An oldie AFF member who has only just worked how to post needs advice

[pthomson]

Hello everyone. I have been wanting to post but couldn't work out how!! I have 700k points so accruing is not the issue, spending the points is because you have to make reservations so far in advance. I did pick up that doing a points trip to Asia and then paying from Asia to Europe or Asia to USA might be the best way to get business class seats. does everyone agree with this. I am a QFF who has just lost silver status. I am travelling to HK in two weeks Premium Economy and have put in for upgrade to BC there and back. I live in Adelaide but deliberately chose to fly to Melbourne to get a bigger 747 with more BC seats availability to assist in my cause. Does Qantas still to the FF lottery about a week out of flying or is that only for domestic flights?

 

[samh004]

Does Qantas still to the FF lottery about a week out of flying or is that only for domestic flights?

Yes, but as you may have read the lottery allocates down the status line so you will be one of the last in line.

If you can give your travelling date, perhaps another member can check availability of Business on that day to give you a clearer idea of how many seats are available. Also perhaps if there is pressure to upgrade if it's full in Economy and Premium Economy.

 

[JohnK]

Introductions may not be the right place to post thread.

Where are your points? QFF? If you are interested in popular destinations you need to book as soon as seats are released. Purchasing expensive airfares in the hope of using points to upgrade is a risk. Book awards in the class of travel you want.

Part points to Asia and revenue fare from there is one way. There are mixed class fares such as what Finnair offers that could be worthwhile.

 

[pthomson]

Thanks you for you advice. We depart 2 March from Melbourne QF670 and returning 9 March QF30 HK to Melbourne

 

[grussellt]

Wecome to AFF, pthomson. Although booking early is the surest way to secure awards it is also possible to snare seats close to the date of travel especially on CX. As an example there are at least 2 J seats available on your dates from ADL-HKG on CX. Are your tickets fully refundable?
Have a good trip.

 

[opusman]

Qf29 02/03: J9 c9 d9 i9 w9 r9 t9 z1 y9 b9 h9 k9 m9 l9 v9 s9 n9 q9 o9 g0 x9 e9
qf30 10/03: J9 c9 d9 i2 w9 r9 t8 y9 b9 h9 k9 m9 l9 v9 s9 n9 q9 o9 g0 x9 e9

 

[Limewood]

If going to Europe at some point, could book 2 flights to keep points low - go Y on daylight flight to HKG then 2nd award to Europe and back to OZ in J, you'll find the fees next to nothing if going on CX. Ive done this 4 times now to Europe and USA via HKG, J seats are usually plentiful too.

You see, if you book with Qantas as one award booking the fees out of OZ for the total trip are outrageous, if you book as two bookings not.

 

[pthomson]

Thank you for your advice. I had to take up a $2k credit with Qantas hence the purchase in premium economy and my desire to now upgrade.

 

[pthomson]

Thank you for your advice. My points are all with QFF and I definitely agree with your approach and normally that would be my practise however on this occasion I had cancelled tickets as my husband has not been able to travel so I needed to use those funds to purchase tickets or lose the $2k. I could afford to pay for premium but not business.

 

[pthomson]

So, we are planning to do NY next year so you are suggesting book one reward flight OZ to HK one way in Y on a daylight flight and then make a separate BC booking using points again commencing in HK to USA but returning direct to OZ?? I agree about the fees , when I have done any trial bkgs to USA the fees are very high.

 

[pthomson]

Thank you opusman. By that information I have high hopes of upgrade being possible!!