Am I a Frequent Flyer???

[Blackadder]

Not a Frequent flyer here, One return trip to the US in Y+ or J, plus Instant Upgrade runs gets most of my points/sc, with a handful of points/sc coming from Dom Red e-deals.

 

[flyingfan]

With the bossreggie AKL lunch, I went to the bank and took cash out. The bill was well over $20kAUD and it didn't even cross my mind that there were some 40,000 frequent flyer points I was missing out on.

The screams of a thousand AFFers at this!

This amount of points is approaching my "feeling uncomfortable level" as I've heard too many horror stories regarding Ansett & the gazillion of points that were forever lost & seen QF devalue my points (and yours) by increasing the point re-deemption cost:evil:

For a while I was a points hoarder too but then I started thinking about what a massive waste it would be if something happened to me/the airline (all that about the richest stiff in the graveyard). So I used them. I decided to go for WP and taste what it was like once even if it cost all my points, and got there using the rather poor-value MEL-SYD JASAs (this was before I found AFF and the TSV et al runs). Now I've been able to rebuild my balance a bit and save up for more flights, but I don't aim for a big balance any more.

In bossreggie's sense of a frequent flyer I'm probably about 80% of the way - I try to put everything through points-earning credit cards and have turned into a status chaser (I didn't know I was a SFSC until I found AFF ) but there would be many out there who do a heck more optimising. In the sense of flying frequently, my current career precludes that and I read the tales like those of TonyHancock with envy

 

[cove]

We have not even started discussing the points total being sub 10 million!

 

[Boris spatsky]

I must admit that i am an AFFF. After a number of years at the front of the plane in seat 0A, i took a job change for a number of reasons and then it was a lot of J international travel plus plenty of domestic.

I still love flying, even as a passenger. I am like Judd and get agitated when i don't have an int'l trip planned for a few months. I love J and F travel, but loathe Y, especially with kids (my own).

I happily take large sums of cash away with me. Never had an issue. But i do strive to spend on CC where i can. I am about to switch jobs again soon where i will lose J travel, so am trying to build points to use for upgrades.

Hopefully i will get back to seat 0A soon. Until then, happy flying as a J pax!

 

[Oneworldplus2]

I use a credit card where possible, rarely carry any cash, ever. Have a WOW EDRCC (among others) and even though l get WOW offers *almost* weekly, l rarely take advantage of it.
BR, I wouldn't advise (or advertise) carrying 20k around like loose change (for a restaurant bill), there could always be the off chance that there is a nut case reading these message boards and be out for a quick buck.

Don't have a huge stack of points (~140k), just burned ~200k, but building it up again (slowly).

My travel has slowed down a lot since l stopped FIFO ex PER/SYD. Still like to fly once/twice a month though.

 

[lovestotravel]

there could always be the off chance that there is a nut case reading these message boards and be out for a quick buck.

Yep.... As I keep saying, some things are best kept quiet.............

 

[bossreggie]

BR, I wouldn't advise (or advertise) carrying 20k around like loose change (for a restaurant bill), there could always be the off chance that there is a nut case reading these message boards and be out for a quick buck.

Yep.... As I keep saying, some things are best kept quiet.............

I understand..... I was speaking in past tense and I assure you that I have things in place to assure me that I will be OK.

I do really appreciate your concern though.

Thanks

Boss

 

[ajca]

@bossreggie Was just wondering how you even get $20k out of the ATM? I would be surprised to learn that ATMs even have that much cash in them at one time!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Interesting topic

I don't use credit cards for the purpose of points earning, although for a bill of $20K, or for tax, then I would consider it as its basically a [cough] 'free' flight somewhere. In addition, for a purchase that large, I'd take advantage of the 55 days interest free and earn my 5.5% on the 20K for 55 days. But that's just me.

Overseas, I'd rather use 28 degrees because of the savings, rather than the points I'll earn.

 

[Globetrotter]

@bossreggie Was just wondering how you even get $20k out of the ATM? I would be surprised to learn that ATMs even have that much cash in them at one time!

How funny but very true Re ATM... I think maybe Boss paid using EFTPOS = cash (?) or maybe he had $19k on him and just needed an extra $1k.

 

[bossreggie]

@bossreggie Was just wondering how you even get $20k out of the ATM? I would be surprised to learn that ATMs even have that much cash in them at one time!

Hey there.....

You probably mis-read my post. I said I went to the bank. I have a bank account in NZ as I am there very often.

