Burning 40k SkyTeam miles and ? for MEL-HKG

[global_nomad]

Hi all,

I have 40k SkyTeam points that expire in August and so I thought I'd treat myself to a 4/5 day visit to Hong Kong for my birthday (mid-April). I'll redeem the SkyTeam points for the HKG-MEL leg, maybe with a 14h stopover in Taipei for fun, but haven't figured out the outbound leg.

As far as I can tell, some options are:
- Using 28k QFF miles + $60 taxes
- Purchasing a QFF flight (seen for $465) so I can earn 60SC on my way to Gold (I've reached Silver but that doesn't account for much)...
- Purchasing a one-way SG flight (seen for $396) and getting KrisFlyer miles

After years of relying on low-cost carriers in Europe, I'm still new to the points thing. Any ideas? Am I looking at this all wrong?

I'm still new to this forum, so please let me know if this question belongs elsewhere! Thanks in advance!

 

[Mattg]

Not sure what you mean by "SkyTeam" points? SkyTeam does not have its own program, rather the member airlines all have their own.

To answer your question, only you can really decide which is the best option. If you have enough Qantas points, then booking a classic award is probably the most cost-effective choice. But of course you won't earn SC towards Gold membership. If that is important to you, and you think that you'll realistically be able to achieve status going forward then booking a paid fare is certainly an option worth considering.

To maximise points & SCs, you may also wish to consider flying back via SIN, BKK or NRT, or going on a little status run in Asia.

Enjoy your trip

 

[global_nomad]

Not sure what you mean by "SkyTeam" points? SkyTeam does not have its own program, rather the member airlines all have their own.

Thanks Matt! How silly of me, they are Flying Blue miles. I was thinking in terms of SkyTeam since in order to use them from AU, I'd have to go through a partner. The status run idea sounds interesting, I'll look into it.

Thanks again!