Best use of 50k Qantas points, Europe trip on mind.

[bits]

Hi

Long time forum reader, coming out of hibernation, and seeking the forum's expert advice

I will be getting 50k Qantas points soon (ANZ Black card promo) and would like to maximise the benefit of those points. I have no other points, nor any status.
I have a trip to "Europe" planned for late Apr/early May 2015. My partner is eyeing London, Paris, Rome...open to suggestions. Trip length is to be 3 weeks.

I'm not familiar with the details of the Qantas frequent flyer program, but keen on the idea of using the points to upgrade to premium/business class if possible. I understand there's only certain classes of economy tickets that are upgradeable (currently have tickets to Hongkong in December, but being sale tickets, aren't upgradeable). Advice on what/how to do this is appreciated.

In terms of actual flights, two options: either fly direct to Europe and return (ballpark figure $1600) or consider RTW ticket which doesnt seem that much more - not particularly fussed on the other cities outside of Europe, although LA would be nice.

What would you do?

Thanks in advance.

 

[casanovawa]

Ideally it would be nice to have more points to play with, wonder if you could apply for another one.... With no status you may find it hard to upgrade even upgradeable tickets as there may be a lot more status passengers in the queue ahead of you....

 

[Princess Fiona]

I don't think your 50K points will go very far. It's 96K points one way SYD-LHR from Economy to Business per passenger, 60K points to Premium Economy.
As a passenger with no QF status you will also be at the bottom of the pile for upgrade requests.
I would just bank the points and look for a reasonable paid fare.

 

[Supersonic Swinger]

Some may call it cynical, some may call it realistic, but I would say value your 50,000 points at the value Qantas attributes to them in "Points + Pay" or the QFF Store of 0.8 cents each, or about $400. If you can find any better value either through upgrades or Classic Awards (taking into account the significant taxes payable on these), go for it.

 

[bits]

Had a feeling 50k points wasn't going to get me far...

Another option is my partner will have 100k points, is there some option for me to transfer my points to her bring her balance to 150k points so can then get her into business class, and I'll just slum it in economy.
We'll be married by then, although still different surnames, and we each have different residential addresses...if that makes any difference to QFF recognising us as family members.

 

[casanovawa]

Here is the page with the tables showing points requirements for awards with QFF and partners (Emirates), Jetstar and then other One World Alliance airlines... Down the bottom is also One World awards which are another category... Page is a bit of amess but that's QF for you...

Frequent Flyer - Flying Qantas & Partner Airlines - Flying with Qantas & Jetstar - Using Qantas Points

A classic QF award with QF or Emirates should max out at Syd-LHR at 64,000 points and $367 one way, it would be higher $s coming back if you left from UK airports because of their taxes... That in Business class would be more points one way (maybe 80,000 or 128,000), so yes if you gave her some points she could fly in J and maybe you could swap at Dubai???

If you combine points with one person to get to 140k points then you can book a 140k OW award which allows a max of 35,000 miles, 5 stops and 16 flight segments in Economy (double the points in J) but that could also require approx $800-900 in taxes and surcharges... This would get one of you around the world with several stops but then booking a cash fare to go along for the other person could be in the several thousands....

At least when you book a business class award you don't need to rely on status, you're guaranteed it from when you book it... Once again if you each got some more points you could be getting up there, but remember the amount of cash that you will have to outlay for return with these awards so don't go spending more money to earn the miles plus pay the cash component than if you just went and bought a paid fare....