This was posted 9 years 18 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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50% off Qantas Points on Classic Flight Rewards to the US

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50% off Qantas Points on Classic Flight Rewards to the US
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Lnegotiator on 05/11/2015 - 09:18 qantas.com.au (1966 clicks)
Last edited 05/11/2015 - 09:19

Got this in the mail, not sure if targeted email

Travel between 5 November 2015 and 23 October 2016. For San Francisco travel is between 18 December 2015 and 23 October 2016^.

The 50% discount doesn't apply to the applicable taxes, fees and carrier charges shown below as at 29 Oct 2015. Points quoted in the examples below are for eligible return Economy Qantas Classic Flight Rewards* between Sydney and:

  • Los Angeles from 48,000 (was 96,000) points plus $622.58*
  • San Francisco (from 18 Dec 2015^) from 48,000 (was 96,000) points plus $623.13*
  • New York (JFK) (via Los Angeles) from 64,000 (was 128,000) points plus $630.38*
  • Dallas Fort/Worth from 56,000 (was 112,000) points plus $622.58*
  • Honolulu from 36,000 (was 72,000) points plus $492.58*

Discounted points amounts shown. Classic Flight Reward availability is limited, particularly around peak times such as school and public holidays. Discount will also be applied to domestic Australian transfers on flights with a QF flight number. However, if your Trip includes a Transfer flight (a flight within 24 hours) from the US gateway, that Trip is not eligible for the discount.

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  • ChickenTalon on 05/11/2015 - 09:28
    +28

    The fees on these "reward" flights are slight above some of the sale fares we've seen recently!

    • montorola on 05/11/2015 - 09:29
      -3

      I haven't done the actual sums myself, but I feel as though points are better used on everyday things like gift cards as opposed to flights. With flights, you can just wait until there's a sale, and essentially pay what you would have in taxes anyway?

      • peter05 on 05/11/2015 - 09:33
        +3

        in the past the sale fares were never this low. i can only use example for hong kong but typical cheap fares in the past used to be around 1300, now you can almost get $600 every half a year and easily $800 every couple of months, so the benefit to redeem has definitely been reduced. The taxes are around $350 on the reward flight too so you can trade your $350 + 60k round trip or just simply pay $600/$800, no brainer really

        • lukelegend on 05/11/2015 - 10:13
          +6

          it's better to use your point for business class upgrades or business class flights, or to book in peak season as the points required is the same. don't use them for gift cards = poor value

      • [Deactivated] on 05/11/2015 - 09:34
        +9

        its widely accepted that the golden rule of frequent flyer points is that you only ever use them on flights.
        Even if a flight is 50% off, you will still get a way better $ value per point by purchasing a flight as opposed to a gift cards, particularly if booking business class.
        However, Qantas are terrible with their points. As a result, these promos arent really bargains when compared to velocity ff deals.

        • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 05/11/2015 - 09:49
          +4

          The one thing Qantas are good for is business and first class tickets, as the points are so easy to accumulate. Agree that the taxes kill this deal.

        • illumination on 05/11/2015 - 10:40
          +9

          The gift cards vs business class/first class flights debate rages on…

          It doesn't always hold true, because:

          • Not everyone flies - and even if they do, what if they just want to get from A to B for the cheapest price possible/fastest way possible? You don't get there faster in Business Class.
          • Even if they fly and they want Business Class, would they pay the actual revenue price? The price of these types of flights in business (AUS-USA return) could be about $4500-7000 return, but just because that is the price, it doesn't mean you're saving that much if you weren't intending to buy it in the first place. You're only saving that much if you were intending to pay that price anyway.
          • If you did want to fly Business Class, would you fly this specific airline? It is arguable that when flying business class, a stop can/may be preferred, simply because of the benefits you get of having lounge access in your transit port and breaking up a long trip. This also means you won't be flying this particular airline.
          • It's also important to note the impact of low cost carriers on our choice as consumers - certain routes are so budget friendly (price-wise) that it's often worth flying budget and saving $200-300. In this respect, points can usually only be used on the premium carriers, and if you're going to compare it from the point of view of flying from A to B on the budget carrier (e.g. Scoot SYD-SIN) vs the premium carrier (e.g. Singapore Airlines SYD-SIN), you have to really compare it to the points price to the Scoot price (if you were going to pick that anyway + food/baggage and whatever else you intended to pay for).

