Any ideas?
Whats the best way to spend them?
We want to plan a holiday this year.
What is the best way to use the points?
What to do with QF 700k+ points?
ilsan0 on 30/05/2019 - 18:36
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One world round the world business class.
Could go first with 700k
Could, but first class availability routes are very limited as it doesn't include Emirates flights. Business is a good balance between value, comfortability and flight route options.
I understand. I personally wouldn't burn it for first either. Just stating that as an option.
Agreed with the business. Lie flat and a good set of earplugs/earphones is honestly all you really need. Anything more does not get you much except being pampered.
Though this is only the case for holidays. I'm sure there are reasons to fly first if you are doing it for a business meeting etc
@Tech5: Have you seen the menu for the First Class bar on an Emirates flight? It alone is half the reason to fly first class.
@Rodenbach: The on board bar is jointly for both first and business class passengers - so for first class passengers it's actually a 'downgrade'. That said, we ask the first class host to bring the champagnes they serve in first class to the bar for us (rather than enjoying the regular non-vintage champagnes they serve at the bar). Anyway the bar looks great in photos but it really isn't as comfortable as your own seat and you won't be there for long.
Now, the showers on board are amazing! That is a single enough reason to fly them (or Etiahd if you get the chance where their Apartments are more amazing).
@TheMindsetTraveller: I'm talking about the self-serve First Class bar, not the shared first/business bar. No First Class hostie will bring anything down the back for you unless you're flying first class.
@Rodenbach: Of course no first class host will bring something down if you are not entitled to it, but since we fly first and if we go to the bar, they will bring the vintage champagne from first to the bar - often pro-actively and without asking.
@TheMindsetTraveller: Never had to ask actually, they always just followed me to the bar with the bottles I was enjoying in my suite. :-)
@Rodenbach: Hennessy Paradis if they still serve it.
https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/flights/emirate…
I'm sure there are reasons to fly first if you are doing it for a business meeting etc
No, there really isn't - first class is just for rich people and airlines to flex. Business class products have gotten significantly better over time. Used to be the case that business was just a bigger, comfier seat with a good recline, but now airlines really have to offer a flat bed to be competitive with business.
@p1 ama: Agree, first class offers no real benefit over business for any practical purpose. If you're flying on business, you're not really there for the vintage champagnes right?
On the other hand, if Concorde was still flying …
If you're flying on business, you're not really there for the vintage champagnes right?
Even if you were, the champagnes served are literally $250 on the ground.
Ultimately, I think we'll see most routes go towards a two-class configuration. Given that the 747 is pretty much in retirement now and the A380 is on its way out, the future is definitely with B787/A350 type planes for ultra long-haul routes, and A330 for long-haul. Most airlines have a two-class config on those planes. The business class on the Qantas A330 is superb.
Carriers are starting to realise that people in economy care mostly about price, so they're putting in as many people there as possible, and business class is for the flat bed. From a "revenue per area" basis, business class is the highest earner.
@p1 ama: Some planes still have 3 classes without first. Economy, Premium Economy, and business.
I feel like Premium economy has taken the place that business class used to occupy, namely slightly more expensive seats for a not too large price increase. It seems like the business class product is now equivalent in comfort to what first class used to be, but most companies are unwilling to pay the price premium.@p1 ama: Singapore currently serves Krug vintage which is $400 I believe.
Their French red on the list is over $300 a bottle too I think.
@Seraphin7: People mainly fly first for the privacy and in airport experience. And of course the in flight food and drinks.
The privacy you get in those suites is important for those who make enough money for those eye watering ticket prices.
Sure some planes have some crazy first class setups but my take has been Singapore, Etihad and Emirates business class is beyond comfortable and an enjoyable experience even flying long haul.
@Cul8r: we did first class return to the US on points (we had plenty to spare) and return business to japan. The first class was definitely a major step up in comfort, Privacy, airport experience including pre flight massages, limo transfers and the inflight amenities. Would I ever pay for first class, hell no, but I accumulate a lot of points on business trips etc so why not. Still have over a million points after last years flights on points.
Yep. 280k points each. So you can take a partner. Kids will be tricky. https://www.pointhacks.com.au/qantas-round-the-world-classic…
We have 2 kids under 12
I'd go with premium economy - 210,000 points each, so you can save a little bit more then all go. I've never booked rewards flights for kids but if you get a discount like you do with cash tickets, then you might even be able to fit it in under 700k points.
To maximise your RTW redemption, you'd want to make as many stops as possible because 35,000 miles isn't a whole lot. You'll probably want to avoid super long-haul flights. Premium economy on Qantas is also super comfortable (better than their B737 domestic business class), so I think that would be your best bet.
@p1 ama: Must say I have never heard anyone call premium economy on qantas super comfortable. at best I find it bearable as at least it has extra space, but damn the seats are some of the worst of any, like sitting on wood planks.
give em to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Round the world business class is 256,000 I think. Not sure I'd bother with first to be honest.
https://www.pointhacks.com.au/qantas-round-the-world-classic…
https://thehighlife.com.au/ultimate-use-qantas-points-busine…
Your links clearly say RTW business is 280k lol
Turns out it is 280,000 my bad.
Without the hot air balloon its all rather ordinary
I did exactly this about 4-5 years ago. 560k for my wife and I. We went Syd-Rome, Rome-Venice, Venice-Paris, Paris-London, London-New York, New York-LA, drove to Vegas, drove to San Diego, San Diego-Tokyo and finally Tokyo-Syd.
One think to remember is the shorter flights normally have smaller planes, the seats for these normally aren’t any different between each class. You just get to sit upfront and maybe allocated 2 per 3 seats instead of 3 in 3 for economy. Even more reason to save the points and stick with business and forgo first class.
Also the flights aren’t entirely free. The points covers the airfare, but you still have to pay for taxes. London Heathrow is the big one, if I had known, I would have avoided stopping/departing from there.
London Heathrow is the big one, if I had known, I would have avoided stopping/departing from there.
Yeah, you're better off flying in and out of Gatwick, much cheaper.
You can donate 58,000 points ($500) so that blind people can see.
https://www.qantasstore.com.au/p/the-fred-hollows-foundation…
Might do that.
Thanks
Don't do it. Its better value to donate 500 in cash then redeem your points for flights.
"Please note, members are not entitled to a tax deduction for redeeming points for charity (pursuant to taxation laws)."
Sell the points in the forums for 1.1c/pt and then donate the proceeds. More money to charity, and a tax deduction at your marginal rate.
At the risk of Qantas auditing and freezing your FF account.
OP might blindly do that.
The best redemption of QFF points is the Oneworld RTW award flights. 280,000 points in business. Given that a trip to the US and back is already going to cost you 192,000 points, this is a super good deal. You could do AU to Singapore, then Europe, US East Coast, then US West Coast, then back to Australia.
Thanks for the replies guys.
RTW seems like a great option.If I sold them then probably would net around $8k
Depends on how you value points?
Do you like business? do you value a business flight?That is what I asked myself when I sold roughly same amount of points as you.
It was 4 weeks in Italy(2 people) completely free(including all expenses) if I sold my points. Or fly business.
You can have a guess at which one I choose.
Yeah I think its about perspective.
Having never flown business, it could be a great experience.
It could also set a precedence :(Business class is much nicer, but I'd only use points to purchase, not cash.
For me it didn't set a precedence, since knowing how much more expensive the tickets would cost, it is worth it so "slum it" in economy for tickets purchased with money.
How did you sell them?
I was going to buy them but Qantas says they might take the points away from you.
Just a question as we're also looking at the Qantas oneworld RTW redemption of 280k points…. how did everyone suggest booking flights for a couple? if one is married is it best to transfer qantas points into one persons name and do a booking for 2 business class seats via the multi city "pay with points", and to ensure you're all together? Versus booking individually incase one flight you suddenly find one person can't get the 2nd business class seat (god forbid some other random booked the 2nd seat during your internet session)?
Does it prove a problem especially where partners married but never changed their last name? Anyone been in a similar situation and had no issues booking both tickets using the one points account?
never been an issue to book two tickets for people with different surnames from the one account. mrs and I do it all the time - i book for her from my account, she books for me from her account, etc. You do have to pick a 'relationship' when booking, so you specify there.
As for the other issue - I think its generally best to do book both passengers on one ticket. That way in event of cancelled flight/oversold/etc… you're seen as a couple, rather than two single passengers and treated accordingly. Not that I've ever had that happen, but I imagine its a possibility.
With that said, I've booked us as two singles when I had to without issue (eg. Mrs using qantas points, me using AA miles, etc).Can you book oneworld RTW on bronze status?
I don't fly much so can never get past bronze
Definitely! I'm on bronze and flying RTW with my hubby in July :)
@melay0326: Thanks for that, Melay0326.
I'd almost given up hope, since I haven't been even Silver for years. Have QC membership, but just don't fly enough to accrue enough status credits. Have ample points for one of these RTW Business class bookings.
Challenge will be carving out the time from work 12 months in advance.
@A M: Does holding QC membership place you in between Bronze and Silver when it comes to priority for upgrades?
@defiant: Hi Defiant1. Unsure. Have never been upgraded with Qantas. Was offered one the other week for a Canberra-Brisbane or Brisbane-Sydney leg on a work trip - one of those 'make an offer' email blasts that probably go wide to everyone in Economy. On a lark I put in a low-ball bid and heard nothing further.
Even the QC membership is probably overkill for the amount I travel, though I pay a corporate rate. Wouldn't be paying for it at full price, that is for sure. Not for what it gets you and how infrequently I travel.
The impression I got from some of those FF fora was that QC membership didn't count for anything when it comes to upgrades or award availability. Might have been mistaken.
@A M: True! Booking RTW business class is not easy. It needs a lot of time and flexibility. I booked our trip 10months in advance. I checked leg by leg for the availability before I booked the whole trip as RTW.
@melay0326: Any tips for booking?
We are looking at it, buy it see best to book as the flights become available, is that true?
Also, when are the taxes paid? As you book each leg?
@movieman: Checked for flight availability leg by leg. Be flexible on the routes to get into your desired destination. Have the world map next to you or your computer screen. For this incoming trip on July, our target was to get to Lima as there is no direct flight from PER I searched via US route. LAX/SFO are hard to come by so I searched for a US city which has connections to Lima. I had a choice of Atlanta and Orlando on our desired date so I picked that which goes via LAX.
You pay the tax as soon as you booked the whole trip so if you only booked 1leg you'll only pay for that specific leg. Everytime you change your booking it will cost 5,000pts each person. Best to book the 1st leg & last leg together.
if one is married is it best to transfer qantas points into one persons name and do a booking for 2 business class seats via the multi city "pay with points", and to ensure you're all together?
Yes, it's significantly easier to do this. You don't even have to be married.
Does it prove a problem especially where partners married but never changed their last name?
No, this is not a problem. You can book tickets for other people too, not just your partner.
Does it prove a problem especially where partners married but never changed their last name?
On the off chance your question relates to whether this is a problem in transferring points (as opposed to booking flights), I can confirm that this is also not a problem for a spouse with a different surname.
Does anyone have any idea what the taxes and fees would be on a business rtw award flight? 💐
It depends on how many legs you fly - probably around $1,000 for an average one. There are some ways you can reduce your taxes/fees though. You'd generally want to fly into more expensive airports and leave from cheaper airports (e.g. if you're going to Europe, you'd be best flying into LHR or CDG, going around by train and leaving at AMS). Qantas is also a bit notorious with slugging customers for fuel taxes, so if you're going to/from the US, you'd get a cheaper redemption by going with American vs. Qantas.
Depends on the destination and airline
how did you accumulate 700k qff points and how long did it take you? i'm only just starting to card churn this year.
majority through credit card. did it in about 2 years
Also got 275k (Me and signed up Mrs) points recently through American Express promo.Unless you fly regularly for work, the best way to accumulate points is through CC spend and bonus. My general strategy is to keep a Qantas Ultimate Amex, as it's the highest earning card for points and another Visa/Mastercard for places that don't accept AMEX. For everything else, just sign up, use to enough to get the bonus, keep it for a few more months to not be too suspicious then cancel. There are around 5 or 6 providers that always offer bonuses and the wait time between promotions is 12 - 18 months, so basically as soon as you cancel one card, apply for another.
Does it not affect your credit rating when you churn through different cards?
I've only ever had a cc for one year and then cancelled as it was too tempting!
Unless you're applying for a huge number of cards in a short period of time.
Book the cheapest flights/most affordable flights and use points to upgrade them to a class you care about. i.e Sydney - London from Economc Flex to Business is 60,000 o/w
Only do this if you're flying for work/business and have to fly on those specific days, otherwise classic reward is much better value.
I think I respectfully disagree. Atleast this way you get the status credits from the Economy class flights to boost your status. How much is it for a classic reward to go to London Return?
Having been burnt a couple of times not getting the upgrade (being a lowly QF Gold at the time…), already having spent a little bit extra for an upgradeable fare, I will never do this again.
