Status run using Points + Pay

[Keasm]

Afternoon all

I'm currently 120 SC off retaining my Platinum status and am looking at doing a Mel-Chch return run in a single day. I'm a bit strapped for cash so was looking at using Points + Pay (and yes - well aware that this is a terrible use of QFF points), but wanted to confirm that it still grants the SCs etc. I suspect it does but before I blow nearly 200k in points looking for broader insight.

Also - has anyone done a return trip in a day like this before? Does immigration/passport control raise any issues etc? I won't be leaving the airport in Chch, and will simply disembark and make my way to departures

Cheers

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Afternoon all

I'm currently 120 SC off retaining my Platinum status and am looking at doing a Mel-Chch return run in a single day. I'm a bit strapped for cash so was looking at using Points + Pay (and yes - well aware that this is a terrible use of QFF points), but wanted to confirm that it still grants the SCs etc. I suspect it does but before I blow nearly 200k in points looking for broader insight.

Also - has anyone done a return trip in a day like this before? Does immigration/passport control raise any issues etc? I won't be leaving the airport in Chch, and will simply disembark and make my way to departures

Cheers

Do you have PC? Is it worthwhile considering a few domestic trips?

 

[SeatBackForward]

P+P earns SC as a fully paid fare would - that's why it has the terrible points conversion rate - but if you have the points to burn and need the SC's then its a reasonable use of them in my opinion.

As for the turnaround - assuming you're travelling under an Australian passport, I doubt anyone will care, you might asked, then just say "doing status run to earn points".

 

[Himeno]

Points+pay is just a normal ticket with a part of it being paid for with points (you can do the same with Qantas Hotels). You get points/SCs just like any other paid flight.

As long as you're not flagged in the ABF system for some reason, there shouldn't be anything to worry about.

 

[Keasm]

Do you have PCs? Is it worthwhile considering a few domestic trips?

Apologies - can't remember what PC stands for

Thanks to the other two members confirm P&P though! Greatly appreciated!

 

[SeatBackForward]

Apologies - can't remember what PC stands for

Thanks to the other two members confirm P&P though! Greatly appreciated!

Points Club - Although I don't know much more about this either.

 

[Keasm]

Points Club - Although I don't know much more about this either.

No worries - I do have Points Club Plus, but it probably isn't enough to do the job!

 

[AIRwin]

Hurry 30% off for bookings until 30 June!

30% off Qantas Points Plus Pay during June 2023

Doing a search tonight and noticed that there is 30% off points + pay?

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[Keasm]

Hurry 30% off for bookings until 30 June!

30% off Qantas Points Plus Pay during June 2023

Doing a search tonight and noticed that there is 30% off points + pay?

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

Heh - have to admit that was a timely sale! Thanks for the reminder

 

[_TheTraveller_]

No worries - I do have Points Club Plus, but it probably isn't enough to do the job!

Depending on how much CHC B2B will cost you, OOL/BNE-MEL r/t would net you 56 SCs in J and depending where you're based you can couple that with position to get you to 120SCs. Perhaps a weekend away might sound better than CHC b2b?

But if you're points rich and time poor (including cashing) then a quick hop to CHC would be fine.

 

[Keasm]

Depending on how much CHC B2B will cost you, OOL/BNE-MEL r/t would net you 56 SCs in J and depending where you're based you can couple that with position to get you to 120SCs. Perhaps a weekend away might sound better than CHC b2b?

But if you're points rich and time poor (including cashing) then a quick hop to CHC would be fine.

Cheers - I've found a good outbound leg on classic awards for 18k, and then a business class return on the same day via Sydney for 167k P&P which should provide 135 SC. More than enough to retain!

Shouldn't have this problem next year (cross fingers)! Thanks for all the advice - really appreciated

 

[GCC]

The last time I was in a similar situation I contacted QFF to ask about the possibility of a “comp” to retain WP and the offer was 100k points to retain. I don’t know if this is still the case, and it was before the changes to premium call centres, but it might be worth a try before you burn more points, money and time?

 

[Keasm]

The last time I was in a similar situation I contacted QFF to ask about the possibility of a “comp” to retain WP and the offer was 100k points to retain. I don’t know if this is still the case, and it was before the changes to premium call centres, but it might be worth a try before you burn more points, money and time?

Yeah - might give them a call tomorrow to see what the story is. I'll be 90% of the way there so will be interesting to see what they say. I've had luck with them before on a similar inquiry but that was 10 years ago.....

 

[clifford]

Points Club.

CBR-SYD-OOL (or similar) return x 2 - = 144 SC at a cost of 73,600 points.

Done and dusted.

And you could enjoy yourself on the Gold Coast too.

 

[elanshin]

Points club flights:

SYD> CBR > MEL is ~18k points and $130 in taxes for J for 36 points a pop.

 

[Seat0B]

I’m loving all these clever ideas for Points Club SC when you need a few to maintain status. I had not thought of that until recently and just booked a CBR-SYD-OOL trip to fill the gap and ensure I keep WP for another year.

 

[Mwenenzi]

I'm currently 120 SC off retaining my Platinum status and am looking at doing a Mel-Chch return run in a single day. I'm a bit strapped for cash so was looking at using Points + Pay (and yes - well aware that this is a terrible use of QFF points), but wanted to confirm that it still grants the SCs etc. I suspect it does but before I blow nearly 200k in points looking for broader insight.

Also - has anyone done a return trip in a day like this before? Does immigration/passport control raise any issues etc? I won't be leaving the airport in Chch, and will simply disembark and make my way to departures

CHC does not have a transit door/security like AKL, MEL, SYD. Have seen a "transit" sign on the glass wall at CHC, but does not point anywhere.
You may have to formally enter NZ and go back through security/emigration. CHC is not busy when QF133 arrives and on time performance is OK. If QF133 is very late a new game.
CHC Manaia lounge is to the right after escaping the duty free maze. Is CHC-SYD-MEL on EK/QF or QF/QF?
[AKL would be easier]

JQ with bundle can be a better SC per $ than QF fares.
Cheapest QF fare can have worse SC per $ than a more expensive QF fare.

 

[Keasm]

CHC does not have a transit door/security like AKL, MEL, SYD. Have seen a "transit" sign on the glass wall at CHC, but does not point anywhere.
You may have to formally enter NZ and go back through security/emigration. CHC is not busy when QF133 arrives and on time performance is OK. If QF133 is very late a new game.
CHC Manaia lounge is to the right after escaping the duty free maze. Is CHC-SYD-MEL on EK/QF or QF/QF?
[AKL would be easier]

JQ with bundle can be a better SC per $ than QF fares.
Cheapest QF fare can have worse SC per $ than a more expensive QF fare.

Cheers - wasn't sure if Chc allowed me to just get back on my return flight without first entering the country. As an airport tend to find its quieter/easier than Auckland. Plus the times seem to line up pretty good (noting as you say if QF133 is late then it'll change my day!)

Ideally I would prefer to save my points for something more memorable but keen to retain WP so there we go.

Manaia isn't a bad lounge either having passed thru there a few times!

 

[Flyfrequently]

Curious to know what you decided to do @Keasm to solve, as you say, your first world problem

 

[CaptJCool]

or did you get this advantage?

20% Reduction in Platinum/Platinum One Retention Thresholds (July/Aug/Sept Membership Year Ends)

Which is exactly what I said - it is all about 2023 cut-off, there is zilch support for 2024 cut-off. Status always carries into the next year once earnt. But this year a lot of people wont have actually earnt it, but get it anyway because of a last minute 20% disocunt. It's also what I said...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

so could cancel the P&P flights?