![Marriott Bonvoy Status Match [2020]](https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/app/uploads/2020/08/marriott-bonvoy-phone-150x150.jpg)
The Qantas oneworld awards are arguably one of the best ways to use Qantas points. For 140,000 Qantas points one can travel up to 35,000 miles, with up to 5 stopovers anywhere in the world along the way. The only other rules are that there needs to be travel on at least two oneworld airlines (other than Qantas), and the maximum number of sectors is 16. It’s a cracker of a deal and, as you can imagine, this type of ticket can be used to travel pretty much anywhere in the world – even around the world – for just the cost of the taxes.
As well as the economy oneworld award for 140,000 points, travellers can book this ticket in business class for 280,000 points or first class for 420,000 points. Unsurprisingly, the business class oneworld award is particularly popular.
This week our member Daver6 sets out on a trip to Israel for a relative’s wedding. However, with enough points for a oneworld award, they won’t be flying direct. Instead, our member will first fly to Namibia in southern Africa!
Booked with trip as a OWE 280k J trip flying a mixture of QF, BA (Comair), QR and RJ. Holiday commences on 29th May and away for roughly a month. The main reason for this trip is my brothers wedding. Namibia seemed on the way (yes I know) and I’ve always wanted to visit.
The booking process wasn’t entirely without hiccups, unfortunately. One of the main catches of any award flight booking is that it is subject to availability. Unable to secure business class seats on the long flight to South Africa, it looks like our member might have to sit in premium economy. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean our member will be refunded any points. Despite attempts to have business seats released, an upgrade does not look to be forthcoming.
Another request was put in to release some J seats and denied again. Not surprised, but disappointed given so many onsold J seats. Seems they are saving them for people wanting to put in upgrade requests.
Fortunately, most other flights were available in business class.
After several days of flying our member will begin this exciting trip by spending ten days in Namibia, visiting Etosha, Swakopmund and Sossusvlei. This is set to be another interesting trip report in some parts of the world not often covered on AFF. Follow along HERE.
