FF programs worth it for a family?

[dibley85]

Hi

Long time lurker, first time poster on the forum. I am in need of some sage advice regarding FF programs and families.
My husband and I are looking to channel credit card points into a FF reward system to assist with yearly 1 x overseas trip and 1 x domestic for us and our 4 kids.

Currently we are able to earn quite a lot of credit card reward points both on personal and business credit cards. We are ideally looking to channel the rewards into Qantas or Velocity programs rather than using the points for gift cards etc.

I have done lots of research online regarding the programs and what both Qantas and Velocity have to offer. So much information that I am not sure I am taking it all in properly!!

Just wanting to get peoples opinions on which one they would think would be more beneficial or is it not worth it for such a big family?

Thanks in advance for all of your assistance

 

[markis10]

If you earn on credit cards then there are two real issues at play, seat availability for awards and their real cost. From this perspective, the smaller non alliance aligned Velocity will probably be your friend when it comes to getting seats when you want, assuming it's to a destination they fly. They will also be cheaper to burn as there are very little +++ when it comes to fees and charges. If they don't fly to where you want to go, the bigger QFF may be a better choice. You might also be able to wash the points through Starwood, giving you a greater range of options, as many here hp have discovered, the best choice may not be an Aussie program

 

[lovetravellingoz]

If mainly CC points then I would not be putting to QFF or Virgin, but rather other international Airline programs such as Singapore, Malaysia airlines and the like.

*** And it is not just that you will fly further per $, but that availability can be so much better and in particular compared to QFF which is dreadful (and moreso if you do not have status).

*** Plus points to a program like Krisflyer also then allows redemption on other Star Alliance airlines.

Plus keep on your card, and move when there are transfer bonuses.

I use multiple FF programs as each can have some quirks which allows optimisation on both "earn" and "burn". And even with QFF there are points I can only award to it, and so I do.


PS: I have been redeeming Award flights for a family of 5 for two decades, and am still going strong. Years ago domestic redemptions could be great value with a different points table and no taxes. ie J to Airlie Beach and back via Ayers Rock to MEL. These days best value is normally long haul internationals in J/F.

 

[YSSY]

Also consider that as a family, with some FF programs you can pool the miles, or family transfers. My 3 year old son, 7 year old daughter and my wife are QFF Silver and all the points are in my account

 

[Flyer 777]

Yes I remember the days my wife and myself did a number of Business class round Australia trips on QF with multiple stops all for 37,500 points. They where the days

 

[zainman]

I suggest going with Velocity if your overseas trip is to Europe, you can use Velocity points on Etihad which has great availability and low fees/taxes for award bookings. Not to forget nice premium products too.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

I suggest going with Velocity if your overseas trip is to Europe, you can use Velocity points on Etihad which has great availability and low fees/taxes for award bookings. Not to forget nice premium products too.

I guess it is all a trade off of points v taxes and charges vs availability. I would typically pay the extra taxes and save the points, as for me the points are worth more than $700.

J Redemptions
Virgin (Etihad) 250K plus $210
MH 102K plus $900
SQ 161.5K plus $900

For my circumstances Virgin will be more attractive when there has been say a 20% transfer bonus on offer (and/or Virgin are discounting) and/or I have accumulated enough points there from Virgin only accumulation....or I cannot get flights via other options.