The Qantas Newbie Questions Thread

another newbie question. I haven't flown international in 10 years so am wondering about the (very specific) instructions about using a 20cm x 20cm resealable plastic bag to pack liquids in. Are they strict about only using that size specifically? Or can I use any largish ziplock bag
In my recent experiences (Dec 22) at MEL and DXB they could not have cared less. They did not even want to see the bag of liquids and gels, it was ok to leave it in my carry on. The size is definitely indicative only - they just don’t want tiny bags or huge ones. Caution: some airports require you to use their special bag eg LHR.
 
In my recent experiences (Dec 22) at MEL and DXB they could not have cared less. They did not even want to see the bag of liquids and gels, it was ok to leave it in my carry on. The size is definitely indicative only - they just don’t want tiny bags or huge ones. Caution: some airports require you to use their special bag eg LHR.
I’ve never been required to use a special LHR bag - they’re identical to the ones you see provided ex-Oz (which I generally use). Take a spare or two from the pile when you leave

Whether you remove LAGs at the X-Ray can be a function of the technology used. Currently SYD T1 it’s still remove to a tray.

What irks me the most is inconsistent rules on iPads…
 
I have read a number of posts where FF recommend using AAdvantage miles to book their flights. Benefits included reduced taxes. Would there be any restrictions in booking an entire trip originating in Australia using AA miles via the AA booking engine. Secondly can you recommend any AFF threads which provide information on how best to access and use AA miles? I have spent the last few hours reading through dozens of threads but can’t find specific newbie information.
 
Would there be any restrictions in booking an entire trip originating in Australia using AA miles via the AA booking engine.
To my knowledge, no.
Secondly can you recommend any AFF threads which provide information on how best to access and use AA miles?
To my knowledge, unless you're willing to get a US credit card or fly with AA a lot, there's no easy way to build up a lot of AA miles while in Australia.
 
I have read that buying miles - when discounted or offered as a special - is really cost effective.
I think that is true if you are using to fly J instead of pay for J but I doubt the same applies for Y.
 
I think that is true if you are using to fly J instead of pay for J but I doubt the same applies for Y.
Yes, and the catch is you normally don't earn points or status credits*. When the AUD is much stronger, it's a more compelling proposition if you're not after status/points.

*some new exceptions for QF Points Club members.
 
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I think that is true if you are using to fly J instead of pay for J but I doubt the same applies for Y.
Sort of. I mean yeah, if you are booking something like SYD > LAX you would likely get better value booking a cash fare, especially with the sales QF and others have been running recently. That being said, there are certain edge cases where buying points even for travel in Y can still make sense such as flying to exotic destinations like LDH or PPT. Similarly, some programs offer flexible routing rules (i.e. Aeroplan) which enables you to effectively get in extra travel for little added cost, such as flying to North America with a stopover in Europe. The other award bookings get you is flexibility in being able to change or cancel awards with minimal penalties.

With all of that said, yes business class awards tend to provide the best value. I've flown SYD to YYZ for ~$2,800 in J earlier this year simply by buying Aeroplan points and redeeming it straightaway for J saver tickets. Yes, it's slightly more pricey than a cash Y fare on AC or UA, but I would argue much better value all things considered.
Yes, and the catch is you normally don't earn points or status credits*. When the AUD is much stronger, it's a more compelling proposition if you're not after status/points.
Unless of course you use your points to upgrade your flight to J or PY. I know it's an absolute lottery at the moment but sometimes it can provide great value, particularly if your employer booked you on a flex fare abroad. But then I would argue that if status is what you are after, you would research the forums to see what the cheapest options are to get you the status you need. For instance, QF during the DSC promotion earlier this year, one could book SYD to AKL in J for $1100 return and earn 480 status credits from the flight which would just about make you a Gold if you are requalifing.

-RooFlyer88
 
But then I would argue that if status is what you are after, you would research the forums to see what the cheapest options are to get you the status you need. For instance, QF during the DSC promotion earlier this year, one could book SYD to AKL in J for $1100 return and earn 480 status credits from the flight which would just about make you a Gold if you are requalifing.
Yes, but not particularly relevant to “buying points” - as per the question above.
 
I’ve never been required to use a special LHR bag - they’re identical to the ones you see provided ex-Oz (which I generally use). Take a spare or two from the pile when you leave

Whether you remove LAGs at the X-Ray can be a function of the technology used. Currently SYD T1 it’s still remove to a tray.

What irks me the most is inconsistent rules on iPads…
The inconsistencies are what gets me! It was 2019, but I had LAGs in a suitable bag and was made to remove them and use the LHR provided bag. You never know about lap tops and iPads and as a person with double knee replacements whether it’s shoes on or shoes off. And then the staff try to make you feel stupid/guilty for not knowing their local rules. And umbrellas!!!!
 
I have read that buying miles - when discounted or offered as a special - is really cost effective.

Very definitely, especially for Premium cabins. I've done the calculations a couple of times on buying/using AA miles, Alaskan miles, Avianca Life Miles and Air Canada Aeroplan miles Vs the business class fare at the time and the miles were between 1/3 and 3/5 the cost of the paid fare. But this will be affected by the exchange rate between A$ and the purchase country currency. At US$/A$ parity, buying AA miles and Alaskan was fantastic value!!

The catch is that the Award seat you want has to be available on the route you want, when you want it. I've been semi-stranded with abt 150,000 Alaskan miles because my intended usage, Australia-HKG on CX, virtually disappeared from the Alaskan program about ?6 years ago. Because they expire, I've had to be careful to keep them alive by occasional crediting hire cars to their program etc. AND I run the risk of a program devaluation the longer I hold the miles. I will get to use them, but that was an example of where it didn't really work out.
 
How early should I arrive for J class QF1 on Christmas Day (25th Sunday) from Sydney? Not sure if everything will be slower on Christmas Day
 
How early should I arrive for J class QF1 on Christmas Day (25th Sunday) from Sydney? Not sure if everything will be slower on Christmas Day
Normally I'd say 4 or 5 hours so you can take advantage of the excellent Emirates lounge, but seeing as the lounge opens at 17:10 it's a moot point. Personally, I'd say maybe 3 hours ahead of time should be fine. You are in J so will have priority check-in, security, passport control, etc. The QF J lounge at SYD is frankly nothing to write home about. Imagine the QF Business lounge in SYD but with better booze and a bit more space.
 
Normally I'd say 4 or 5 hours so you can take advantage of the excellent Emirates lounge, but seeing as the lounge opens at 17:10 it's a moot point. Personally, I'd say maybe 3 hours ahead of time should be fine. You are in J so will have priority check-in, security, passport control, etc. The QF J lounge at SYD is frankly nothing to write home about. Imagine the QF Business lounge in SYD but with better booze and a bit more space.
Yup thank you. I've been following QF1 for the past 2 weeks and it's consistently 1-4+ hours delayed. So there may be a chance for me to visit the Emirates lounge!
 
Yup thank you. I've been following QF1 for the past 2 weeks and it's consistently 1-4+ hours delayed. So there may be a chance for me to visit the Emirates lounge!
I'm flying QF1 on Christmas Eve and would have been able to guest you into the F lounge...
 
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I'm flying QF1 on Christmas Eve and would have been able to guest you into the F lounge...
Oh I responded to your message in the lounge meetups thread. What a shame! Thank you so much though. Hope we can catch each other another time :)

I think I almost booked the same flight as you actually but then it got booked out as I was about to.
 
I left Australia to return to the UK after nearly 20 years in Australia during the pandemic. I have Qantas Gold status so I'm not a complete newbie but I'm really struggling with operating with Qantas out of London. I've got about 130,000 points that I'd like to contribute towards a flight to Japan. I see that the closest places that Qantas flies to out of LHR are Bangkok and Singapore. However, for Bangkok flights in March (dates subject to change) they're asking for more than 1 million points and I can't find any availability for Singapore through points. Is this because international operations are still coming back up to speed or is it just really competitive? Also why so high to Bangkok? I think I managed to bump up from premium economy to business LAX to SYD for less than 100,000. Also as I'm overseas I've retained my gold but I think that expires in June so I'm really hoping to get some status flights in to maintain that and I just can't work out my any options for that. Weekender to New York or something? Any advice greatly appreciated.
 
I left Australia to return to the UK after nearly 20 years in Australia during the pandemic. I have Qantas Gold status so I'm not a complete newbie but I'm really struggling with operating with Qantas out of London. I've got about 130,000 points that I'd like to contribute towards a flight to Japan. I see that the closest places that Qantas flies to out of LHR are Bangkok and Singapore. However, for Bangkok flights in March (dates subject to change) they're asking for more than 1 million points and I can't find any availability for Singapore through points. Is this because international operations are still coming back up to speed or is it just really competitive? Also why so high to Bangkok? I think I managed to bump up from premium economy to business LAX to SYD for less than 100,000. Also as I'm overseas I've retained my gold but I think that expires in June so I'm really hoping to get some status flights in to maintain that and I just can't work out my any options for that. Weekender to New York or something? Any advice greatly appreciated.
The 1mil pts will be “any seat reward”. Basically using points to pay for a revenue fare (very poor value). Select “use points” and “rewards only” to see what if any “classic rewards” are out there.

Yes, reward availability is very scarce. Lots of demand and limited seats. But there are seats on some routes. Use the “multi-sector” search to see more options. You can also look on the AA website to search reward availability and then try and find that on QF.

As far as retaining QF status, that will be hard without flying 4 QF sectors each year. If you want to stay in the OW camp, it might make sense to start again with BA or Qatar. Both have the common Avios points currency. Then work out which would work best for gaining status with future travel plans.
 
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