Article on Maximising QFF Points

[Princess Fiona]

Landed in my inbox a couple of days ago.
Quite an interesting and well researched article except there was no mention of MASA's anywhere
https://flightfox.com/strategy/maximise-your-qantas-frequent-flyer-points

 

[cove]

Yes we received that from another AFF member last week.
As you probably know I have been addicted to frequent flyer points so I am back at my desk with my American Amex considering the purchase of US Air Dividend Miles that should convert to AA miles later this year.
Will we do them in two or four names this month seeing it is a buy 50,000 get 50,000 bonus offer?

 

[cove]

Did 2 for my sons as I think they will morph into AA miles in November as a big maybe.
AA miles don't come with high redemption taxes compared with QF points but this plan could turn turtle if the rumours prove incorrect.

 

[whatmeworry]

Either way buying Dividend Miles which might convert to AA miles, both are are still good programs to have points in.

 

[DaveB]

QF baseline of .74cpp compares to SQ's new .85cpp rate and Citi's .68cpp.
With a large bulk of my spend being on Citi Select, $ spent conversion becomes:
QF - .74cp$;
SQ - 1.13cp$;
Citi - 1.36cp$.
I unfortunately don't have the stamina to navigate VA's website and workout their comparison.

 

[serfty]

Did 2 for my sons as I think they will morph into AA miles in November as a big maybe. ...

I doubt they'll morph in AAdvantage miles come November or any time going forward somewhat into next year.

More than likely though you will be able to redeem these US dividend miles on AA and US and maybe *O flights. (*A redemption would likely be no longer available.)

 

[MH_fan]

Interesting read but I had to laugh when the writer was only prepared to pay double the economy fare to fly in first on a SYD to LAX flight (return, of course) and only a maximum of $2500 for a J ticket. I also had to laugh when the writer was outraged at paying $7500 for a return J ticket between SYD and LAX. I think quite a number of people would easily pay that. I, for one, wouldn't but my limit for a J ticket for SYD-LAX is about $5500.

 

[burmans]

I doubt they'll morph in AAdvantage miles come November or any time going forward somewhat into next year.

More than likely though you will be able to redeem these US dividend miles on AA and US and maybe *O flights. (*A redemption would likely be no longer available.)

I agree with this or at least the first part. I don't think US points will become AA points 1st November, while there will be some limited integration late this year (because the AA gent has announced it) I think those who think this will happen as a big bang will be wrong. History would suggest there will be parrallel US and AA points for a while yet (which could be a problem if you were hoping to combine US and AA points to get to a reward!).

 

[sjd]

Interesting read but I had to laugh when the writer was only prepared to pay double the economy fare to fly in first on a SYD to LAX flight (return, of course) and only a maximum of $2500 for a J ticket.

It is meaningless when a fare would never be available at that price on that leg, it does however highlight well how good value upgrades are particularly from (full) Y, W and J.

Of course JASA were also once such good value too (pending news from QF WP)...

 

[BD1959]

No mention of the International Upgrade lottery:

[h=3]International Round-Trip: Sydney - Los Angeles Upgrade[/h]Again, after confirming that there is an Upgrade Award available on the flight you want, purchase a seat, a Red e-Deal is currently showing $2,556. Before purchasing, read the fine print in the Fare Type to make sure your seat can be upgraded (Sale and some Red e-Deals are not eligible).

Regards,

BD

 

[ferni]

Interesting read but I had to laugh when the writer was only prepared to pay double the economy fare to fly in first on a SYD to LAX flight (return, of course) and only a maximum of $2500 for a J ticket. I also had to laugh when the writer was outraged at paying $7500 for a return J ticket between SYD and LAX. I think quite a number of people would easily pay that. I, for one, wouldn't but my limit for a J ticket for SYD-LAX is about $5500.

I think if you sampled the general public (ie not AFF) you would find a lot of people would never pay 7.5k for a J return SYD-LAX. I think your average Joe wouldn't pay double economy. So not really that funny

 

[MH_fan]

I think if you sampled the general public (ie not AFF) you would find a lot of people would never pay 7.5k for a J return SYD-LAX. I think your average Joe wouldn't pay double economy. So not really that funny

Of course the average Joe wouldn't pay that kind of money but enough people obviously do for QF to fill their J cabins at those outrageous prices. Those who pay for J tickets would find it funny that an airline would even offer a J ticket on that route for $2500. It's more likely you'd pay that price for an economy ticket on QF!

 

[markis10]

Of course the average Joe wouldn't pay that kind of money but enough people obviously do for QF to fill their J cabins at those outrageous prices. Those who pay for J tickets would find it funny that an airline would even offer a J ticket on that route for $2500. It's more likely you'd pay that price for an economy ticket on QF!

Business pays to fly business, $1K after tax is nothing for them in terms of keeping an employee happy who may earn that for them in minutes. It's no do incidence that there are massive J discounts over the holidays.

 

[BD1959]

Business pays to fly business, $1K after tax is nothing for them in terms of keeping an employee happy who may earn that for them in minutes. It's no do incidence that there are massive J discounts over the holidays.

Someone should have a chat with our Corporate Travel Policymakers!!

Regards,

BD

 

[burmans]

I think if you sampled the general public (ie not AFF) you would find a lot of people would never pay 7.5k for a J return SYD-LAX. I think your average Joe wouldn't pay double economy. So not really that funny

I agree, I think the writer probably reflected well the value threshold of the general public. My personal threshold is not that much beyond that of the writer, given I can get J flights for < the price quoted easily enough (buy offers on US and LM, paying tax etc.) why would I be prepared to pay 2-3 times that. A small amount for ease and better otions sure, but not 2 or 3 times as much.

 

[FlightNess]

Landed in my inbox a couple of days ago.
Quite an interesting and well researched article except there was no mention of MASA's anywhere

Hi Everyone, it's Vanessa here from Flightfox. Thank you for all your comments and feedback.

With regards to the article, I had originally written a very technical *research* paper (that's how it read!), and decided to cut it down to make it an accessible summary for all (which I hope it was). We're doing some follow up articles, as there are certain elements to the QFF program that were only touched upon (upgrades, status etc).

Happy to answer any questions about the last article, and I'm also keen to hear your thoughts on MASA's, upgrades and status levels and other suggestions (if you have any you wish to share) before we send out the follow up articles. The idea behind these articles is to help summarise how to get the best out of the QFF program for the "average" person. We don't want to get too technical (so we lose people), but want it to be useful.

I welcome your thoughts! Cheers, Vanessa.