G'day

[bobcat]

Hello all,

Recently started to do a decent bit of flying so am on board and looking to learn and earn more.
I'm somewhat of a FF noob, so hoping you can offer some sound beginner advice.

For instance...
I understand that best points value (be it Q or DJ) is always long-haul, yeah?

I've been accumulating points for a few months now. About to book a trip on tight schedule.
Within my time frame, I can either go on qantas award (8000 points + $71, or 17,000 points) or DJ ($198).
What's the best option?

Is redeeming points for such a short flight like Syd-Mel madness? This is my understanding, but thought I'd canvass for expert opinion.

Cheers
bc​

 

[mr_osborne]

Hey, welcome to AFF bobcat,
Points are like a currency, and it really depends on how you value them. For example, if you valued the points a 1c each, then the qantas points would represent better value as 8000*1c + $71 equals $151.

I'm no expert, and I live in Auckland, so I'm not entirely sure what normal prices, but looking online at qantas and Virgin au, it seems like normally you can get syd-mel for $100-120. That suggests to me, the points option hasn't increased as much, and therefore could be a better option in this particular case.

another way of looking at is, is what value do you get from each point. if we use $200 as the example fare, subtract $71, then we are left with $129. this means that 8000 points = $129. therefore each point is valued at approx 1.6c each.

Redemption options tend to vary between 0.3c and 2.3c (I think, please correct me if I'm wrong), therefore, it's not the best, but it's not bad, and if you need 150k points for something else, just because it's a better rate, doesn't necessarily mean it's worth waiting a few years for it.

someone else might be able to explain it better than me, and it's probably covered elsewhere.

(also, points+pay represents better value in this situation, as points only values the points at just under 1.2c each)

EDIT:Also, someone has also just pointed out in another thread, you have to take into account the value of SCs and Points you'd gain by flying... (eg. 8000 points cost, 1000 points foregone, 9000 points total cost)

 

[straitman]

Hello all,

Recently started to do a decent bit of flying so am on board and looking to learn and earn more.
I'm somewhat of a FF noob, so hoping you can offer some sound beginner advice.

For instance...
I understand that best points value (be it Q or DJ) is always long-haul, yeah?

I've been accumulating points for a few months now. About to book a trip on tight schedule.
Within my time frame, I can either go on qantas award (8000 points + $71, or 17,000 points) or DJ ($198).
What's the best option?

Is redeeming points for such a short flight like Syd-Mel madness? This is my understanding, but thought I'd canvass for expert opinion.

Cheers
bc
​

Hi bobcat,

Welcome to AFF.

Long haul is normally the best value for points but there are some good domestic returns available. It is often quite subjective.


Have a look at this thread.
[h=2]The "how do I book a J any seat award at classic award points level" thread. [/h]

 

[JohnK]

Welcome to AFF bobcat!

The value of points/miles is up to the individual. What are you prepared to pay for a certain airfare? That is the value of the points/miles.