Inflation of frequent flyer points

[Basalt]

I don't think you are overthinking this at all. However, with the new RBA "interchange fee" limit coming in July, one of the principal generators of FF points will be limited to some extent. On the topic of limited redemption opportunities, however, I must disagree. In the past 6 months, I have booked no less than 6 separate trips on 4 different Oneworld airlines in both PE and J on EXACTLY the dates I wanted and for EXACTLY the flights I wanted without there seeming to be any lack of availability - even multiple seats on the same flights! Asia, Europe, USA - all no problem at all.

Is that using Qantas points or other FF programs? SWMBO and I have solid QFF points hauls, however as it's the international redemptions we're looking for, starting to wonder whether we should be using other FF programs?......

 

[Le Clair]

Is that using Qantas points or other FF programs? SWMBO and I have solid QFF points hauls, however as it's the international redemptions we're looking for, starting to wonder whether we should be using other FF programs?......

Yes, Qantas points only on Qantas and OW airlines internationally in PE and J.

 

[deebens]

I'm sure there's a massive amount that are never redeemed that more than make up for it.

 

[markir]

Yes, Melburnian1 I remember the collapse of Ansett Australia lost thousands of points. Unless you fly a lot and in J you will get the points you need for an upgrade or for that dream trip.
As for me, I will lose the gold with QF use the points for an upgrade and go for the cheapest fare I can find. Forget about QF they are getting expensive and it cost more points to get a reward flight e.g. MEL-SIN was once 30000 points now 60000 one way. And I agree "we should be grateful for a Y seat" Markir

 

[grov]

Soon departing on my next award flight, this time J RTW for only $1200. Regularly fly Aust. transcon in J, usually by upgrading Red eDeals. Have travelled to USA before in J using points. And no, I don't have a large earning power because I'm now retired and I don't have much status. So it IS possible to gain a LOT of value from those points, providing you accumulate and spend them wisely - there are ways to do this. PLEASE don't waste your points buying things from their shops or by spending 30k points to replace a $200 flight - save them up and travel around the world in comfort.

 

[Hermes]

I don't think you are overthinking this at all. However, with the new RBA "interchange fee" limit coming in July, one of the principal generators of FF points will be limited to some extent. On the topic of limited redemption opportunities, however, I must disagree. In the past 6 months, I have booked no less than 6 separate trips on 4 different Oneworld airlines in both PE and J on EXACTLY the dates I wanted and for EXACTLY the flights I wanted without there seeming to be any lack of availability - even multiple seats on the same flights! Asia, Europe, USA - all no problem at all.

I'd love to know how and where you make your bookings. I try and try to book J to LHR with QF, but all I get is occasional Y seats (this is Classic Rewards). A full year ahead (or whatever the maximum is) the J seats do not exist. Who is eating them -- and how quickly?

 

[grov]

I'd love to know how and where you make your bookings. I try and try to book J to LHR with QF, but all I get is occasional Y seats (this is Classic Rewards). A full year ahead (or whatever the maximum is) the J seats do not exist. Who is eating them -- and how quickly?

OK, firstly you can't book QF 365 days ahead - it's something like 353 days. Ring QF and they will tell you, or folks here can advise. Then make sure you book in the first minute they become available - I think that's around midnight EST. Again, QF or folks here can advise. Don't try to do it online - phone QF.
Secondly, don't be rigid with your bookings, in either travel date, destination and airline. If you phone QF, they can usually find you a OW (OneWorld) J award flight around about the time you want to travel, somewhere close by in either UK or Europe. It really doesn't matter where you end up, as a short flight or train ride will have you in London quickly. and you may enjoy other OW J seats.
It helps to do some research beforehand, to establish the number of days before your planned flight that you can book, and the J award flights available. There is plenty of help here and on other FF websites, plus subscription websites such as Expert Flyer.

 

[blacksultan]

Where exactly can you exchange frequent flyer currencies in the forex market ?

 

[Mattg]

Where exactly can you exchange frequent flyer currencies in the forex market ?

You can exchange Velocity points with KrisFlyer miles.

 

[marki]

Like this thread Mattg,

1. I would never buy toasters of the like with points no value unless heavily discounted.
2. I agree with you the cost of award flight has gone up. I am paying at least 27K for a Perth Melbourne business upgrade. Used to be 15K However the loyalty bonus has stayed relatively static over the past year for every 500cc on QF you earn 8000. Never enough for an upgrade.
3. This ain't happening to me yet but it is the next step. Especially that recently its been getting harder and harder to redeem.

 

[grov]

...2. I agree with you the cost of award flight has gone up. I am paying at least 27K for a Perth Melbourne business upgrade. ...

I do this often. Trick is to first find a Red E-deal fare that has a J award available, then pay for the red e-deal and immediately you receive the email, upgrade to J. As I result I've always flown Transcon in J over the last few years. Great use of points. Do it as early as possible though to obtain the upgrade.