          This as opposed to gift cards which you use at Woolies/Westfield/Coles - the majority of people know they will be spending the gift cards at the supermarkets eventually anyway.

          Topping it off, from an Ozbargainer POV… you fly, you get off, and it's over. It's not something you can "keep". I do not mean there is no value in "experiences" (e.g. going to a theme park, watching a movie), but you need to consider the alternatives, and it doesn't seem very "Ozbargainer" to be willing to pay 10x the price of Economy for a Business Class ticket.

          All in all, I personally think business class is great, but I know I wouldn't value it at 10x the price of an economy ticket. I personally value it at approx 30-50% "more valuable" than Economy Class. For this reason, I also know I can't make the assumption that the value from redeeming on business class is far greater than economy class.

        • truemonolith on 05/11/2015 - 22:17
          +1

          @illumination: the price of business is 2.5 times a Economy saver and 2 times a Economy Flexible.

          The best redemption value ($/point) occurs on a Y class fare to J class (Flexi to Business), where you're basically recovering the points at about 6 cents per point. The gift card redemption values at 0.5-0.25 cents per point (varying if you catch a QFF dump or not). Comparing apples to apples, the people saying to get the upgrade are making a more economically justifiable claim.

          However, you're right, non-frequent fliers dont benefit from that conversion rate. Personally i dont know why such people buy into rewards schemes. They're financially better off getting an ING debit card and getting 2% cashback on purchases (since the value of that is greater than the points redemption value).

        • [Deactivated] on 06/11/2015 - 12:30
          +1

          @truemonolith:
          2.5 times an economy saver? I use qantas and velocity points regularly and i have never seen a business reward seat that costs more than double an economy flight. they are always less than twice the cost.
          Crazy when it costs 4x as much to buy a business class ticket for cash than an economy ticket.

        • truemonolith on 06/11/2015 - 13:44

          @brentman1: the person i was replying to was talking about the cost of tickets, i assumed they were talking dollar price. Business should be 2 to 2.5 times the cost of a flexi economy ticket.

        • [Deactivated] on 06/11/2015 - 14:07

          @truemonolith: you said business is 2.5 times an economy saver… it is only that low on budget carriers.
          business class on a full service carrier is 4x the price of economy saver

        • truemonolith on 06/11/2015 - 14:55
          -1

          @brentman1: its only 4 times on qantas and virgin domestic flights. Just a quick look on singapore and etihad seems that its between 2.5 and 3 times an economy saver on international fares.

        • [Deactivated] on 06/11/2015 - 15:38
          +1

          @truemonolith:
          just not true…..

          Singapore airlines - Syd-singapore costs $2200 return economy save in February on economy, costs $8800 in business….. exactly 4 x….
          On Etihad, SYD to AUH costs $2400 return in economy in February, it costs $9300 in business …….. just under 4 x but pretty much exactly 4 x.

          a 4 x multiple is very much the industry standard for full service airlines (qantas, emirates, etihad, virgin, singapore)

          why speak as though you know what youre talking about when you've clearly never had experience paying for these types of flights?

      • ChickenTalon on 05/11/2015 - 09:34

        damn, quick reply, couldn't fix my comment.
        I'd meant to say, "slightly below" as we've not seen LAX return for below $622 to my knowledge. But the sentiment of my comment remains :)

        @montorola
        There are a few really good uses of points. But it all depends on what you value the most. Upgrades can be pretty a pretty good $/point ratio. But upgrades also require higher initial fares and wont get you status credits.

