Not quite a newbie but want to start building

[IndigoAceman]

Hi AFF's
I'm not quite a newbie but wanting to really start to build some points, aim to fly at least 3 of us Melb/Budapest business class by the end of 2027. So far I have managed to earn 100K each in QFF and VFF mostly through supermarket points (family of 5), but need a boost of at least one credit card signup (before they remove/reduce the offers because of the fees being removed). Which is the best option, QFF, VFF or go with a bank and transfer when flights are available? Help please?

 

[Flyfrequently]

Welcome aboard @IndigoAceman
More knowledgeable folk here can help you and quite a few threads on credit cards.

 

[Steady]

Welcome aboard @IndigoAceman

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hi AFF's
I'm not quite a newbie but wanting to really start to build some points, aim to fly at least 3 of us Melb/Budapest business class by the end of 2027. So far I have managed to earn 100K each in QFF and VFF mostly through supermarket points (family of 5), but need a boost of at least one credit card signup (before they remove/reduce the offers because of the fees being removed). Which is the best option, QFF, VFF or go with a bank and transfer when flights are available? Help please?

You’re going to need somewhere around 800,000 points for 3 returns, maybe more.

All the expense and hassle of accruing those points, AND, the lack of availability and high fees when you try to redeem.

I would think outside the box. 3 business class tickets from Asia (Jakarta or Manila for example) will set you back around $2500-$3000 each (that’s business, return, per person, not one way).

That may sound like a lot, but don’t forget you have to pay taxes fees and fuel surcharges on award bookings, whic could easily top $500 per person.

Use the points you have to fly from Australia to Jakarta (easy to get award seats).

No need to fret about whether you’ll have enough points or whether there’ll be award seats available. No fees for credit cards.

The only exception, maybe, is if you are planning on spending $400,000 - $500,000 on credit cards in the next 6 months? Next 6 months because to book your three business class awards to Budapest in 2027 you need to book around 12 months in advance.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Welcome to AFF.

Good luck with your endeavours. 5 years ago I'd have said this could be easily done. But now, I doubt it's achievable.

 

[Dmac59]

Welcome to AFF @IndigoAceman

 

[IndigoAceman]

You’re going to need somewhere around 800,000 points for 3 returns, maybe more.

All the expense and hassle of accruing those points, AND, the lack of availability and high fees when you try to redeem.

I would think outside the box. 3 business class tickets from Asia (Jakarta or Manila for example) will set you back around $2500-$3000 each (that’s business, return, per person, not one way).

That may sound like a lot, but don’t forget you have to pay taxes fees and fuel surcharges on award bookings, whic could easily top $500 per person.

Use the points you have to fly from Australia to Jakarta (easy to get award seats).

No need to fret about whether you’ll have enough points or whether there’ll be award seats available. No fees for credit cards.

The only exception, maybe, is if you are planning on spending $400,000 - $500,000 on credit cards in the next 6 months? Next 6 months because to book your three business class awards to Budapest in 2027 you need to book around 12 months in advance.

Thanks MEL_Traveller
Wow, that's huge! Okay the teenager will absolutely be in cattle class.
I like that lateral thinking though and I didn't realise it was going to be that soon for ticket release.
Are upgrades more achievable, so if I pay for economy tickets is that more doable for 2 of us, not sure how available these are though?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks MEL_Traveller
Wow, that's huge! Okay the teenager will absolutely be in cattle class.
I like that lateral thinking though and I didn't realise it was going to be that soon for ticket release.
Are upgrades more achievable, so if I pay for economy tickets is that more doable for 2 of us, not sure how available these are though?

I would not count on an upgrade. Firstly, they're very expensive in terms of the points needed… often quite close to redeeming a business class ticket from the outset. Secondly, they're usually processed based on status. So unless you are top tier, or close to top tier, your chances are very slim, especially at peak periods. Thirdly, many airlines require you to buy a higher-priced economy fare in order to be eligible for uograde. By the time you do that, you might as well buy a $2700 business class fare from asia.

The other thing is that redeeming for economy rewards is not usually great value. By the time you pay the taxes, fees and fuel surcharges, in many cases it’s almost the same price, or cheaper, just to buy the ticket (there are some exceptions, like very highly priced flights in peak periods, or to remote destinations).

You can access award charts, or calculators on both Qantas and Virgin. Maybe start with looking at how many points you need, and whether you’ll be able to get anywhere close to that, even with sign-on bonuses and spend?

 

[Mwenenzi]

IndigoAceman Welcome to AFF

Hi AFF's
I'm not quite a newbie but wanting to really start to build some points, aim to fly at least 3 of us Melb/Budapest business class by the end of 2027. So far I have managed to earn 100K each in QFF and VFF mostly through supermarket points (family of 5), but need a boost of at least one credit card signup (before they remove/reduce the offers because of the fees being removed). Which is the best option, QFF, VFF or go with a bank and transfer when flights are available? Help please?

You are year too late trying to accumulate a high balance. Given awards can be are available from about 1 year out to close to departure.

Realistically with QF the chances of 3 business class classic awards MEL-EU for mid Dec 2027, after your teen finish's school, are between nil and nothing. Many others will be trying for the same. But miracles can happen.

SQ and/or QR via Virgin may have better odds.

Upgrades are harder. Hoping for 3 on the same flight at a very busy time next to impossible. You can only upgrade QF or VA native flights. Not partner flights or codeshares. Oneworld/QF are trialing out alliance wide upgrades, but only for AA-QF at this time.

Look for one ways to anywhere in EU/anywhere from EU. No need to use the same ffp or the same route out and back
Once you get to EU separate air or train tickets to/from Budapest.
The hardest is the first segment out of AU. That is why many suggest cash ticket to Asia and then award to EU.