Bali Flights and Hotel Hacks - Newbie Assistance required

[DamianC]

HI All,

I am very new to frequent flyer programs.

My partner and me are looking at travelling to Bali once a year over the next number of years. So I have started looking into signing up to getting a credit card for frequent flyer points.

I have been looking at the ANZ with 120,000 qantas points.

However I am now not sure why to look at qantas or virgin frequent flyer programs.

While I understand flying to bali isnt a great use of points this is where we are interested in going.

What advise do you have for basically getting points to stay for free or cheaply in Bali? Is it better to accumulate qantas or virgin velocity points for flights and hotel stays?

thanks

Damian

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I'm not across Virgin's program, but your 120K will give you a return business class on Qantas, although you'd want to be on the A330 service via SYD for that with the flat beds. An economy redemption is going to cost you almost as much in taxes fees and charges as buying the ticket for normal $$. You might be able to make some savings by flying Jetstar 'business' class, they have lower redemption rates than Qantas, and will be exactly the same seat and service as Qantas offers on its 737 services in 'full' business.

Also consider the time of year you will be flying. At school holiday time you might find award seats limited or not available.

 

[theblank]

If its just Bali you want, then go Virgin Velocity points. Cheaper all around.
There really isnt much money in earning points on credit card spend or flights, thats just spare change now. You make your money(points) on the signup bonuses. So just collect a new credit card every half year or so.

 

[wandering_fred]

It also depends on where you reside in Australia. PER-DPS is a different market when compared to Eastern OZ-DPS.

Welcome and Happy wandering
Fred