I just look for a business reward flight off the bat; guaranteed the moment you book it. No stress/hassles and in some cases the value is still a lot better especially if the price difference for a higher fare is a lot.
My method says that you should pay for the Economy Flex Tickets, and use 120000 points to upgrade. You suggest that you use 256000 points and still pay taxes (which is over a thousand dollars return)… I'm sorry but I think I'd rather my two return tickets for almost the price of one
I thought upgrades are not guaranteed? Where as straight up classic is?
@starburstyellow: Upgrades aren't even guaranteed for platinum 1. Sydney to London is one of the busiest routes, so upgrades are even scarcer. Good luck getting an upgrade if you are below Gold. Even Gold and above is far from a guarantee depending on the time of year and day of the week.
Classic is the way to go.
Not sure how you're doing your maths.
A return flex fare to London is around $3,000, so less $1,000 in taxes and you're paying around 132,000 points for $2,000 savings AND also a guaranteed seat in economy. I don't think that's good value.
I think it's better value to book directly a business classic rewards if you're looking to fly business and only do the upgrade option if you can't get the classic reward when you want and are willing to take a punt.
You are right with the SCs but it depends on how much the status is worth to you. Basically it will only be good if you fly economy often (as Business has all the perks already) or if you fly frequently enough to take advantage of the higher points earn rate.
@p1 ama: Yea sry hungrybonegaming, p1 AMA has it right here. upgrading an international flight is about as silly as it gets. You might as well just use the points for gift cards. PPD ratio goes down dramatically. Business with points outright is the way to go, been proven many times over. Check out point hacks.
A return flex fare to London is around $3,000, so less $1,000 in taxes and you're paying around 132,000 points for $2,000 savings AND also a guaranteed seat in economy.
I'm not too sure if that is what I was suggesting. I was saying spend the $3000 return to London, and use 120000 points to upgrade. Therefore, you get the Flexible cancellation/change for free. Whereas if you were using all points, it's $1000 return to London AND 256000 points. For an extra $2000, you can save 136000 points. But the value of points changes for each person and their use. For example I would only use my points on upgrading economy flights/business flights to the next tier.
Basically it will only be good if you fly economy often (as Business has all the perks already)
Lets not forget that essentially Gold gives you Business Class Perks, while Platinum gives you First Class Perks. Therefore, theoretically if OP is a regular J Class passenger, then maybe Platinum might be worth it? Personally, I know many people that have their Gold FF status incase they aren't travelling business (which may only happen twice a year, but it's still good to have due to bonus point earning and upgrade priorities)
I'm not too sure if that is what I was suggesting. I was saying spend the $3000 return to London, and use 120000 points to upgrade.
Yes, so you are suggesting we spend $3000 + 120,000 points for a business class seat, wheraes classic rewards will be $1,000 + 256,000 points. Doing some simple maths will tell you that you are spending $2,000 more for 136,000 points less. Clearly Of course 136,000 points is worth less than $2,000, given that people sell points at around 1c per point.
Either way, I'm not suggesting that you should never upgrade, just that if you are choosing between classic reward vs. economy + upgrade, then you should go with classic reward. Sometimes you might want to fly on a day where classic reward isn't available or work might be booking your tickets, in which case upgrade is a good option.
I'm not too sure if that is what I was suggesting. I was saying spend the $3000 return to London, and use 120000 points to upgrade. Therefore, you get the Flexible cancellation/change for free. Whereas if you were using all points, it's $1000 return to London AND 256000 points. For an extra $2000, you can save 136000 points. But the value of points changes for each person and their use. For example I would only use my points on upgrading economy flights/business flights to the next tier.
And what we have all been saying is that upgrades are far from certain, even at high status levels. And if he didn't get the upgrade, he would have been paying extra for the flexible ticket just for the chance of an upgrade. That and good luck getting 4 upgrades. If it's a popular route like to LHR or LAX, then seriously gooooood luck!
Lets not forget that essentially Gold gives you Business Class Perks, while Platinum gives you First Class Perks. Therefore, theoretically if OP is a regular J Class passenger, then maybe Platinum might be worth it? Personally, I know many people that have their Gold FF status incase they aren't travelling business (which may only happen twice a year, but it's still good to have due to bonus point earning and upgrade priorities)
I don't think p1 really meant any of that at all. Seemed like he was just saying that it's only worthwhile booking then upgrading if you are chasing status for later flights if you are going on economy. FWIW I mainly fly economy domestically and have Platinum status.
