paul,

Rugbyphil should be able to get you an awesome DEAL.
:giggle: