Is there a good non-flight way to use Qantas points?

[exceladdict]

Confession: Before being introduced to AFF, I thought it was the bees' knees to sign up for a credit card and cash my points out for woolworths vouchers. "We got $250 off our groceries, Mrs Excel", I'd say.

Since then, I've enjoyed spending points on business class upgrades and classic rewards. While I'm not swimming with miles, I am travelling less, and was wondering if there is such a thing as a way to use points that I won't feel regretful about in 5 years' time (again).

In other words, is anyone aware of a >2 cents per point non-flight redemption possibility for Qantas points?

(That doesn't involve selling points to 'distant' family members?)

Edit: No is a completely fine answer, I think it's the answer, but will be better off having asked the collective wisdom of AFF...

 

[Pushka]

Confession: Before being introduced to AFF, I thought it was the bees' knees to sign up for a credit card and cash my points out for woolworths vouchers. "We got $250 off our groceries, Mrs Excel", I'd say.

Since then, I've enjoyed spending points on business class upgrades and classic rewards. While I'm not swimming with miles, I am travelling less, and was wondering if there is such a thing as a way to use points that I won't feel regretful about in 5 years' time (again).

In other words, is anyone aware of a >2 cents per point non-flight redemption possibility for Qantas points?

(That doesn't involve selling points to 'distant' family members?)

Edit: No is a completely fine answer, I think it's the answer, but will be better off having asked the collective wisdom of AFF...

If feeling charitable there is a fund that swaps points to purchase swags for the homeless.

 

[mannej]

Toasters?

 

[Mattg]

The short answer is "no".

I am not aware of a single way to spend Qantas points on the ground that gives you more than about 0.7 cents per point in value.

Redeeming at the Qantas store for products is worth ~ 0.5 cents per point
Redeeming for hotel stays and car hire gets you around 0.65 cents per point
And redeeming for gift cards or Epiqure wine purchases nets around 0.65 to 0.7 cents per point

The best value use of Qantas points really is on premium cabin flights and upgrades.

 

[Strategic Aviation]

Value is still largely questionable, but occasionally some Qantas Store discounts of 50% or more on specific products can be ok.

Another sale started today (ends 30 April).

Up to 60% off selected luggage at Qantas Store
No matter where or why you travel, we've got the gear for you. Save up to 60% on selected luggage and travel accessories from Samsonite, American Tourister, Qantas luggage and more*.

Up to 55% off selected small appliances at Qantas Store
From blenders to kettles, to toasters and mugs, kit out your kitchen using Qantas Points. Save on De'Longhi, Philips, Tefal, Breville and more^.

Up to 50% off selected mixed wine cases at Qantas epiQure
Enjoy a range of red, white and entertaining mixed packs from just 10,362 Qantas Points~. Discover wines from some of Australia’s finest regions and famous Australian brands.

30% off selected spirits at Qantas epiQure
Whether serving in a coughtail or sipping straight, find a range of local and international gins, vodkas, whiskies, tequila and more at 30% off RRP~.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Value is still largely questionable, but occasionally some Qantas Store discounts of 50% or more on specific products can be ok.

Another sale started today (ends 30 April).

But if you look at the very first samsonite bag 'on sale' through the QF store, the Evoa Expandable Large 75cm Hardside 92055, it is currently 63820 points. reduced from 106380 points.

The same bag is readily available through bagworld for just $359. That's still an extraordinarily bad points value even at the sale price

 

[Strategic Aviation]

But if you look at the very first words of my post:-

Value is still largely questionable

Not to mention all the words that follow

 

[rock86]

The short answer is "no".

I am not aware of a single way to spend Qantas points on the ground that gives you more than about 0.7 cents per point in value.

Redeeming at the Qantas store for products is worth ~ 0.5 cents per point
Redeeming for hotel stays and car hire gets you around 0.65 cents per point
And redeeming for gift cards or Epiqure wine purchases nets around 0.65 to 0.7 cents per point

The best value use of Qantas points really is on premium cabin flights and upgrades.

I've actually found quite a few hotel deals out there using the 'classic award' where some have even provided close to a 1c value, they're rare but out there. A whole lot of classic award hotel bookings you can get 0.85c value out of.

While there are much better ways to use your points on the 'value' spectrum, if you're absolutely swimming in points and they have cost you nothing (or close to it), getting 0.9c out of hotel costs may be a good use for a 'free' holiday.

Again, it's all up to each individual as to what value they put on the points and what is valuable to them. Let's say a parent with a whole bundle of points, but may not have much disposable income left for leisure, may look at a hotel and save themselves thousands and being able to take the family on a nice holiday. Now while the value per point isn't as good as using it for premium travel, you can't really put a value on mental well being and enjoyment for your family, that's my 2c anyhow.

 

[foggy]

closest you'd get is selling points at 1.2cents per point with the associated risks

 

[nanks85]

I've actually found quite a few hotel deals out there using the 'classic award' where some have even provided close to a 1c value, they're rare but out there. A whole lot of classic award hotel bookings you can get 0.85c value out of.

While there are much better ways to use your points on the 'value' spectrum, if you're absolutely swimming in points and they have cost you nothing (or close to it), getting 0.9c out of hotel costs may be a good use for a 'free' holiday.

Again, it's all up to each individual as to what value they put on the points and what is valuable to them. Let's say a parent with a whole bundle of points, but may not have much disposable income left for leisure, may look at a hotel and save themselves thousands and being able to take the family on a nice holiday. Now while the value per point isn't as good as using it for premium travel, you can't really put a value on mental well being and enjoyment for your family, that's my 2c anyhow.

I've always valued the hotel stay option on points as the next best thing to a business class flight on points. Least you can soak up the hotel and it's amenities during the stay. Eg: pool, spa & a fancy room that you normally wouldn't get. Depends on how you think about it.

 

[exceladdict]

Thanks everyone, appreciate the insight. Unfortunately I have become more time poor so finding it harder to get away and thus Hoping for a golden goose.

My personal acquisition cost cap is 0.5c/P so I try to redeem above those Qantas store rates - checked a few sale items too, didn't see anything above 0.6.

Will check out hotel options and of course report back if I do find anything legit over the 1c/P mark.

 

[rock86]

Thanks everyone, appreciate the insight. Unfortunately I have become more time poor so finding it harder to get away and thus Hoping for a golden goose.

My personal acquisition cost cap is 0.5c/P so I try to redeem above those Qantas store rates - checked a few sale items too, didn't see anything above 0.6.

Will check out hotel options and of course report back if I do find anything legit over the 1c/P mark.

For instance here's one I found when looking for some hotels in Melbourne, I know this isn't quite 1c/P but it's damn close @ 0.9c/P.

 

[Strategic Aviation]

OzBargainers believe there are some good deals at the moment:-

Bose QuietComfort 25 QC25 Headphones - 35,220 QFF points or 2000 QFF points + $196.63 @ Qantas Store - OzBargain

Sony 1000XM2 $293 +2000 Points, Sennheiser PXC550 $249 + 2000 points, Bose Soundtouch 30 III $514 + 2000 points @ Qantas Store - OzBargain

And more in the comments.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

OzBargainers believe there are some good deals at the moment:-

Bose QuietComfort 25 QC25 Headphones - 35,220 QFF points or 2000 QFF points + $196.63 @ Qantas Store - OzBargain

Sony 1000XM2 $293 +2000 Points, Sennheiser PXC550 $249 + 2000 points, Bose Soundtouch 30 III $514 + 2000 points @ Qantas Store - OzBargain

And more in the comments.

Cheapest price I can find these on line is AUD249. The current QF 'sale' for 32550 at a notional value of 0.07c gives a price of ~$227. So actually not too bad.

 

[Strategic Aviation]

notional value of 0.07c

Check decimal place!

 

[rock86]

OzBargainers believe there are some good deals at the moment:-

Bose QuietComfort 25 QC25 Headphones - 35,220 QFF points or 2000 QFF points + $196.63 @ Qantas Store - OzBargain

Sony 1000XM2 $293 +2000 Points, Sennheiser PXC550 $249 + 2000 points, Bose Soundtouch 30 III $514 + 2000 points @ Qantas Store - OzBargain

And more in the comments.

A lot of these it looks like you can get 1c per point redemption value (if you don't want to use them on flights)!!!

 

[foggy]

A lot of these it looks like you can get 1c per point redemption value (if you don't want to use them on flights)!!!

i think these deals are better used by paying the minimum qantas points + cash

 

[rock86]

i think these deals are better used by paying the minimum qantas points + cash

I don't disagree that is the better deal, but I guess it all depends as each individual will have a different goal for their loyalty redemption.

 

[Strategic Aviation]

Not to be outdone by the Qantas Store, someone found the QC25 for $204 via eBay 20% off.

 

[Strategic Aviation]

Use your points to make a direct difference - pointsforpurpose.org