LAX-SYD question(s)

Sister-in-law (26-year DL employee!) has for many years offered to let me fly S4 standby and I'm thinking of taking her up on it finally -- I live near L.A., so I was thinking LAX-SYD-LAX next week, since flight loads appear quite favourable and I have max flexibility -- delays of a few days on either side won't bother me too much. But I can't reach her for several days since she's on vacation hiking, so I thought I'd see if I could beg for help on a couple of initial questions here:

-- Roughly how much would this route cost (assuming all taxes, the new fuel surcharges, etc.) as an S4?
-- I know what shows up on delta.com is possibly very far from reality, but if a flight shows +100 empty seats the morning of, are chances pretty good I'll get on? (I know this route is subject to weight restrictions, so I'm curious just how many empty seats they'll fly without filling.)
-- Likewise, if 15+ empty seats show up in J the morning of, decent chance of making it up front given her seniority and the off-season?
-- Anything else I should know specific to this route/these airports?

Appreciate any help!

Hi and welcome to this humble forum.
The real trick w/SYN is returning to US. Some folks here have done it. Granted, her DOH is pretty nice but it's still a buddy pass. Since, you're flexible, you may be just fine. Not sure about any Aussie holidays--might want to check first. They have what they call "schoolies" kinda like our spring break but they don't follow the same seasons.
Check out OZ tripadvisor for general info on holidays.
When you get closer to dates, pls specify and we can check detail/chances.

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Originally Posted by mrs767er

Hi and welcome to this humble forum.
The real trick w/SYN is returning to US.

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Isn’t SYN in the US, Minnesota on the brain? :cool:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mrs767er

Hi and welcome to this humble forum.
The real trick w/SYN is returning to US. Some folks here have done it. Granted, her DOH is pretty nice but it's still a buddy pass. Since, you're flexible, you may be just fine. Not sure about any Aussie holidays--might want to check first. They have what they call "schoolies" kinda like our spring break but they don't follow the same seasons.
Check out OZ tripadvisor for general info on holidays.
When you get closer to dates, pls specify and we can check detail/chances.

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SYD??? Helloo Somebody..lol Don't forget tinnies, stubbys and chook (chicken)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mrs767er

Hi and welcome to this humble forum.
The real trick w/SYN is returning to US. Some folks here have done it. Granted, her DOH is pretty nice but it's still a buddy pass. Since, you're flexible, you may be just fine. Not sure about any Aussie holidays--might want to check first. They have what they call "schoolies" kinda like our spring break but they don't follow the same seasons.
Check out OZ tripadvisor for general info on holidays.
When you get closer to dates, pls specify and we can check detail/chances.

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Appreciate the insights! Yes, my understanding is that flexibility is key. I've read too many stories about boorish S4s to be anything but grateful that I might get to fly at a discount at all. :) Planning to bring lots of books. There don't appear to be any holidays that could throw a kink into things.

Right now I'm looking at Tue 4/28 or Wed 4/29 leaving LAX-SYD. Won't begin to venture a guess on a possible SYD-LAX return yet since that'd be at least 10 days out, though planes "look" ~1/3 empty right now.

I would guess you want your best chances up front. Both the 28th and 29th are OK right now. I would be ready to go for the 28th, then you would have to decide if you do not make it up front if you wait to try on the 29th or just go in back. Both days look great in back. Returning the 11-14 look great right now, even up front. Not sure how long you want to be over there though, returning in coach anytime looks good though.

OP had concern about:

(I know this route is subject to weight restrictions, so I'm curious just how many empty seats they'll fly without filling.)

According to TravelNet this route is not listed as weight/balance op critical "BUT" if weather parameters strong headwinds westbound
occur it could be with a full passenger load - eastbound flights usually are no problem with tailwinds. When you list for these flights
before TravelNet directs you to the available flights a window will appear advising of the restrictions.
Hope you fly the front cabin - Good Luck !

Hi all, wanted to update. I went on the 4/28 flight (Tue) and back on the 5/4 flight (today), got a seat up front coming and going. Praise be to my in-law's DOH.

FYI for the benefit of anyone who tries to Google this in the future: The buddy pass for this route (LAX-SYD) was $900. So, not cheap, but if you want to see Sydney anyway and have the flexibility to await decent up-front availability, seems like a good investment.

Thanks, everyone, for your help!

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Originally Posted by drabwastrel

Hi all, wanted to update. I went on the 4/28 flight (Tue) and back on the 5/4 flight (today), got a seat up front coming and going. Praise be to my in-law's DOH.

FYI for the benefit of anyone who tries to Google this in the future: The buddy pass for this route (LAX-SYD) was $900. So, not cheap, but if you want to see Sydney anyway and have the flexibility to await decent up-front availability, seems like a good investment.

Thanks, everyone, for your help!

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Glad you had a successful trip and got to sit in Delta One. Worth every penny. Good on ya, mate!