Florida to Darwin-best route
Mar 13th, 2006, 08:06 AM
#1
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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.
Thanks.
Mar 13th, 2006, 10:30 AM
#2
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.
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.
Mar 14th, 2006, 07:59 AM
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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.
Visit www.itasoftware.com and check.
Mar 14th, 2006, 08:20 AM
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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 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.
Mar 15th, 2006, 09:48 AM
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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.
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.
Mar 15th, 2006, 04:19 PM
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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!!
