AFF on Air Discussion thread

[kangarooflyer88]

OK thanks. Am trying to book a one world award for 4 people (like a did in 2019) and finding the challenge daunting. Will keep trying whilst considering alternative ways to use QFF points for a family trip.

I think the key is to look where everyone else isn't looking. For instance, heading to Europe, many people would think of the obvious like QF to FCO or LHR, or perhaps QF to SIN, then connecting on with BA to LHR but there are many more destinations covered by OneWorld partners. One tool I found that is useful in constructing a routing with availability is FlightConnections which provides a route network for the various airlines. For instance, did you know that Qantas classic award partner, China Airlines flies between Taipei and Sydney? Or that Emirates flies between Mexico City and Barcelona? Well, now you know!

-RooFlyer88

 

[BriarFlyer]

For instance, did you know that Qantas classic award partner, China Airlines flies between Taipei and Sydney? Or that Emirates flies between Mexico City and Barcelona? Well, now you know!

-RooFlyer88

But neither airline is in One World, hence no use whatsoever in building a OWA which @markyb stated they were trying to do -- "Am trying to book a one world award for 4 people (like a did in 2019.)"

 

[kangarooflyer88]

But neither airline is in One World, hence no use whatsoever in building a OWA which @markyb stated they were trying to do -- "Am trying to book a one world award for 4 people (like a did in 2019.)"

Whether it makes sense to book a OneWorld award is up for debate. Certainly for round the world itineraries you can certainly save quite a few points but it does have the restriction of only using OneWorld carriers!

-RooFlyer88

 

[markyb]

Whether it makes sense to book a OneWorld award is up for debate. Certainly for round the world itineraries you can certainly save quite a few points but it does have the restriction of only using OneWorld carriers!

-RooFlyer88

@BriarFlyer is correct - I am after a OneWorld award - but trying to break it up into two holidays by starting the first trip from an airport overseas. Am flexible and open to using the points in different ways - but it's finding availability particularly for 4 in J that's the challenge. Will keep searching. Thanks for your replies

 

[levelnine]

I am after a OneWorld award - but trying to break it up into two holidays by starting the first trip from an airport overseas. Am flexible and open to using the points in different ways - but it's finding availability particularly for 4 in J that's the challenge. Will keep searching. Thanks for your replies

4 in J will be close to impossible. It rules out most oneworld airlines.

One of the rare occasions on which it might be possible is this Friday. Qantas will release thousands of classic award seats at 11am. If you are ready to book at 11am Friday, you might get lucky as they may release 4 J seats on some routes.

Expect them to go within minutes of release.

 

[markyb]

4 in J will be close to impossible. It rules out most oneworld airlines.

One of the rare occasions on which it might be possible is this Friday. Qantas will release thousands of classic award seats at 11am. If you are ready to book at 11am Friday, you might get lucky as they may release 4 J seats on some routes.

Expect them to go within minutes of release.

I found 4 for travel in 2019 so hoped I could repeat the feat now with worldwide travel opening up. Have airlines tightened the screws on award seats?

Thanks for the heads up about Friday. How would I find out about such releases in future?

 

[levelnine]

Have airlines tightened the screws on award seats?

Thanks for the heads up about Friday. How would I find out about such releases in future?

Yes, considerably. You might as well be comparing award availability with 1970 — the world of award travel is completely different post-COVID. Indeed, there was a recent AFF webinar on how bad the situation is post-COVID: FF Solutions - Webinar - Surviving the Award Availability Dumpster Fire How to Use Your Points in 2023

By visiting frequent flyer websites like this one.

 

[Mwenenzi]

As the thread topic is "AFF on Air Discussion thread" and the last podcast was months ago posts are getting way off topic

 

[RooFlyer]

OK thanks. Am trying to book a one world award for 4 people (like a did in 2019) and finding the challenge daunting. Will keep trying whilst considering alternative ways to use QFF points for a family trip.

you might want to consider Award Flight Assist - a service for exactly your situation.

As the thread topic is "AFF on Air Discussion thread" and the last podcast was months ago posts are getting way off topic

AFFers will always fill a vacuum

 

[ChrisMars]

Can't wait to hear the next AFF on Air episode. It's meant to resume this month right?

 

[AFF Editor]

It's meant to resume this month right?

Yes, later this month is the current plan.

 

[Minimalist]

I'm missing the podcast also. Hope all is well with Matt and it can return soon.

 

[Revenge]

I’m really starting to miss my fortnightly hit!

 

[Bazzi]

I’m missing you too Matt

 

[AFF Editor]

After a much-needed break, I can confirm that the next episode will be released on Saturday 25 March.

 

[Minimalist]

After a much-needed break, I can confirm that the next episode will be released on Saturday 25 March.

That's great Matt! Thank you.

 

[Squirrel.Monkey]

After a much-needed break, I can confirm that the next episode will be released on Saturday 25 March.

Yay!

 

[AFF Editor]

Episode #99 is now available, and features an interview with Bonza's CEO Tim Jordan.

Podcast Episode #99: Bonza Launches Flights in Australia + Qantas Double Status Credits

Listen now! This episode was released on 25 March, 2023.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

Happy listening!

 

[Townsend]

Great to have you back! Thanks

 

[AFF Editor]

The 100th episode is available now (and I can't quite believe we made it to 100)!

To celebrate this milestone, I spoke to the founder of AFF (Clifford, now known as @AFF_Founder) and @QF WP, one of the original moderators and the third person to ever join AFF, about the website's history. Enjoy

Podcast Episode #100: The History of AFF

Listen now! This episode was released on 15 April, 2023.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au