Looking for Cheap SYD to LAX Return Tickets

ateeq on 11/06/2015 - 11:41

Hi,

Earlier today I was denied boarding to an Air NZ flight from SYD to LAX because I did not have transit visa to NZ (I am not an Aussie resident). Air NZ is allowing a refund of the roughly 1900 I paid for myself, my wife and my infant lap child (got the bargain here on this site). They are also offering me a change of ticket to LAX via Cook Islands one way on Saturday with a change of ticket charge of around 1500 total (the return would stay as is with Air NZ; NZ doesn't require transit visa if you are on the way to Australia). The stop in Cook Islands which does not require a visa would be 14 hours. Could anyone help me with a cheap fare SYD to LAX either direct or minimal transit? I need to fly by Monday latest. Thanks.

Travel

Comments

  • Hellfire on 11/06/2015 - 13:14
    +1

    I doubt you'll get a cheap fare at the last minute in almost high season.

    Check Qantas, Virgin, Delta, and United for direct flights. Hawaiian and Fiji are other reasonable alternatives with stopovers. You can combine those 2 with low cost carriers (ie Jetstar). Anything via Asia will really be too long to consider with an infant.

    • ateeq on 11/06/2015 - 21:30

      Checked all the options except the low-cost carrier ones. Will look it up.

  • scozbargain on 11/06/2015 - 14:26
    +1

    when are you returning? Try www.lastminute.com.au or adioso.com.au with your preferred travel dates and number of passengers.

    • ateeq on 11/06/2015 - 21:30

      Return is roughly two weeks from the departure date…exact date is flexible.

  • scozbargain on 11/06/2015 - 14:36

    go get a NZ visa?
    Sydney Branch
    Fee Information

    AUD
    130
    Branch Details

    Office:
    SYDNEY
    Website: http://www.ttsnzvisa.com
    Postal Address: Visa Application Centre

    Physical Address: Visa Application Centre
    Level 6
    66 Hunter Street
    Sydney
    New South Wales 2000
    AUSTRALIA
    Phone: +612 9223 0144
    Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am – 4.00pm
    All phone calls are answered by the Immigration Contact Centre (ICC) in Auckland. ICC operates Monday to Friday, 5:00 am to 5:00 pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time).

    • ateeq on 11/06/2015 - 21:16

      I was told at the counter that a NZ visa would take at least a week to process. I am attending a conference starting Tuesday so that would be too late for me.

  • carwashhair on 11/06/2015 - 14:56
    +4

    my infant lap child (got the bargain here on this site).

    musta missed this bargain…

  • Randxyz123 on 11/06/2015 - 18:03

    Earlier today I was denied boarding to an Air NZ flight from SYD to LAX because I did not have transit visa to NZ

    I'm surprised you need a NZ visa just to transit through? Unless you need to leave the airport why do they care… (Unless you were on the 10 hour layover in NZ flight)

    Can you cancel everything with air NZ and then start again?

    When are you returning?

    After a quick look on last minute

    You can go via Seoul for $2536 all up (2 hours layover) Tomorrow or Monday - Korean air

    Via Taipei for 2172 all up with a 11 hour layover - Monday

    or if you can completely rebook you can go tomorrow with Korean air return for $3576 return - Tomorrow.

    I put you returning as on the 29th June

    • ateeq on 11/06/2015 - 21:28

      Thanks for your help.

      I was equally shocked when I heard that I needed a transit visa for a two-hour stop at Auckland airport. Apparently it is buried somewhere in the terms and conditions and also perhaps appears once while you buy online that you need to have the required travel documents. What I personally understood when I read that was that I needed a visa for the destination and for the origin upon return, which I did have. The interesting thing is that one of the ladies at the counter was saying that this is a recurring phenomenon…so apparently I am not the only one who missed it. What is even more amazing is that you do not need the transit visa if you are traveling to Australia via New Zealand but need it the other way around. See http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/visit/transit/

      I have cancelled and applied for the full refund which would take another 10 to 15 working days to process.

      I intend to return in 2 weeks (flexible with the dates).

      I am financially constrained and would like to spend no more than 2500 dollars including return.

      • Randxyz123 on 11/06/2015 - 23:04

        It is going to be really hard to find flights for $2500 return departing before monday

        • ateeq on 12/06/2015 - 07:47

          Do you think I can get anything for Monday in that price?

      • zappy32 on 12/06/2015 - 09:33
        +1

        I wouldn't have even bothered checking… It seems rather ridiculous that you need a transit visa for a layover. I understand it is to stop people applying for asylum en route but with a return ticket from Australia is just bizarre.

        Is LA your final destination? You could always jump on the Jetstar flight to HNL tonight and get another flight from there… Seems to be around AUD$1400 PP return from early searches with the HNL-LAX return flight included.

        EDIT: Just remember you'll be clearing customs and immigration in Hawaii so leave some extra time but you get to save yourself the hassle of LAX immigration! And hey, doesn't a a few days in Hawaii sound great this time of year?

        • ateeq on 12/06/2015 - 10:09

          Just want to know if anyone has experience about buying the ticket from Honolulu airport. Would it be cheaper there? Am thinking of taking the leap.

          -> EDIT: Just remember you'll be clearing customs and immigration in Hawaii so leave some extra time but you get to save yourself the hassle of LAX immigration! And hey, doesn't a a few days in Hawaii sound great this time of year?

          Thanks for the tip…had forgot about that.

        • zappy32 on 12/06/2015 - 10:16

          @ateeq:

          I'd buy it before you leave… You'll know if your flight is going to be delayed before then… I've literally just waited until they've called boarding before booking a connecting flight.

          For a better option… STA Travel has tickets on United leaving Sunday for $1498 which is a direct flight that might work out better for the little one.

          You MAY be able to get that flight today through STA but their online booking system only allows you to book 2 days in advance but it is there standard price to USA all month.

          Give them a call on 134 782. You don't need to be a student to get this rate.

        • Randxyz123 on 12/06/2015 - 10:22
          +1

          @zappy_32: Good point about STA Just realised I got the STA email as well….
          I just had a look on STA. Looks like the best option but you'll need to call them about the infant as there isn't a option on their website

  • scozbargain on 12/06/2015 - 14:02

    nm

  • anna10 on 12/06/2015 - 16:28

    You have done the ESTA to get into the US haven't you?

    • ateeq on 12/06/2015 - 17:30

      I have a multiple entry visa for the US

      • zappy32 on 12/06/2015 - 23:29

        Did you try STA?

        • ateeq on 13/06/2015 - 08:00

          I tried STA and they have a United flight leaving daily and quoted me a total of about 3200 dollars. It seems to be the cheapest option I have, but it is out of my budget by about 500 dollars. So I am contemplating whether or not to go.

        • Randxyz123 on 18/06/2015 - 13:43

          @ateeq: Hi
          Just to let you know QANTAS and VIRGIN both have sales for July / September so you might be able to go then if it fits your budget.

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