Hong Kong on points - Cathay or Qantas FF points?

[sighing]

Hi all

I'm keen to get insights and opinions! I'm thinking to book and redeem some points to get me to Hong Kong this June.

I have about 140K of Amex points that I think I'll transfer either to my QFF membership (bronze status) or my Marco Polo membership (Gold status).

I notice that my 1 Amex point = 1 QFF point or 4 Amex points = 3 Marco Polo points (Asia Miles?).

Traveling to Hong Kong in Business is preferable both ways but not essential. One thing I like about the QF points option is the ability to go outbound in PE and back in Business. This does however, make an apples to apples comparison a bit harder when calculating points required by each airline and furthermore since both airlines share the one world partnership, I can use my QFF points to book a CX flight and vice-versa.

Has anyone had this particular dilemma and what advice could you give me to assist in my decision making process?

Thanks to all...
Sigh

 

[Awesom Andy]

Note that CX will also have their Y+ product coming into SYD by that time.

 

[Foreigner]

Hi all

I'm keen to get insights and opinions! I'm thinking to book and redeem some points to get me to Hong Kong this June.

I have about 140K of Amex points that I think I'll transfer either to my QFF membership (bronze status) or my Marco Polo membership (Gold status).

I notice that my 1 Amex point = 1 QFF point or 4 Amex points = 3 Marco Polo points (Asia Miles?).

Traveling to Hong Kong in Business is preferable both ways but not essential. One thing I like about the QF points option is the ability to go outbound in PE and back in Business. This does however, make an apples to apples comparison a bit harder when calculating points required by each airline and furthermore since both airlines share the one world partnership, I can use my QFF points to book a CX flight and vice-versa.

Has anyone had this particular dilemma and what advice could you give me to assist in my decision making process?

Thanks to all...
Sigh

I was considering trip in Dec to Asia via HKG and considered both QF and CX. I felt CX required fewer miles but ended up getting SQ flights.

I would call each of CX and QF and find out the cost in miles/points, including taxes. I believe you'll be able to compare apples with apples.

CX may tell you that it takes up to seven days to transfer Amex points to the Asia Miles account.

 

[sighing]

Note that CX will also have their Y+ product coming into SYD by that time.

Yes, I saw on their website today that a PE service was on its way. I'll call CX on Monday and get some info as there isn't much on the website ATM.

Ta...
Sigh

 

[moa999]

would also look at opening a virgin atlantic account. generally good avail on syd-hkg routes and from memory only 40k points.
sq business savers also good value but indirect routes

 

[Danger UXB]

Can you actually get them to QF? I was under the impression that you had to to change your AMEX MR rewards to QF and it was direct sweep from then on (I could be wrong, something with the plat charge I think??) So that may make your decision for you

Cheers Danger UXB

 

[equus]

I could be wrong, something with the plat charge I think??

I think that will be exactly it - the give away being Marco Polo Gold and QFNB. Marco Polo Gold being most likely achieved from the Amex Plat Charge offer.

 

[sighing]

Hi all

Thanks so much for your replies thus far. QF are included in the Amex list of frequent flyer transfer options so even though I haven't transferred the points yet, I don't see it being a problem. Have you experienced issues before with this?

I am trying to avoid opening another FF program but the Virgin Atlantic value for points sounds interesting too. Yet another avenue to research!

Cheers,
Sigh

 

[Awesom Andy]

Amex plat charge card can still have the transfer option rather than a direct sweep.