Absolute noob here - would love some advice!

[cloudysilver]

I'm single and don't spend a lot so it's pretty limited in terms of accruing points. Given this scenario, is it worthwhile still trying to point hack?

I am open to getting a credit card that would assist me in getting more points if it's worthwhile.

At the moment, I have Virgin Velocity points but they don't really seem to go anywhere. I did consider fuelling up at BP or at my local service station which is the cheapest in the area even without the 4c/L discount to get more Virgin points but I'm not really sure whether it's worth it. Also I don't really fly domestically - if I do fly, I prefer to fly internationally.

I do have Krisflyer points, and I just discovered that I'm just 2000+ points shy of reaching one free flight from Perth to Singapore (one way). Yay! I have been reading though that the best way to use your points is to get an upgrade or use the lounge as opposed to getting a free flight. Is that true?

 

[perthjay85]

It takes a long time for someone in your shoes.
I'm speaking from experience.

I think it took 4 years before I could take my first flight across Australia in business class.

Definitely stick with it and in a few years you will be right.
Don't use it as a sole means of travel. Use it as a reward.

Keep an eye out for flybuys bonuses. I've picked up over 30,000 flybuys points in the last 8 weeks without going to too much effort.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Not sure what a 'point hack' is. But if you want to accrue lots of points and have limited spending opportunities credit card churning is the way to go. And you need to start this immediately and be ruthless about it.


'I have been reading though that the best way to use your points is to get an upgrade or use the lounge as opposed to getting a free flight. Is that true?'

Not in my experience

 

[ashleyn]

Not sure what a 'point hack' is. But if you to accrue lots of points and have limited spending opportunities credit card churning is the way to go.


'I have been reading though that the best way to use your points is to get an upgrade or use the lounge as opposed to getting a free flight. Is that true?'

Not in my experience

IMHO, it is benefical to pick your end game and put all your eggs (points) in one basket be that QF, Virgin. Choose one scheme then load all the points you can.

 

[TomVexille]

Welcome aboard!

Read read read the the information. You'll be surprised at how quickly points can add up if commit to it. However I don't recommend spending money just for the sake of earning points. You need to work out the value of the point to you (and not anyone else) and spend accordingly.

And yes, upgrades can be some of the best value, but international upgrades on VA are only for those with status so redemptions are probably your best bet.

Also credit card churning can be terrible advice depending on people's individual situation, so do your research.

 

[RooFlyer]

<snip> I have been reading though that the best way to use your points is to get an upgrade or use the lounge as opposed to getting a free flight. Is that true?

Welcome to AFF.

A rule of thumb is that its bad value to redeem for economy flights - because with many airlines (notoriously Qantas, for example), the cash fess, taxes etc can still add up to a lot (they are not "free flights" anymore!), and when specials and discounted paid fares are available, its not much more than the fees and taxes of the points flight.

Its also usually bad value to redeem points for merchandise.

Usually better value to upgrade Economy to Business (but then you have to buy one of the more expensive economy fares) or even to redeem a business seat - but then you have the problem that those with 'status' on the airline usually get first or priority dibs on these.

 

[Spongbob]

All the advice posted above is very wise. I will add: have a specific goal, such as a few reward flight options (e.g. AUS to USA return, AUS to UK return); then decide which FF program is best for these options (i.e. points needed and extra charges, airline international flight partnerships); and finally select credit cards that earn points for your chosen FF program.

 

[JohnK]

IMHO, it is benefical to pick your end game and put all your eggs (points) in one basket be that QF, Virgin. Choose one scheme then load all the points you can.

It is possible to choose an end game but then have the goalposts change.