Qantas or Emirates Frequent Flyer Points

danield on 26/02/2014 - 16:24

Hoping someone can make this easier then it appears to research it cause Im just getting confused.

Last year I flew MEL-LONDON and back from MILAN on Emirates. Signed up for their point system at the time.
Recently signed up for Qantas with a MEL-SYD coming up.

So over easter we are going to Hong Kong via Qantas, originally I assocaiated our Emirates points to the flight as I didnt have the Qantas Account at that time, I figured I would just switch it to QFF now as I got the card, but no got wondering which is the better option? Where would the points be most likely to reward me (if ever)?

I have to add, I rarely fly Qantas… Im less likely to travel Emirates. I am tentatively planning a trip back to Europe early 2015, Would I be likely to gain anything from Emirates on or after that trip?

Travel

Comments

  • NancyCat on 26/02/2014 - 16:53

    Don't know much about Emirates FF, but here's my 5 cents on QFF:
    I've been a QFF since 1998. My husband and our 3 kids (youngest only 9 months) are all QFF. The last time any of us flew on Qantas was more than 10 years ago. We fly Cathay Pacific most of the time, or Virgin for domestic. We earn our QFF points from flying Cathay, shopping at Woolies, Optus (home phone, broadband, mobiles & pay TV) … We combine all our points together and redeem Woolies/BigW gift cards.

  • evol on 26/02/2014 - 17:00
    +1

    Put your points towards QFF as it's cheaper for flight redemptions and you can redeem on OneWorld partners too. Emirates Skywards flight redemption costs are crazy expensive.

    Also remember that when flying on EK/QF codeshares, the flight number you book has a big difference on how many points you will earn, despite flying on the exact same plane. If you want max points earn for QFF, make sure you buy the QF codeshare flight. (i.e. QFxx if operated by Qantas, or QF8xxx if operated by Emirates).

    In terms of redemption options, try not to waste the points on gift cards or other crap form the QF store. These have pathetic $/point ratios. Save your points for business/first redemptions & upgrades.

  • Amaris on 26/02/2014 - 19:59

    Redemptions for award tickets are poor value as well as you have to pay the taxes component. Upgrades are the best way to use points.

    • evol on 26/02/2014 - 22:50

      Not if you redeem for partner flights without overpriced surcharge/tax components.

  • daoople on 27/02/2014 - 08:07

    If you're not a regular flyer, it will take ages (years) to work your way up to a redemption. That's why credit cards are so convenient.

    I've worked out (in general), 6-7 return flights to a destination works out to be about 1 return award ticket (+taxes). Also, not all award flights are available during peak periods (xmas/new year, easter, chinese new year (if asia), and other holiday periods).

    I would suggest always keeping your eye out for ultra-cheap fares on any and be ready to book. Alot of saver fares are so cheap, they don't come with points and these might save you the most, rather than trying to accumulate points along the way.

    Of course, if the flight earns points, accumulate them. You might still be able to turn them into something.

    • danield on 27/02/2014 - 11:37

      Agree with this, I have no ambitions to collect or redeem the points, but if Im getting on a flight I will collect the points for the hope that someday I might get to upgrade to First class.

      This year Ive signed me and my missus up for (she has no idea how many point systems she is a member of cause I sign her up for everything):

      Emirates
      Qantas
      Malaysian
      Velocity

      Im not loyal to any of them, I usually only ever pounce on cheap deals anyway.

      • OutOfComplaintForms on 27/02/2014 - 22:20

        Operational upgrades (Free Economy to Business, Business to First upgrades) generally involve status, the higher your status the better (although I've found Emirates tends to upgrade Silvers more than Golds for an odd reason).

        The best option would be British Airways' Executive Club, as their tier system runs based on sector travel.

  • danield on 27/02/2014 - 11:39

    Looks like Ill add the points to QFF.
    Do Qantas Expire points? And I was unaware that you can pool points together that could be handy.

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