newbie question about redeeming points!

[fgray30]

Hi all,

Sorry for the elementary question.

I want to use some FF points for a return Brisbane to Melbourne flight. I went onto the Qantas FF site, to the Award Bookings link. It says 24,000 points (plus taxes) for a business class seat.

Is this all there is to it? Why have I always heard you have to book far in advance when it shows there are many flights available this week?

Any other general tips?

Thanks in advance!

 

[dajop]

Is this all there is to it? Why have I always heard you have to book far in advance when it shows there are many flights available this week?

That's all there is to it. But two general rules to using points - usually you need to either book far in advance OR at the last minute when Qantas start making available seats for award bookings they probably won't be able to sell.

Having said that, January is a quiet time for business travel, so the chances of getting an award (particularly in business class) at this time of the year are a lot higher.

Also - are you sure it's a return business class? That should cost 48,000 pts. For 24,000 pts you either get a 1 way business class, or return in economy.

One other tip - if you do want to make a business class booking and your timing is a little flexible, try and get onto a flight that lists the aircraft type as a 737-800 or 767-300 - in my opinion the business class seats on a 737-400 (the other option) are a real disappointnment.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

Domestic awards, especially on the main city flyer routes - should have availability at fairly short notice, except peak hour flights (or when there is a major event on).

It is international awards, and in particular in business or first, that needs to be booked many months ahead if you want to get the dates you want without sweating over the possibility or not of more seats being released close to the time.

 

[fgray30]

thanks for the info everyone.

dajop - yeah sorry I meant to say 24,000 for each flight in business class.

 

[serfty]

To add to dajop's post; If you wish to travel in Business Class, you can maximise your experience by getting Evening Dinner flights if time and availability permit.

IMO it's a bit of a wast of 48K points, in Economy that will easily get you BNE-PER return or one-way to LA.

 

[Dave Noble]

To add to dajop's post; If you wish to travel in Business Class, you can maximise your experience by getting Evening Dinner flights if time and availability permit.

IMO it's a bit of a wast of 48K points, in Economy that will easily get you BNE-PER return or one-way to LA.

who would want to do a one way *to* LA though.. One way *from* LA I can understand

Dave

 

[serfty]

... who would want to do a one way *to* LA though.. One way *from* LA I can understand

Dave

I'm doing both of those soon, the latter in March and the former in June while I take a breather from my DONE4. :wink: