Krisflyer vs Qantas FF

[gidxg03]

We are currently working towards building our QFF points for a RTW redemption in business. I don't know much about Krisflyer but thought I'd research to see if this is a better option as we love flying Singapore (albeit only ever flown economy). The points required are nearly the same (240K Krisflyer pp vs 280K QFF pp) but the Velocity transfer rate at 1.55 would mean I'd need 1.488M Velocity points. That's a lot of credit card churning or am I missing something?

We do collect flybuys though our shopping but the max it seems you can transfer is 138K flybuys (38,729 Krisflyer points) per year so this gets us nowhere near the required points.

 

[Scr77]

You can get cards that earn Krisflyer points (st George and Amex) and that eliminates the velocity transfer loss. But the sign on bonus for Krisflyer are less common. However, You can earn a lot of points if you have money to put through the right cards.

 

[Bell21]

The other thing to bear in mind in any KF vs QFF analysis is taxes - the taxes are considerably cheaper on KF (I'm assuming that applies for RTW too), and from what I can gather, you're trying to earn enough points to fly quite a number of people on business class, so that cost difference could really mount up. Also, in my limited experience, availability is reasonable on KF if you're looking for multiple J seats, whereas on QF, it can be tough.

 

[gidxg03]

You can get cards that earn Krisflyer points (st George and Amex) and that eliminates the velocity transfer loss. But the sign on bonus for Krisflyer are less common. However, You can earn a lot of points if you have money to put through the right cards.

Thanks for the info. Did not know you could earn Krisflyer points direct but even with 100% of spending on say the Amex it's only 1 mile per $ spent. To accumulate 960K Krisflyer points (4 business RTW) it'd take me about 10 years! I suppose a mix of churning credit cards with velocity point bonuses could help but would still take a long time to accumulate.

The other thing to bear in mind in any KF vs QFF analysis is taxes - the taxes are considerably cheaper on KF (I'm assuming that applies for RTW too), and from what I can gather, you're trying to earn enough points to fly quite a number of people on business class, so that cost difference could really mount up. Also, in my limited experience, availability is reasonable on KF if you're looking for multiple J seats, whereas on QF, it can be tough.

Yes taxes are a big issue. We will be picking our flights very carefully to keep cost down (ie no BA flights). With regards to availability we are planning the trip way out (will be booking as soon as flights becoming available) and we are relatively flexible on when and where we fly.

 

[dajop]

One thing, the QF RTW has more flexibility in terms of sectors and routing than the star alliance award using KF miles. So it depends on your routings.

 

[Happy Dude]

Without business spend or actual flying, and even with card churning, it will take a long time to accumulate that amount of points, the value of which will have lessened due to KF devalutions.

Perhaps look into the strategy of companion fares where one is purchased together with an award redemption? There's info on this site somewhere.

 

[dajop]

Perhaps look into the strategy of companion fares where one is purchased together with an award redemption? There's info on this site somewhere.

The other option depending on routing, is looking at long haul one way awards and pay dollars for shorter flights. For example, 129,000 KF miles + $200 USD extra and (in theory) you can get SYD-SIN-FRA-JFK or SYD-SIN-MAN-IAH with stopovers in Singapore and either Frankfurt or Manchester. Then use QFF, VA or SQ points for a trans pac. But it does depend on where to. RTW have the most benefit when taking in more out of the way places.

 

[SponsorSFC]

Getting the 4 J seats on a RTW itinerary is going to be the biggest hurdle regardless of FF currency used to book.

 

[Mattg]

Getting the 4 J seats on a RTW itinerary is going to be the biggest hurdle regardless of FF currency used to book.

Exactly, which is why KrisFlyer is a no-brainer IMHO. There's actually half a chance of getting 4 Business award seats on the same flights!

 

[Bell21]

Exactly, which is why KrisFlyer is a no-brainer IMHO. There's actually half a chance of getting 4 Business award seats on the same flights!

that's the way I see it too, although I've never booked a RTW before - however, I managed 6 J seats on KF during XMAS week for a return trip to Asia with multiple legs (I did have to be a bit flexible on some legs whether we were all in J for short flights which was fine) whereas my recollection is I had little hope on QF

 

[Dave G]

I'd agree with KF now - alas for the good old days with Cathay availability...
Although BA does still have multiple seats available on a number of routes - so if you can get those Qantas may be an option... although BA product is lacking ..

In the immortal words of my 12 year old (at the top of his voice across the aisles ) "Geez - this isnt very good business class is it dad ?"

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Getting the 4 J seats on a RTW itinerary is going to be the biggest hurdle regardless of FF currency used to book.

Indeed. 2 can be hard enough.

 

[Mr H]

...but even with 100% of spending on say the Amex it's only 1 mile per $ spent. To accumulate 960K Krisflyer points (4 business RTW) it'd take me about 10 years!

With respect, the prize on offer - four RTW business class tickets - has a value in excess of $60,000. That's not the sort of freebie you'd expect to get on a frequent basis!

 

[Zanzara]

Unfortunately, there is no comparison between SQ and QF in terms of their frequent flyer program, particularly when you compare taxes, availability let alone service, aircraft, alliances and routes. Silverkris is generally far, far, better.

IMHO Comparing SQ with QF is Ike comparing David Jones with the Reject Shop or cash converters or the Waldorf Astoria with Fawlty Towers.

But hey, there are people that love Qantas & it is good for somethings.

 

[cove]

Pointhacks often has a deal on St George Amplify credit cards.
The easiest way for 4 to fly is to split up into two twos and fly a few hours apart.

 

[Deleted member]

These things can take a while to plan. Had you considered purchasing miles? and as someone already mentioned, be prepared to fly in twos vs a group of four ?
Points travel, even for high status pax can be difficult to arrange at the best of times.