MEL-DPS (return) or MEL-AKL in J using points

[jaseb]

Hi all
I've accumulated some QFF points and have an impromptu week off in 3 weeks time. I've never flown business before and would like to experience this for the first time (paying with points) either by flying to DPS for a week, or perhaps NZ (AKL most likely)?

Which journey offers the best business class experience w/ QF or a codeshare partners?

Thanks in advance

 

[sudoer]

I've accumulated some QFF points and have an impromptu week off in 3 weeks time. I've never flown business before and would like to experience this for the first time (paying with points) either by flying to DPS for a week, or perhaps NZ (AKL most likely)?

Which journey offers the best business class experience w/ QF or a codeshare partners?

MEL-SYD-CHC on QF A330 and EK A380 would be a good taster for J class - or if you can save enough points go for EK first class!

54k points each way + tax (including the MEL-SYD flight) and you get access to the SYD F lounge.

 

[jaseb]

Looking to travel oubtound on 02/06/2019 and return 09/06/2019 - EK412 / EK413 don't show up as options when searching the reward booking engine... Do I need to call?

 

[sudoer]

Looking to travel oubtound on 02/06/2019 and return 09/06/2019 - EK412 / EK413 don't show up as options when searching the reward booking engine... Do I need to call?

Given that's in just over a week, I'd imagine there is no classic award availability left. Unfortunately for premium cabins you often need to book months (if not close to a year) in advance.

 

[jaseb]

I figured this would be the case (have been beginning to plan to book a OWA so am aware of the requirement to book well ahead).

Damn, looks like I'll hold onto my points and pay for the return economy fare Thanks all the same!

 

[jase05]

Definitely is availability on EK J and F on those days departing from SYD.
For the same amount of points you could do a multi city search. The EK flight departs early morning so you need to be in SYD the night before anyway and on the 09/06/19 you can get the last flight back to MEL if it suits.
Would look like:
01/06/19 MEL-SYD QF492 2030-2155 J 737-800
02/06/19 SYD-CHC EK412 0750-1255 J A380
09/06/19 CHC-SYD EK413 1805-1925 J A380
09/06/19 SYD-MEL QF497 2205-2340 J A332
Would cost 72,000 QFF points plus $268.67
Or for a better experience you could do the above but in F both ways on EK for 108,000 QFF points plus $268.67

 

[jaseb]

Thankyou! I've now booked something very similar!

Flying first (with EK no less) before having ever flown business might be a huge mistake!

 

[Eija]

Thankyou! I've now booked something very similar!

Flying first (with EK no less) before having ever flown business might be a huge mistake!

You have chosen wisely young grasshopper Besides, you will be required to pass through J on your way to the bar

 

[sudoer]

Excellent outcome. EK F is never a huge mistake - enjoy your trip!

 

[jaseb]

Shame I'm going to be at SYD early before the outward flight and making a fairly quick domestic connection on the way home, I won't have time to enjoy the F lounge / spa.

 

[jaseb]

Which lounge(s) can I access?
I presume there's almost no point hitting the lounge in Melbourne or Sydney on the way out given the early starts.

How about Christchurch or and/or Sydney on the way back?

01/06 - QF414 (MEL - SYD) - Depart 0900 Arrive 0925 - Economy
02/06 - EK412 (SYD - CHC) - Depart 0750 Arrive 1255 - First
09/06 - EK413 (CHC- SYD) - Depart 1805 Arrive 1925 - First
09/06 - QF414 (SYD - MEL) - Depart 2205 Arrive 2340 - Business

 

[sudoer]

Melbourne- no lounge access (unless you have OW status) as no same-day onward flight in J or F.
Sydney- F lounge. Definitely worth grabbing some breakfast although too early for the spa.
Christchurch- Manaia lounge. Don't arrive early for this one ...
Sydney domestic- QF dom J lounge.