I attempted a booking on this deal for August 2019, and it is as advertised - $1500 PP Business Class to Australia. A few problems, though....
1. Flight originates out of ORD which is fine but I'm in PHX and that's another domestic connection.
2. Flight has at least one layover in AUK which is a 16 hour flight time from ORD. The normal LAX or SFO to SYD flight time is about 14 hours total. This is an extra 2 hours to get to AUK.
3. AUK layover was about 2.5 hours on the flight I looked at. AUK airport is pretty sparse when I was there last. Just remember you are coming off at least a 16 hour flight, and then have a 2.5 hour layover (or more).
4. Then additional flight time from AUK to SYD of about 3-4 hours.
I get the advantage of business class for these long haul flights, but I've made that trip about 40 times over the past 20 years or so, and I've flown it in First, Business and Economy. Regardless of seat class, it is still a very long flight and to take a 14 hour flight and turn it into a 25 hour long (or more) ordeal doesn't justify the nicer seat experience for me. YMMV of course.
But you can't beat that price. I mean if you are in ORD and want to go to NZ or Australia, this would be a perfect opportunity for you.
