Best use of QFF points?

[Saurs82]

We currently have enough QFF points for either 4x return premium economy flights from ADL to LAX or 4x RTW fares in economy. Would be 2 adults and 2 children flying. We are unlikely to be able to get enough points to do both anytime soon. The US trip would happen even if we end up paying for economy tickets, not sure about the RTW trip though. Have only ever flown economy (except for a one way trip in premium on virgin America LAX to MCO last year and we used velocity points for this), unlikely to ever spend the $ for premium otherwise atleast not while we are traveling with the kids anyway who are 6 and 9 atm.
There is availability for our dates for the US trip next year in premium economy. RTW trip we were planning to do in 2019.
If we kept the points for the RTW trip we are looking at Air NZ for flights for US trip as they have some good deals out atm for our dates. Wondering what they are like to fly with? Dont mind the stop over in Auckland as we would probably stay a few nights there too.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

The best use of points if for premium travel. Economy tickets are pretty cheap these days, and even if you do use an award, Qantas will slug you for fuel surcharges which means the saving off the actual $$ airfare is minimal... plus all the associated difficulties of finding four seats when you want them. A revenue (paid) fare allows you complete flexibility.

That being said, finding 4 premium economy seats may also be fairly difficult, especially if the party has to all travel together. Splitting it over two flights (which may arrive quite close together anyway) may be an option.

Air New Zealand is ok, but their seats are narrow with a 3-4-3 arrangement on their 777s.

 

[Mattg]

I would personally pay for the flights to the USA with Air NZ and save the points for a RTW trip. Yes, you do generally get better value redeeming points for premium cabins. But, assuming you're looking at the 140,000 point Oneworld Award that Qantas offers, that is also excellent value. You can get some serious mileage out of one of those awards, and you can keep the taxes low by avoiding a few certain airlines (e.g. British Airways). Finding 4x economy award seats is also much easier than in premium cabins.

Are you looking at buying economy or premium economy seats on Air NZ? I haven't flown them in premium economy but hear they are pretty good.