Florida to Darwin-best route
 

What is your recommended best route to Darwin from Tampa, Florida? Seems I could go east or west from here for about the same travel time. Price is also an issue- need low fare. I have talked to several who swear by Singapore airlines, others say the Qantas special fare with 3 stops is the best, some go through London. What do Fodorites recommend? I need to get the ticket soon - leaving in May.
Thanks.

Qantas' airpass is by far the best/cheapest deal going. From the Pacific coast (LA or SF) in May it's $1199 if your farthest destination is DRW ($999 if only SYD/MEL). Qantas wants $300 more for itineraries originating in the east, so I would look for a cheap one way or round trip fare from TPA to LAX (around $140 on several carriers) and start the trip there.

Almost all the other carriers from TPA (via London) are more (like $2K) for just the RT to DRW, never mind the other internal flights you'd get with the airpass.

Do you want first, business or coach. To me, the best route would be the cheapest. Do you want a stopover? I would be willing to pay $200 extra to fly with an airline that I have FF miles with.

Visit www.itasoftware.com and check.

BTW, May starts high season to Europe, so I would think going through Europe would be more expensive.

Thanks for the replies. I have no FF miles, so coach will have to do. Qantas has my vote so far. I was told that Singapore airlines has the best seats and room, but I can't seem to find an easy, economical way to Darwin from there.
I think going down to Sydney and then flying up to Darwin is out of the way, but probably the best for the buck. I would like to see Sydney on the way back if possible, so again the 3 stop will probaby be it. I am still open to suggestions. Thanks. again.

I flew last Christmas and I'm going again this Christmas from Miami to London and on to Sydney. Last year I flew to Perth, which is half way around. I have a British Airways credit card and knew that if I booked it with BA/Qantas, I would get a reward fare to Europe this summer. I did! Got to work those Frequent Flyer miles.

You should visit www.qantas.com and get on their E-mail list. I saw today $695 for a down-under ticket or was it $795. Either way, not bad. They want to keep those flights full. Remember, Qantas is partners with British Airways and American Airlines.

May is a good time to fly because the kids are in school.

Geckolips: Qantas is a great airline. My R/T San Francisco-Sydney was $658+tax. Any special fare with internal flights would be best. Note: there are not that many flights in or out of Darwin, making connections can be tough. See you for the Tampa reunion in Darwin in May (ha!). If you find a direct flight Tampa to Darwin let me know!!