[It can be sometimes] more expensive to use points (and pay taxes) versus std fare...

[timmy-t]

I was pleased when AirBerlin joined oneworld as I will be in Europe this September for a wedding.

I was waiting for them to join before booking my european/continental flights (otherwise it usually meant back tracking through LHR or LGW with BA to get anywhere... e.g. last time we went from Rome to Dubrovnik via LHR/LGW... very painful)

Anyway, I have a look on the QFF site for a flight DUS - HAM.
No worries with availability, it's 10,000 points PLUS 71.54 Euro!
If I go direct to the AB wesite, I can buy the exact same flight for 49 Euro including all taxes and I will also EARN QFF points.

Surely, this is madness. Why would you even consider using points?
and why are the taxes/charges much more using QFF, surely they should be the same taxes that are levied on the same tickets??

:evil:

 

[Alanslegal]

Re: more expensive to use points (and pay taxes) versus std fare...

Surely, this is madness. Why would you even consider using points?
and why are the taxes/charges much more using QFF, surely they should be the same taxes that are levied on the same tickets??

:evil:

To most here on AFF, it is definitely madness ie not worth it to use points. However for the ordinary John out there with who sometimes book awards without looking at a revenue fare, thinks they are getting a great deal. I know friends who use points for return flights to Asia in economy and its like 60,000 + $450 and they think its a fantastic deal - little do they know they could have bought the revenue ticket for like $850 and earn close to 10K in ff points. I know that unless I will get 2.5 cents per point value, I'll book a revenue fare.

 

[NM]

Re: more expensive to use points (and pay taxes) versus std fare...

Qantas adds 25 Euros for YQ fuel surcharge for all sectors within Europe. I assume QF pockets this 25 Euros and does not pass it on to Air Berlin who is actually paying for the fuel for the flight. So QF is still adding 46.54 Euros of other taxes and surcharges on top of the fuel surcharge. As you note, the AB on-line fare of 49 Euros makes a joke of the QFF "price".