@PCHammond: Thanks guys, I understand most of it now.
Gosh, it 136000 only valued at $1360? Funny how that works out
You'll get routes like Sydney-Melbourne where at Flexi Economy its a 5000 point ($50) or Discount Economy its a 10000 point ($100) upgrade.@burgermaniac: Pretty much.
IMO, upgrading to business on such small flights isn't worth it. I haven't even bothered to upgrade from business to First to/from LAX and Syd at 50k points each way. I'd rather save up the points and cash it in on a classic award. 50k can get me from business to first, whereas one way to Tokyo in business is about 78k.
@burgermaniac: Again, an economy Red e-Deal is like $169 minimum for MEL-SYD, so if you're tossing up between a 10,000 point upgrade vs 16,000 point + $36 classic reward, the classic reward makes more sense.
Classic reward for domestic can be a little strange, I've seen availability for 8,000 pt Economy or 16,000 pt Business for Monday 7am flights that are almost $400 paid with cash. Obviously it's a no brainer in that situation.
While this would be the best value way to spend points, there are 2 problems with this approach.
- Generally the cheapest fares are not upgradeable (you will need to check the fare conditions carefully).
- Also an upgrade is not guaranteed on Qantas international flights, so you would run the risk of having an economy ticket if you didn't get your upgrade (which would defeat the purpose of trying to spend 700k points).
Ultimately OP has the final decision, and it is up to him whether or not he likes either the two methods we've mentioned (or another one!). Personally, I would purchase the full priced economy, and try upgrade myself using points. However, that is just my opinion.
Your opinion is wrong.
I thought there was a limitation that economy flight (i.e Red promo) not eligible for upgrades.
I hope i could do that but i've been in a similar situatuion as OPI thought there was a limitation that economy flight (i.e Red promo) not eligible for upgrades.
The cheapest economy discount tickets don't allow for upgrades, therefore you would need to go for a higher tier such as Saver/Flex. I usually only fly Saver/Flex anyways as I can't run the risk of losing the cost of the tickets if I can't fly on the day.
The upgrade isn't guaranteed.
Booking in business class is.
Keep in mind, getting 4 seats on all the same flights on RTW tickets in ANY class may be a challenge, especially in Premium economy or Business.
If I were you needing 4 seats, I'd probably look at taking a single trip in business class. EG Sydney-Honolulu in jet star business (aka premium economy) for about 450,000 total.
Or you could go Business class return Sydney to LA for about 720,000…..
Plenty of options.
I think you'll struggle to get a solid itinerary together with a OW RTW in J with 4 people.
Hmm, I see. I have never done this before so might be a challenge.
Are there any companies or ozbargainers willing to do this for a fee?
Qantas will help you with a RTW itinerary for 5000 point fee I believe.
Also check out the AFF Forums. They have a whole team of experts to help guide you better than I can.
ok sweet. will check it out.
Excuse me for my ignorance ,but how do u sell QFF points ?
How far in advance would you need to book for something like a RTW business including somewhere in Japan and London for 3 (2 adults, and toddler over 2)?
Are we talking a full year like business awards flights to London? Or are there more seats available to RTW tickets?I would play it safe and book it a full year in advance. Qantas are notorious for not having many reward flights to book.
For 3, you would need to book a year in advance. The same amount of seats are available to RTW as to normal redemption.
If you have status, it would be easier. Without status, it would be very difficult but maybe not impossible.
I think you'll have to just play your cards right and book strategically. The best way to book is to go places where multiple Oneworld airlines fly or going with less popular routes.
E.g. If you want to go to LA, the route to LA is always super hard to find a reward seat, so fly to SFO instead and you'll find it much easier.
E.g. If you want to go to Europe, fly to Singapore first because you have the choice of Qantas or BA to head to London. You could always go via HK with Cathay as well.
Basically knowing how to route your journey will help massively. The great thing about OW RTW is that you can book the more expensive redemptions (e.g. Cathay) without incurring more points. Losing Emirates is a huge bummer though, their award availability to Europe is always superb
How is this done practically though? If the seats are hard to get, and you want to book a year in advance, if you do that for the first flights, the subsequent ones wouldn't be available yet…
Do you wait until they're all available, or have to keep paying a change fee as each leg becomes available?I believe you can book as they come out.
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Book a flight.