![Marriott Bonvoy Status Match [2020]](https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/app/uploads/2020/08/marriott-bonvoy-phone-150x150.jpg)
Most passengers travelling between Australia and the United States want to get there as quickly and directly as possible. But if you enjoy flying, a more indirect routing can come as a welcome opportunity to try out some new airlines and visit some new cities along the way.
One member is planning something quite different for their upcoming trip to Chicago. This member would like to use their frequent flyer points to try some more left-field airlines and routings. Looking to fly in at least Business class, ideas and suggestions are requested from the AFF community. Creative suggestions are most welcome!
TomVexille and I need to be in Chicago later next year for a wedding and we’re open to suggestions on how to get there. The only real requirement is that it is in J or F, using points where possible. Between us we currently have approximately 300k QFF points and similar VFF points. Also happy to purchase AA miles. Ideas/thoughts/suggestions?
As both Qantas and Virgin Velocity points are at this member’s disposal, there are a wide range of possibilities. One member suggests spending a few days in Hawaii in each direction. Velocity points can be redeemed to fly from Australia to Honolulu on Hawaiian Airlines, with Qantas points used for the domestic connection to Chicago.
Redeem the VA miles on HA to HNL, then use the QF miles for AA HNL to ORD. Have a few days on the beach in either direction.
Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong, or Japan Airlines via Tokyo are both suggested as a good use of Qantas points.
CX MEL-HKG-ORD for 278K is probably the best use of QF points. Can’t think of better J cabin all the way.
But some members take it a step further, advocating a round-the-world trip. Instead of travelling across the Pacific, flights via the Middle East and Europe are proposed. Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways and Lufthansa have all been suggested, with Qatar receiving a special mention…
I found QR J on the 777 as a couple brilliant. The space is just amazing. 3 windows and nice an open. Yes very different to the angled reverse herringbone, but I wouldn’t call it out of date (still waaaay above EK 777). The big plus for QR is the soft product which is as close to first class as you will get in Business.
What would you choose? Add your suggestions to the mix HERE.
