AFF Point Valuations

[CaptJCool]

I think point valuations are to give you an idea of the *minimum* value you should be getting. If Qantas points are valued at 1.6c each, you shouldn’t be redeeming them for less.

That would be the cost of the toaster divided by the points they want.

If you are getting more than 1.6c per point, you’re on the right track. In many cases you can get far more than the valuation… maybe 3-9 cents per point (for example a business class redemption depending on the route).

That was the pointy of the FF Programs
To find ways to acquire points for free (or next to nothing) eg creditcard sign on bonuses.
And then To find ways to fly for free or at the lowest cost one could find

That’s why the co-payments for premium J or F dilute this equation
If the cheapest QF F fare from Sydney to LHR return is A$13,999 then what’s the savings gained by booking through various programs (eg QF AA IB or nah of the other One World programs)

 

[burmans]

I think point valuations are to give you an idea of the *minimum* value you should be getting. If Qantas points are valued at 1.6c each, you shouldn’t be redeeming them for less.

That would be the cost of the toaster divided by the points they want.

If you are getting more than 1.6c per point, you’re on the right track. In many cases you can get far more than the valuation… maybe 3-9 cents per point (for example a business class redemption depending on the route).

This is only true IMO if you value a redemption at the exorbitant price the airline quotes. I for one don’t and indeed was the main reason I joined this forum, that’s the only way I’ll get flights at a price I’m prepared to pay. And that to me is the only way to value points, what you’d be prepared to pay in cash!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

That was the pointy of the FF Programs
To find ways to acquire points for free (or next to nothing) eg creditcard sign on bonuses.
And then To find ways to fly for free or at the lowest cost one could find

That’s why the co-payments for premium J or F dilute this equation
If the cheapest QF F fare from Sydney to LHR return is A$13,999 then what’s the savings gained by booking through various programs (eg QF AA IB or nah of the other One World programs)

But there are ways around the program being diluted by fees and surcharges.

For example when I was commuting on VA (business class) I used the points to redeem future flights (also in business).

The thousands of dollars saved went to buying aeroplan points. Aeroplan has no fuel surcharges (except on EK). Travelled farther and cheaper than if I’d used the points directly through Velocity to fly anywhere. Same applies to QF.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

This is only true IMO if you value a redemption at the exorbitant price the airline quotes. I for one don’t and indeed was the main reason I joined this forum, that’s the only way I’ll get flights at a price I’m prepared to pay. And that to me is the only way to value points, what you’d be prepared to pay in cash!

I actually agree with this (and don’t necessarily agree with points valuations on the various blogs).

Redeeming through Aeroplan the cost of a return business class to Europe is ~AUD4200, plus actual government and air0rt taxes (maybe $300).

So the most I value a redemption to Europe on Qantas or anyone else is $4500.

That’s still works out to a value of QF points of about 1.5c by the time you account for the number of points plus co-pay.