Boss

 

[bossreggie]

How funny but very true Re ATM... I think maybe Boss paid using EFTPOS = cash (?) or maybe he had $19k on him and just needed an extra $1k.

I paid in full with cash..... i.e...... The folding stuff!!

Boss

 

[Princess Fiona]

Loved reading all the posts Thanks for starting a great thread Bossreggie
Since stumbling across this forum in 2009 I have become an AFF in every sense except the flying part ( kind-of).
I don't fly anything like the BIS miles as some of you but I love every single minute of it when I do.
I make WP quite easily every year mostly thanks to QF International travel. I took up the DJ status match and will continue to keep that status as I prefer to direct my domestic flying to DJ than Deathstar.
Cash:
What's that ???
On my last trip to LHR I had an empty wallet full of cards for 4 days after arriving. I always use Cards whenever possible and have my FF number on everything it can go on.
I don't see any reason not to collect points.
I've done one JASA and have another booked.
No FASA'S but would love to do one.

I have gained more knowledge from 3 years on this forum than I ever could have imagined when I first plucked up the courage to ask a question.

Confession Time:
I know I've truly gone to the dark-side now as I'm going on one of those crazy 8 leg SC runs next month in the LOTFAP
TR to follow :mrgreen:

 

[elbarto]

Getting back on topic:

I wouldn't consider myself a frequent flyer. I fly maybe five or six times per year almost always for personal purposes.

I have to agree with docjames and simongr about what the points provide. If it wasn't for putting everything on the credit card and taking up bonus points offers at woolies, I'd never have been able to fly J to London or on BA1 to New York. Almost all of my J flying has been because of points or as a result of my partner working for British Airways.

As for flying itself. I love it. I suppose we both have something to be envious of the other for?

 

[moa999]

An interesting thread br.

Cash. I am averse to change so use cards where possible, even more now that the rollout of tap machines is becoming more frequent (and have just got new Amex cards). Most I would carry is a$300, maybe a bit more is. I won't go out of my way for points but if they are available will take them.

Flights. Domestically I have done enough 6am flights that there is no joy in it. Internationally there is still that romantic attraction to flying, the premium cabins, the lounges and more importantly the destination helps with this.

Ffer. Guilty. Think I joined this site in 2006 when I was moving jobs. Since then 3 done fares, some fasas and jasas, wp since and just made LTG. Got an Amex Plat charge, 28degrees, Woolworths Qantas card and pay my taxes through an Optus portal. Flying has been a combination of work and personal, but I have been to many more destinations than I would have otherwise and enjoyed myself immensely.

There is definitely some level of addiction in the chase, but frankly the destination is more important.

 

[QF1]

Boss, have you considered any options for trading your miles for cash. That way you can pay cash even for your travel and not worry about miles at all.


I am sure you will agree with me that accumulated miles loose value over time

 

[bossreggie]

Boss, have you considered any options for trading your miles for cash. That way you can pay cash even for your travel and not worry about miles at all.


I am sure you will agree with me that accumulated miles lose value over time

I do understand.... I pretty much just use my FF points to allow my family to travel.

I really can't be bothered looking for award flights. If I wish to travel.... I will just do it.

I redeemed 3,060,000 ff points recently just to allow 6 family members to fly return to the UK.... I didn't really care... It gave them free flights and saved me money.

I'm sure I may have found better redemption rates... I just don't bother looking.

Boss

 

[cove]

Hold that thought for a moment QF1. There is the potential for about 30 First Class tickets to Europe or London with points.
i know why our family uses the points that way as you can achieve the best results for your travelling group.

 

[jetlagger]

I do understand.... I pretty much just use my FF points to allow my family to travel.

I really can't be bothered looking for award flights. If I wish to travel.... I will just do it.

I redeemed 3,060,000 ff points recently just to allow 6 family members to fly return to the UK.... I didn't really care... It gave them free flights and saved me money.

I'm sure I may have found better redemption rates... I just don't bother looking.

Boss

Wow.. you are just like my good Swiss friend who often says, I don't care! , as long as it's quality, perfectly reliable & comfortable.. I always try to aspire to his ideals..

 

[QF1]

I do understand.... I pretty much just use my FF points to allow my family to travel.

I really can't be bothered looking for award flights. If I wish to travel.... I will just do it.

I redeemed 3,060,000 ff points recently just to allow 6 family members to fly return to the UK.... I didn't really care... It gave them free flights and saved me money.

I'm sure I may have found better redemption rates... I just don't bother looking.

Boss

Thanks for correcting my spelling