The "how do I book a J any seat award at classic award points level" thread.

[serfty]

... It should be noted that not all Classic routings shown will appear on in the ASA selection and vv. Don't ask why - I don't know. ...

I have found Classic offerings which are not reflected in ASA availability on some occasions.

On checking fare buckets it appears the Classic availability I see is likely elite based and not available to NB etc.

From this I conject that ASA's only use standard (non elite) availability when determining points costings.

[pshepvic]

Admittedly, I've only done half a dozen ASAs. But I always check both classic and ASA and I'm yet to see one where the ASA cash cost is the same as the classic cash cost. With both awards available, at the same fare class and points cost the same. IMO the cash cost of an ASA will always be more than the classic cash cost, at the minimum points level, even if it is only marginally more.

Same in my experience as well. And it really shouldn't be the same $ amount either - considering you earn points & SCs on the fares. Otherwise if the $ amount was the same, the net cost for an ASA would be less than a classic award.

[serfty]

FWIW, the Cash cost of a 144K JASA MEL-NRT went from ~$350 to over $500 in the last seven days.

Fuel fine component increase, I consider.

[oz_mark]

FWIW, the Cash cost of a 144K JASA MEL-NRT went from ~$350 to over $500 in the last seven days.

Fuel fine component increase, I consider.

Maybe, but the latest fuel surcharge increase isn't due to kick in till the 28th.

[serfty]

Maybe, but the latest fuel surcharge increase isn't due to kick in till the 28th.

Hmmm ... maybe the $ amount is randomly generated.

Also, the actual increase for SYD/NRT was only $40 each way.

[oz_mark]

Hmmm ... maybe the $ amount is randomly generated.

Also, the actual increase for SYD/NRT was only $40 each way.

$40 sounds right for the fuel surcharge increase!

[greenfrog86]

Please tell me if this is not in the right place... however have a few questions to seek people's thoughts on the value of ASA tickets once you take the points amount down to Classic levels and pay extra...

I'm planning a trip to Europe in October and would like to use points so I don't have to pay too much, so lets use that as an example...

Firstly it seems to be much easier for me to get flights if I split my trip into one booking MEL-HKG and one HKG-LHR

Taking the HKG-LHR leg in Premium using a Classic Award:
Trip Price for - 1 x Adult: 126,000
Charges/taxes: $4570.00 (HKD) = $580 AUD

Same leg as a Premium ASA
Trip Price 126,000 points
Charges $8685 HKD $1044 AUD

Or lets say I use more points and do the below
Points 160,484
Charges $5676 HKD $682 AUD

The reason that I show these examples is that the current price for that ticket paying cash is around $1600AUD I think which makes the first ASA option very poor value...

In summary - what would your advice be based on how you perceive value here?

I'm thinking about something like the last option as the points are not too outrageous when you consider that the ticket earns points & SC...

Thoughts?

[pshepvic]

Please tell me if this is not in the right place... however have a few questions to seek people's thoughts on the value of ASA tickets once you take the points amount down to Classic levels and pay extra...

I'm planning a trip to Europe in October and would like to use points so I don't have to pay too much, so lets use that as an example...

Firstly it seems to be much easier for me to get flights if I split my trip into one booking MEL-HKG and one HKG-LHR

Taking the HKG-LHR leg in Premium using a Classic Award:
Trip Price for - 1 x Adult: 126,000
Charges/taxes: $4570.00 (HKD) = $580 AUD

Same leg as a Premium ASA
Trip Price 126,000 points
Charges $8685 HKD $1044 AUD

Or lets say I use more points and do the below
Points 160,484
Charges $5676 HKD $682 AUD

The reason that I show these examples is that the current price for that ticket paying cash is around $1600AUD I think which makes the first ASA option very poor value...

In summary - what would your advice be based on how you perceive value here?

I'm thinking about something like the last option as the points are not too outrageous when you consider that the ticket earns points & SC...

Thoughts?

Honestly, I'd pay the $1600 and not use my points (or maybe use them to upgrade!) If the taxes are 2/3 the cost of the actual fare and you have to use that many points then it's pretty poor value.

[Lindsay Wilson]

I was able to use the skills from the master markis10 and snag a JASA on Sunday, BNE/MEL/PER, 140 SC's, co-payment of $150 which reduced points from 74K to 59K.

[11sjw]

Markis10 you had a dash on each of Pay and Eat so everyone's account is so different!
Those account snapshots are outside my computer skills for posting so let me say they are very helpful.

ctrl + PrtScn

Open up MS Paint

"Edit" Menu & Paste

You now have a screen dump to play with!