        One of the best uses is the round the world reward flights, you can do a RWT trip for 280k points plus $1.5k in taxes in business class. That's outstanding value.

        Still, I think this is actually a deal. It's a genuine saving for a lot of people who would use this redemption option

        • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 05/11/2015 - 10:08
          +1

          Are RWT fares for FF points still available with Qantas? I can't find how to redeem for them since they changed the site to the OneWorld RTW site earlier in the year…

        • ChickenTalon on 05/11/2015 - 10:21
          +4

          @JohnHowardsEyebrows: Yes, those fares are still available, however it's a very long process to get them and involves a heap of planning.

          I'm planning a RTW trip now with the mrs.

          here is one of the best places for information http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/qantas-f…

        • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 05/11/2015 - 10:35

          @ChickenTalon: Thank you so much. I'd given up on that possibility, resigned to spending 250kkoints for return to Europe, rathher than 280k RTW. :)

        • Innately Incognito on 05/11/2015 - 14:10
          +1

          @JohnHowardsEyebrows: Haha. Saving up for these too. Hopefully will have 560k points (and extra for flight scheduling changes) for a potential honeymoon? =D

        • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 05/11/2015 - 14:20

          @Yoz: Honeymoon should be enough to bump you into first. Just turn up with the veil on the wife's head etc.

        • Innately Incognito on 05/11/2015 - 14:30

          @JohnHowardsEyebrows: Does that ever actually work? :p

        • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 05/11/2015 - 14:32
          +1

          @Yoz: I don't know how the deliberations work, but I'm assuming if they have space free in first, you'd be high on the list of business travellers.

      • dyziplen on 05/11/2015 - 09:46
        +5

        I don't think its flights in general, but business class flights. This is where the points are most effective.

  • subboy on 05/11/2015 - 09:35

    As above, better to use your points for other things, reward flights do not save much compared to sale fares when taxes come into play , I usually save them up and use them to upgrade to business class 1 way (if available) getting the best value for points.

    But I understand that the AU v's US $ is not the best at the moment, so can understand this being a good deal for those who could do with the little saving.

  • carwashhair on 05/11/2015 - 09:39
    +4

    Those fees are a whole load of butthurt…

  • [Deactivated] on 05/11/2015 - 09:46

    I can't see any flghts with the discounted points anyone find any examples to san Fran? Looking after the 18th Dec to early Jan.

  • ellave on 05/11/2015 - 09:48
    +2

    Must be targetted I cant see this offer

    • ChickenTalon on 05/11/2015 - 09:54
      +1

      I can, tried a few dummy bookings for SYD<->LAX Feb2016. Came to 48,000 points plus $623 surcharges/taxes (ouch)

      You've gotta make sure you're not flying on AA planes.

      • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 05/11/2015 - 10:06

        Tried business class? That would be a deal…

        • ChickenTalon on 05/11/2015 - 10:15
          +1

          I was thinking the same and I did try it, deal does not extend to business class.

    • corneg on 05/11/2015 - 13:53

      Yep, I can't see it either. Checked for Qantas flights (not AA).

  • stirlo on 05/11/2015 - 10:01
    +4

    So you're really spending 48,000 points to save about $300-400. Not really a deal IMO

  • bauser99 on 05/11/2015 - 10:12

    Is this only for flights in Economy Class?

  • cornucopia on 05/11/2015 - 10:12
    +5

    Even at the discount not an effective use of FF points. Best use is bookings made on third party One World carriers via QFF where taxes are more sane .. :-( .. !! Qantas have noticed that USA FF bookings have fallen so low with the awful exchange rate that they are trying to temp us back with a 'deal'. As well as the exorbitant 'taxes' they get sweet cop from the merchants from whom you earned the points, so its a bluebird for them. Computer says no .. :-( .. !!

