Little help getting started with miles

[LonerMatt]

Hey AFF Forums,

Cross-post from another board I'm sure some of you are on, apologies for those reading it again.

Basically, a few weeks ago I stumbled into the world of FF programs (having known they've always existed) and I am trying to find how I can learn a bit more and reduce the cost of my traveling using FF miles.

I am a young male, living in Australia, who goes overseas 1-2 times a year, and interstate 1-2 times a year. I'm planning a trip to the USA/Canada for the majority of January 2014, for reference.

What I'm really stuck on is trying to ascertain what options are the best options for me - being in Australia restricts choice somewhat (I think), but I'm not really sure what programs are available (apart from Qantas and Velocity) and how to best take advantage of them (apart from spending). Trying to wade through massive amounts of new vocabulary and acronyms is doing my head in a bit!

At this point, my dreams of cheap international travel seem quite naive, and rather it seems expensive international travel could give me a few free flights around Australia each year. I don't really care about things like access to lounges, or anything like that - the only priority I have is reducing how much money it takes me to get from point A to Point B. That's it.

If you were in my shoes (no FF programs, flexible with choices, happy to build habits to increase miles, more interested in reducing costs overall) what would you do? Where would you start? What options would best meet my aims?

I appreciate all help, advice, corrections, suggestions, questions and anecdotes.

Thanks a lot,

LonerMatt

 

[Mardi]

Hi Matt and welcome (it seems strange saying that because I still feel like a newbie around here!)

First step - decide which carrier is going to be of most use to you in the trips you want to take, then sign up for a credit card that gives a bonus for signing up and earns good points for your spend. I use a Westpac Earth Black AMEX where possible and when AMEX isn't accepted I use a BankWest Platinum Mastercard, to earn QFF points. When you have decide which carrier read posts on the relevant board about earning FF points. For instance, if you go QF, do all your shopping at Woolworths and get an Everyday Rewards card (which will also allow you to join the QFF program for free). I'm obviously a Qantas flyer so I have no tips for Virgin but I'm sure others will have advice for you. As I said, I'm a relative newbie here.

Good luck, have fun, and if you stick with AFF you will be amazed at how much your outlook on earning points, flying and status will change I thought status runs were ridiculous until I decided that my husband needed to be QF platinum so we could visit the Flounge when travelling internationally.

 

[JessicaTam]

Welcome to AFF LonerMatt!

Have a look at these to get you started:

WoolWorths group Every Day Rewards, to boost QF points.
Credit card sign up bonuses.
Buying AA miles when specials are on.

I used to live in Mildura, so we might have to a MQL drinks night sometime.

 

[Catweazle]

Greetings and welcome to the fun! I'm somewhat like you in the sense that I'm a university student who, at the age of 21, has been bitten by the travel bug and can't wait to go everywhere and anywhere! However, as far as I know, there are no points-earning credit cards for me at this point in time since I don't earn the minimum wage for one. Perhaps another day, if I grow up... :mrgreen: Even if you don't fly as often some folks might on business, say, or those with big wages, 'frequent flying' can still be within reach.

I'm with QF, partly because they have a decent product with earning abilities. DJ is also worth checking out - very competitive and often cheaper fares than QF. But I like being able to earn QFF points on JQ fares (add the plus bundle when booking), who have some really cheap fares (from 10¢!), as well as weekly Friday Frenzy sales, so sign up to their newsletter to keep you updated on that front. QFLink sometimes has sales from MQL also and, personally speaking, turbo-props can be fun. Taxes on redeeming flights can be insane, unless you keep saving for that prized F-fare flight on EK one day, one of their many partners.

If there are times when you decide to stay in a 4-5 star hotel, check out places like the Hilton which gives 1000 points minimum points per night. Or book other hotels/hostels on the airline's websites, which may earn points at times too.

Woolworths cards are also a nice idea, provided you do that once-weekly shop, say, rather than getting some milk and bread once daily. These you can get free from 'the fresh food people', which also lets you sign up to QFF free to, thus waiving the normal $80 signup fee.

So, as Mardi suggested, work out which carrier you tend to fly most often with (unfortunately I think Rex doesn't do an FF club anymore). Then, depending on what you already spend and where, look into some points-earning credit cards. If you have both optus and QF, for example, then you can link accounts and earn about 3 points per dollar. It's nice to earn points on what you are already going to put your money anyway. Read, read, read more and more - there's never an end to learning about frequent flying.

 

[Mwenenzi]

Welcome to AFF
Many of us are on AFF & FT, but not always with the same screen name (does make it confusing at times)

FFP's are for the long term. FFP's are more about award flights (at times with large copay $ fees), upgrades, lounge access and other benefits from status. QF do offer points & pay (reducing your cash price), but many consider these poor value.

As posts above, non flying activities that earn points/miles can be a useful additional. Look at the partners on the freq flyer web sites.

The good thing about the Woolworth's Everyday card is that it keeps QF accounts alive. Is very good for the infrequent Qantas traveler who can have problems with the 18 month no activity points expiry rule. Expiry is common to many airline FFP's. There are similar ways with many FFP's to keep the miles/points from expiring.

If you buy an airfare based on price, then consider and/or look at which FFP you can put the miles/points. Most airlines have partners airlines. But some fares on airline A may earn zero or few miles with Airline B frequent flyer program

With credit cards carefully consider the fees. The additional fees may not be worth the miles/points you earn

On AFF flying without getting miles/points is a heinous crime
This is after all a frequent flyer web site