Qantas/ United Non-Rev / Getting to Australia and Back

Hey everyone,

I'm new here, so forgive me if I'm doing anything wrong.

I'm trying to get to SYD for a week, and I'll be originating from DFW. I've done the non-rev thing on AA for many many years, and only recently have started branching out with ZEDs. (Has been a crazy, but exciting adventure!)

I know most airlines do not allow OALs in to the premium cabins, unless Y is full, and they are dressed accordingly.

Basically, I have some free time until the end of January, and I'd LOVE to take a trip to Australia.

What I'm looking at doing is going from DFW > LAX on AA, and then having my ZEDs ready whatever airline necessary to get there!

To any Qantas employees that may be here, is the direct DFW > BNE flight always full? Or rather, is it rather risky to try that flight?

Basically, my plan is to pack a backpack with my phone, passport, clothes, and some cash, and work out details when I get to Australia, so I'd be quite flexible. However, are the flight loads heavy / light in early to mid January? How does the non-rev Qantas process work? I've heard bad things... haha.

Same questions for United. How does their ZED/ non-rev process work?

Thanks all

January is a peak travel season for Australians since schools are out so prices for hotels will be higher and you may want to book in advance. Of course as a nonrev, it's difficult to pin down exact dates and having to deal with cancellation fees is a hassle.

I also non-rev a lot on AA. I flew UA as a zed in Oct and they put me in Economy Plus which was nice. Once you have your paper ticket, you have to list for the flight (link on jetnet) and check in with an agent. DL also flies LAX-SYD. UA also flies SFO-SYD but I've heard that that flight is sometimes weight restricted. The process on DL and UA is similar to AA (aside from having to check in with an agent). You will receive the equivalent of their priority verification card. You proceed to the gate and wait for your name to be called or in the case of DL, you may board when you see your name on the cleared list with a seat # assigned. Another alternative is to fly to HNL on AA and take either Hawaiian or Jetstar from there to SYD. Don't have any experience with non-revving on QF so can't help you out with their process. The number for listing with them (also found on the oal summary chart in jetnet) is (800) 227-4500.

Good luck!

For your own good, go UA or DL from LAX instead. I know you may want the Aussie experience, but it's very difficult to non-rev intl with Qantas. In the country, no prob, PER, BNE, etc.. As I announced a week ago, look at DFW-LAX-HNL then BNE on HA as a backup. Also AirNZ LAX- AKL then Qantas AKL-SYD. Even Singapore LAX-SIN-SYD is easier to ZED then Qantas. Going will be ok but coming back with Aussies out for the summer will be hard. Also the AUD dollar is killing the USD so don't expect a "cheap" trip. Good luck.

I never had an issue flying QF, but that was 3 years ago. They treated me really nice, but def do NOT expect an upgrade. I flew the 380 from LAX to SYD. Great plane, great service! No idea what their loads are, however. Give me some ideas of dates to shoot for and I will check UA loads.

I do know that my friend has tried to nonrev home on UA multiple times, from both LAX and SFO around that time of year, and he's gotten stuck for days every time.

Unfortunately AA doesn't have a zed agreement with Air New Zealand. Another option would be to nonrev on AA to NRT then take JAL or QF from there to SYD. At least you have a shot at J or F on one of the two NRT flights.

Wow, thanks to all of you for the great input!! I definitely did think about HNL, but around this time of the year, Hawaii is ridiculous!! haha

Regardless, I will keep all of this in mind. And Air New Zealand doesn't have an agreement with AA? They definitely used to, as a friend of mine flew ZED on them, but that was easy 10 years ago.

So, which airlines do allow OALs in premium cabins? (Even economy+ is fine, I'll take what I can get.) Is it based on capacity of the lesser cabins if so?

And yes, did think about NRT as well, and I'm very comfortable with Japan now, one of my favorite places. Have also gotten both J and F on the DFW > NRT flight, excellent way to cover that much ground. (or air? haha)

Ultimately though, from what I'm seeing, I may just have to postpone my trip and do a lot more research altogether. Does anyone have experience with Singapore Air? I've heard their product in all cabins is superb and their economy seats are some of the best in the industry.