    • fox81 on 05/11/2015 - 10:27

      if I book on an emirates flight (for an example) via the Qantas website using QFF points, do I only pay the taxes/fees that emirates would charge, or the standard Qantas taxes/fees?

      • cornucopia on 05/11/2015 - 10:34
        +1

        In my experience you pay the third party airline 'taxes' on their sectors and not Qantas's .. :-) .. !! Where Qantas and the third party One World airline compete on any sector, Qantas FF will not usually offer the sector on the third party, so we're talking about sectors where Qantas doesn't fly, eg New York to London on BA or AA. Soooo, to best use your points and avoid 'taxes' you're talking about an itinerary through QFF on sectors where there is not Qantas flight, the best results I've had have been RTW itineraries with short or preferably no Qantas sectors..

        • Thrawn on 05/11/2015 - 11:59
          +1

          You can book QF award on Cathay Pacific to HK. Costs a bit more in points, but a lot less in taxes.

  • Leuke on 05/11/2015 - 10:39
    +2

    This seems like an awesome deal if you're going to New York. $630 + 64,000 point return is a great deal…

    • JetBombat on 05/11/2015 - 19:43

      Not bad, about $1000 (64k points = $364 in BigW GC)

  • [Deactivated] on 05/11/2015 - 10:42
    +1

    you are saving ~$300 and spending thousands just by being in the states, #notWorth

    • Tuttle on 05/11/2015 - 11:23
      +1

      Who flies you RETURN to New York from Aus for less than $1000au?..

      • inherentchoice on 05/11/2015 - 13:06

        You should factor in the value of the points. 150 points is worth about $1 in gift cards. Or on the black market less than 100 points will get you $1.

        This means the cost of the flights by using QFF points is about $1,270.

        In the last deal flights to NY were from $1172: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/216812

      • montorola on 05/11/2015 - 15:43

        Qantas did for me, without any points ;)

  • Overtime2000 on 05/11/2015 - 10:58

    Not really a great deal considering there are heaps of economy flights for just over $1k. Essentially you are getting about 1c per QFF point, which is not good value for QFF points.

    • illumination on 05/11/2015 - 11:01

      What do you suggest is better value?

      • Overtime2000 on 05/11/2015 - 11:08

        I'm no expert. And I'm not saying you shouldnt use QFF at 1c/point. If you were planning to go to the USA anyway, then its fine - use them.
        But I'm just saying there ARE more efficient ways to use your points.

        Worth a read.
        http://www.ausbt.com.au/what-is-a-qantas-frequent-flyer-poin…
        http://www.ausbt.com.au/the-three-best-ways-to-use-your-qant…

        • inherentchoice on 05/11/2015 - 13:14
          +2

          Those articles are advocating using points for business or first class. That type of flying is extravagant by nature, so it's unfair to measure the value of points by the retail price of extravagance. A business/first class flight is here and then gone in a flash. IMO it's still better to convert points to gift cards and then score sale fares on budget airlines.

        • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 05/11/2015 - 13:17

          @inherentchoice: YOLO

        • [Deactivated] on 08/11/2015 - 09:55

          @inherentchoice: yea for some routes using points on economy isn't worth it, since sales prices are lower than using points.

      • Thrawn on 05/11/2015 - 12:02
        +3

        Peak period domestic flights is usually better value these days. Good if you need to travel outside of Jetstar/Tiger availability.

        Oil prices has dropped heaps, but thanks to Qantas/Virgin calling truce in their price war.. fares has actually gone up slightly.

        • stirlo on 05/11/2015 - 12:59

          Yep I use my points for domestic routes that aren't served by Jetstar/tiger. I generally get about 2c/point that way. Saves quite a bit of cash.

  • FarQ on 05/11/2015 - 11:06
    +1

    a better option might be to use the points + pay? You select your qantas fare and use point to discount the price (approx 1000points = $7). Bonus is there are no limited FF seats to contend with and you still get points for the flight as well. I do that now with my QFF points. The taxes and availability of FF seats makes it less desirable to just get FF seats.

