First Qantas reward redemption

[joejs90]

Hi All,

I have been a long time lurker of this site and its been a great resource, now im looking to a way to redeem some QFF points and am a bit stuck.

The scenario is that the missus and I are heading back to the UK for a wedding (7 July 17) next year. We are flexible on Dates and the airport (MAN or LHR) but would really like to fly there Business Class on A380 (QF or EK) from Sydney, I did it a few years ago when work paid and it was amazing.

Im really struggling to find decent EK or QF flights that are less than 3 stops and on the A380, for some reason Qantas search results is recommending SYD-HK-MAN for a SYD-MAN search. I thought that there must be more options than this as we are pretty flexible and willing to get a domestic flight from SYD to help the cause.

to summerise,
1. Does anyone have any advice on how we can get the above to work?
2. Rather than using the online interface would it be best to call qantas, would they be willing to do the leg work?
3. Im not seeing many One World Redemption (such as BA) is there a way of redeeming these with QFF I haven't tried, the website is vague?

Would greatly appreciate any help,

Many thanks

Joe

 

[opusman]

Award seats are released ~353 days ahead and premium awards, particularly out of SYD, are snapped up quickly.

You may have to accept alternate routings. Look for flights out of BNE on EK, for example. Just watch the Qantas "feature" which can offer you a J flight where only the first domestic leg is in J and the rest is in Y.

Calling QF is an option, they'll charge for it but it may be easier if you're having trouble finding flights. Not all OW partners show up in the online booking system, for those you do need to call QF.

 

[travelislife]

You might be a bit late unfortunately as that is peak European summer time. I would be trying to get on QR or CX personally. Much better product than EK or QF in business class.

If you have been offered the flight via HKG I would jump on that before it disappears.

 

[joejs90]

Award seats are released ~353 days ahead and premium awards, particularly out of SYD, are snapped up quickly.

You may have to accept alternate routings. Look for flights out of BNE on EK, for example. Just watch the Qantas "feature" which can offer you a J flight where only the first domestic leg is in J and the rest is in Y.

Calling QF is an option, they'll charge for it but it may be easier if you're having trouble finding flights. Not all OW partners show up in the online booking system, for those you do need to call QF.

Thank you for your input, I have been putting off calling Qantas until I knew if they would be more/less helpful. I will give them a ring tonight.

You might be a bit late unfortunately as that is peak European summer time. I would be trying to get on QR or CX personally. Much better product than EK or QF in business class.

If you have been offered the flight via HKG I would jump on that before it disappears.

I had a feeling the summer holiday was affecting things. I have flown QR before and it was great, I wasnt aware that Cathay Pacific was also very good, i might just take up the CX flights in that case.

Thanks again both

 

[cjd600]

Hi,

you should try searching SYD-DXB, DXB-MAN as a multicity, rather than just SYD-MAN

I can find (if you don't mind a bit of a convoluted domestic start, but at least they are just short hops at the beginning)
SYD-ADL-MEL-DXB on QFA380 6 July
DXB-MAN 7 July on EK A380..... (7 hour layover in DXB), arrive MAN 7pm 6 July

Fits your dates, and you get to fly both QF and EK A380....

 

[grussellt]

Hi Joejs90.
There are 2J awards on July 17/18 from SYD to LHR as long as you are willing to travel via PER or ADL. At least you will be on an A380 from DOH to LHR. Use multi-city search SYD-DOH and DOH-LHR. You can also travel to MAN but you will have to accept a Dreamliner from DOH. Have a good trip. Sorry I put in the wrong dates by mistake but do try other multi-city options incl NRT/HND.

 

[joejs90]

Thank you all so much for your help, I have done a quick search and i definitely think i can find something now. il report back with what i find. Thank you for being so helpful.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Thank you all so much for your help, I have done a quick search and i definitely think i can find something now. il report back with what i find. Thank you for being so helpful.

How many points to you have to burn? Sometimes it can be more economical to purchase a cheap return sale fare in whY Aust/Asia/Aust then purchase an award in J from there perhaps after enjoying a stopover in somewhere like HKG. You could always purchase a non-upgradeable sale fare Aust/HKG which is a day flight then purchase a saver fare for the overnight return fare which is upgradeable on points but naturally subject to space being available.

I you flew QF to HKG bear in mind that effective 01 Sep they won't through check to other carriers (except EK) on separate tickets but you could purchase a CX paid fare Aust/HKG/Aust then use QF points for a CX partner award HKG/Europe/HKG. CX will still through check to CX or KA flights booked separately so even if you didn't stopover in HKG they would still through your bags from Aust via HKG to Europe despite having separate bookings.

The taxes are very low on CX awards compared to what you'll pay for QF or EK awards ex AU.

 

[travelislife]

Thank you all so much for your help, I have done a quick search and i definitely think i can find something now. il report back with what i find. Thank you for being so helpful.

I would book what you can find. Will disappear very quickly likely. You should be able to include and domestic connection sectors (in Y or J) on to the main ticket so you don't have to pay extra.