Best use of Qantas points flying first class from nth America

[localknowledge]

Hi, planning a trip early next year to south America to take on the Inca trail. We will most probably route our travel via north America as can get cheap flights from US to South American cities. Between my partner and myself we have just under 360,000 qantas points to share between us so not quite enough to fly first both ways. So why first?...

We have never flown anything above international economy as far as flight class goes and feel one day business class will be in reach to pay for ourselves. However we can't see us ever paying for a first flight due to the high cost so thought that perhaps flying first is the best value/experience to burn the points for a very long haul flight. We would have like to travel via jetstar to Hawaii then utilising some of the genius work from this forum pick out a low cost status run around some US cities incorporating this with a return connection from say NYC or Miami to Lima finally returning home to SYD from NYC.

Problem is doing some searches on Qantas and have found they don't fly first from NYC to SYD.

Any better ideas of how to use the points flying first? I guess LA to SYD is an option but wanted to explore other routes. Others have suggested flying business back home and premium economy over which we could almost do (on points) but hmmm would be nice to check out the first class experience.

Any ideas from the members of this extremely knowledgeable forum would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[Heleigh]

I would use my points for a true F suite, alot of AA F seats are similiar to J Dom. Check aircraft before booking.

I do F ASA SYD-BKK (747 old suite) return for 180K + $600 approx. per person not too sure how many points needed for HK or Singapore a couple of alternatives. What you get is curb side meet and then to Flounge - nice meal, drink and spa treatment for a couple of hours. Give me F seat anyday and I will be happy.


PS the meet is at SYD airport - you call them abiut 5 - 10 mins before arriving they meet you and take bags to f counter while they check your bags you sit and fill out immigation cards.

PSS did realize you hoped for your next trip to US but I forgot to mention above this would be my view on best use is return trip rather than one way.

 

[Danger]

You may like o consider flying QF F from Dallas/Fort Worth to Sydney. However, by early next year, I'm not sure If that route will be operated by an aircraft with an F cabin.