  • welfoj on 05/11/2015 - 13:57
    +6

    Last minute travel is usually a good use of points. If you need to get somewhere for a funeral or something, flights are generally ridiculously expensive ($1500 return from Mackay to Adelaide!) ended up using velocity points, had to fly business as all economy rewards were booked, but was still only 60,000 points and $88 fees :)

    • ChickenTalon on 05/11/2015 - 14:21
      +4

      Agree, this is one of the best uses for me.

      Often need to travel with short notice, usually from Canberra. Sometimes the fares are over $400 a day out when i need to fly. But you can still book for 8,000 points and $43.
      And then when plans change again these are as good as flexi tickets for me. I've been suck in a meeting, going to miss my flight and I've called Qantas, changed flights no problem :)

  • mrjames on 05/11/2015 - 15:40

    Does this include domestic US flights?

  • branners on 05/11/2015 - 17:52

    My $0.02 worth…
    Whenever the dollar is low, fares to the USA are very price-sensitive and tend to drop much lower than, for instance, fares to Europe or GB. Last time the dollar was low, I booked 4 tix to JFK, return, with Qantas, for under $4500. And, if I had been about 90 minutes earlier with the booking, I would have saved more than $500 on that amount.
    Used all my points and my wife's for upgrades and flew Business Class. IMO, the best use of points, by far, is for upgrades on top of cheaper fares.

    • PlagueistheCheap on 05/11/2015 - 18:13
      +3

      Not all cheap fares can be upgraded.

  • oldrocker on 06/11/2015 - 15:38

    Adl-Dallas for 28k points plus $380 fees, is this good value? October 2016 … Anyone flew to Dallas before? Any feedback welcome! Thinking of making my way to Central/ South America from Dallas, then coming back via Cuba, Miami maybe…

    • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 06/11/2015 - 16:30
      +1

      If you're not flying return, it's great value. If you were flying return, you'd only likely be saving $300-400 on the discount fares, plus burning enough points to get you to Perth in business class return.

      • oldrocker on 06/11/2015 - 17:01

        Thanks Mr Howard's eyebrows, didn't realize return sale fares to Dallas could be so cheap. Maybe with many stops? Somehow I like the idea of just the one stop in Sydney and on same airline for entire journey. Business class to Perth interesting comparison though, cheers!

        • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 06/11/2015 - 17:07

          Should add that'd be with $70 or $80 of tax. So by paying an extra $300-400 (assuming fares are on sale), you'd have enough points to get to most parts of the country return (or economy for two people) for less than a hundred.

          Good luck with your search for cheap fares (don't know if it's cheaper to take the LAX flight then transit on to DFW, or take the direct DFW flight).

  • oldrocker on 06/11/2015 - 17:17

    I guess LAX usually cheaper than DFW, one could go south via the West coast then, by air or scenic route on Amtrak. Southwest is pretty good, if flying. Cheers

  • montorola on 07/11/2015 - 10:18

    So guys, how does one go about using their points to upgrade to say, business?

    Do you book your ticket in economy first, then do something later or do you have to do something before you "checkout" and pay?

    • ChickenTalon on 07/11/2015 - 11:25
      +2

      Many different ways. Firstly you need to give qantas(or your travel agent) your QFF number for the booking, so yes, the booking needs to be made first. You'll also need a ticket that is not a sale fare. Discount economy is fine, but the sale fares can't be upgraded unless you have high status (even then it can very rarely be done at the lounge with some sweet talk if the flight is overbooked or there is heaps of avail in business, or sometimes through a very rare promotions). Then you can do 1, 2 or 3 below

      1. Login to your QFF account. You should see the first few bookings on the left hand side, you can either click "manage" or "upgrade". Click upgrade and then select the segment you want to upgrade.

      2. Approach staff at either a checkin desk, lounge or customer service queue

      3. Call QFF

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