4 Months In

[kcoulson]

Hi Everyone,
I have only been bitten by the 'frequent flyer collecting bug' for 4 months - and I just cannot believe the great progress. Thanks to focus (credit card applications and spending, shopping portals, joining hotel clubs before staying, some economy flights) but not altering any spending patterns - the results at the end of 4 months are unbelievable.
I will have over 250k Qantas, will have 280k velocity soon (thanks Amex), have purchased the max of Aadvantage, and are about to focus on Krisflyer (not sure about Alaskan). I just wish that I had started sooner! At this stage I am focused on the 'collecting' not the practical aspects of 'redeeming'.
This is a great site, that I find very addictive - and invaluable for tips. Thanks Everyone!

 

[Hvr]

Well you've begun. Now to enjoy the reward, plan your trips in the front cabins and share the trip with us here.

Long may it last and you keep enjoying the thrill of chase.

 

[samh004]

Sounds like you've really capitalised on the information available here, congrats!

 

[davel]

Wow! Did you start from zero balances four months ago? If so that's a great result!

 

[kcoulson]

Pretty much yes, zero balances (in the past I used points for a Kitchenaid mixmaster, toasters, irons, lots of magazine subscriptions, watches, etc). Of course, I won't be able to keep up with the credit card churning - the most lucrative points area. That aspect is limited (pity).

 

[Mattg]

Congrats, that is a mighty fine effort indeed.

I'm sure that some of the knowledgeable people here will be happy to assist you with suggestions on how to spend those points, but here is my 2 cents. 280,000 Qantas points is enough to fly around the world in business class on a oneworld award. If that sounds appealing to you, then go for it!

And with Velocity, don't forget that two of the world's best first class products can be booked with Velocity points (Etihad "The Residence" and Singapore Airlines Suites). I'd be looking to try one of those out - or both.

Whatever you do - make sure you don't waste any of those hard-earned points on kitchen appliances!

Good luck and have fun.

 

[davel]

Care to share how you racked up so many points in such a short period? I'm pretty sure I've been at it much longer than you have yeet still don't have as many points as you do.

I must be doing something wrong...

 

[TomVexille]

And with Velocity, don't forget that two of the world's best first class products can be booked with Velocity points (Etihad "The Residence" and Singapore Airlines Suites). I'd be looking to try one of those out - or both.

Residence is not available for points. But the Apartments are

 

[TomVexille]

Care to share how you racked up so many points in such a short period? I'm pretty sure I've been at it much longer than you have yeet still don't have as many points as you do.

I must be doing something wrong...

Couple of credit card sign-ups sounds like a big chunk of those points.

 

[kcoulson]

No big secret, just the culmination of making every spend count - and always choosing points over convenience.

I have applied for the amex velocity for myself and my hubby (getting the bonus too); plus DJ Amex; plus Citibank; plus CBA CC. That was a lot of points. The DJ Amex is a great earner for groceries and petrol (2.25 points per $1).
Plus I have been doing surveys; using the Qantas Cash Card for bonuses; booking restaurants and hotels through the Qantas portal; and pushing everyday spending through the Citibank card (school fees $$$, power, water, medical, dental/orthodontist, insurance, rates, rego, Telstra via paypal). I also use the velocity and Qantas portal (then I can get attractive points from both the portal and using the rewarding credit card) - for Ebay, book depository, and a lot of other shops...Velocity has 240+. When we travel, I also joined Starwood and Club Carlson (based on the hotels we were staying at for that trip). I also collected bonuses from the hotel clubs for small adaptions. I also collect points on hire cars. Plus, we changed to petrol from BP for Velocity. I have discovered that there is a way to get points for pretty much every transaction. I particularly like getting 2 lots of points (from credit card, and separately for the transaction).

I have also taken advantage of the points earning from some of the credit cards I got. (due to the quantity of credit cards, I have to write it all down to remember which card is 'best' for which transaction). For example, I can get 3 points per $1 buying at Mcdonalds or KFC (or a restaurant). I can get 2.6 points per $1 on overseas transactions. I can get 2 points per $1 for accommodation (plus those from using the portal). Hubby has to ring me, to ask which credit card to use when he buys something.

I have also made mistakes - and have learnt from them. (lots of mistakes)

Plus, we got some points for 4 people to Europe return, and some domestic flights in Europe and Australia.

Yes - it has been effort. I think that it will be worth it though, we have never flown anything other than economy. Can't wait!

 

[Limewood]

Cant go wrong buying US miles, have used Alaskan a few times, found them very efficient too.

About to depart to Europe using USDM (now AA) paid about 1/3 retail price for J.

I'm a FF points chaser too, used them on numerous long haul flights over the years, Mrs Lime & self like sitting up the pointy end etc.

and yep your doing real well, congrats.

 

[kcoulson]

I just wish that I could convince others in our immediate family to jump onboard - I have offered to buy them supermarket vouchers at 5% off and it would be win/win. I get the credit card points, and they get a discount. Most people are a bit lazy though, and can't be bothered!

 

[JohnK]

Well you've begun. Now to enjoy the reward, plan your trips in the front cabins and share the trip with us here.

Can you enjoy the reward travelling at the back?

 

[kcoulson]

Our goal is to try business class for long-haul. Hubby not keen to 'waste' points on upgrading our kids on any flights though - although I have pointed out that if it can be achieved for the same price as economy (Aadvantage or Alaskan) it would be mean not to. Happy to sit in economy for domestic trips.

 

[davel]

Wow. You sound like you've got all your bases covered well!

I didn't realise that your balances were from you and your hubby. I think I may have to try and convince the missus to sign up for the Velocity Amex for the 110k bonus.

 

[Limewood]

Its hard trying to find 4 x J seats, virtually impossible, put the kids in Y and hope for upgrade, or not

Mrs Lime and self have different Plat. CC, Woolies cards etc. and when we apply for the big CC points offers we do it separately.

 

[amaroo]

Its hard trying to find 4 x J seats, virtually impossible,

Beg to differ :mrgreen:

the kids in Y and hope for upgrade, or not

Better still ... put them in J and fly F :idea:

 

[JessicaTam]

Welcome to AFF kcoulson. I look forward to hearing how you put those points to good use.

 

[dvb2000]

Who got the million points? or was the email I got (Our Frequent Flyer Millionaire!) from Australian Frequent Flyer Gazette, nothing but click bait?

 

[neverhappy]

Congrats, that is a mighty fine effort indeed.

I'm sure that some of the knowledgeable people here will be happy to assist you with suggestions on how to spend those points, but here is my 2 cents. 280,000 Qantas points is enough to fly around the world in business class on a oneworld award. If that sounds appealing to you, then go for it!

And with Velocity, don't forget that two of the world's best first class products can be booked with Velocity points (Etihad "The Residence" and Singapore Airlines Suites). I'd be looking to try one of those out - or both.

Whatever you do - make sure you don't waste any of those hard-earned points on kitchen appliances!

Good luck and have fun.

You cannot book the Residence using Velocity or Etihad Guest Points, you can however book Etihad's First Apartment